Guided Nature Tours & Trail Hikes
 Nature Programs & Classes

Monthly Family Story Hour at Nature Center

Presented by Palm Harbor Public Library

What: Palm Harbor Public Library and the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park invite you to come to the Nature Center for a free Family Story Hour. The nature center is a fun place and we will have a special story time and a craft! 
Where: Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park 
When: 10/11/08, 11/08/08 and 12/13/08 (Second Saturdays)
Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm 
Cost: Free! With Park Admission - ($5.00 per car, up to 8 people per carload)

ONGOING PROGRAMS:



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Kayak Demo Day
Description: Want to try kayaking, or try out different types of kayaks? Osprey Bay Outdoors and Cafe' Honeymoon invite you to test paddle kayaks, learn about new designs, and have lots of fun. There will be a selection of kayaks including Eddyline, Ocean, Necky, Hurricane, Aqua Sports, Native Watercraft, Heritage and Old Town name brands.
Dates: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 10:00 am to Noon
Where: Meet near Cafe' Honeymoon on the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park
Contact: Osprey Bay Outdoors 727-524-9670
Fees:  FREE entrance to event with paid park admission!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)

Pancakes at Cafe' Honeymoon
Description: In case you haven't heard, Cafe Honeymoon now serves a pancake and sausage breakfast! The view is the best in the county and you can take a stroll along the beach after eating. It's an excellent way to start the day.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday mornings
Times: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 
Fees: $6.00 + tax  includes coffee, pancakes, fruit and sausages. Cash or credit cards accepted. Standard paid park admission applies!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Shell Show
Description: Features shells found right here at Honeymoon & Caladesi Islands. You will also learn about the secret lives of the animals that live inside the shells. An exclusive film showing the life cycle and activities of shells on gulf coast barrier islands will also be feature. This 30 minute film is comprised of footage shot over a 4 year period at Sanibel Island.
Dates: Held once a month on the second Saturday of each month. (Not every other Saturday, only on the second Saturday!)
Time: Ongoing - Stop by any time between 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Stop by anytime for a personalized demonstration.
Where: Inside the Nature Center Media Room
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Contact: Send email to info@islandparks.org - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Bird Observation Fun 
Description: Best viewing is at low tide, which encourages a gathering of shore birds that feed on the exposed oyster bed and mud flats of St. Joseph Sound.  There will be spotting scopes set up and binoculars available to enhance your viewing. All are welcome including birders and non birders alike. Volunteers  will offer help in identification and assist you with your observations.
Where: Rear observation deck of the Nature Center
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays
Times: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Best viewing is at low tide, which encourages a gathering of shore birds that feed on the exposed oyster bed and mud flats of St. Joseph Sound. 
Bring: You can optionally bring your own camera or binoculars. Special thanks to Clearwater Audubon for the migratory bird display and equipment donations, as well as expertise!
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Contact: Send email to info@islandparks.org - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt Inside the Nature Center
Description: READING AGE KIDS CAN PARTICIPATE IN A FUN SCAVENGER HUNT INSIDE THE NATURE CENTER AND WIN A PRIZE!
Dates: Daily
Times: All day - The Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Contact: Send email to info@islandparks.org - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
SEASONAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES:

Seasonal Ranger Led Saturday Hikes
Description: Join a park ranger for a guided walk along a barrier island beach or through a Slash pine forest. The island is home to wildlife that includes ospreys, great horned owls and gopher tortoises.
Dates: Saturdays, Nov. thru Feb.  (Cooler Season)
Time: 11:00 a.m. Departure from trail head in the picnic area.
Length: Hikes average 45 minutes and approximately 1/2 to 3/4 miles distance. There is an option to stay afterwards for a more extended hike on your own.
Difficulty: Level trails make for easy walking. There are sometimes sections of soft powdery sand which are more difficult, but these are mainly avoided. Mid day temperatures and humidity can be of concern to some, so check the weather. If you need assistance to participate fully, call Honeymoon Island State Park at 469-5942.
What to Bring: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes,  dress for the weather, bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and water. Binoculars, cameras and a field guides are helpful as well. 
Fees:  FREE with paid park admission!  ($5.00 per vehicle - up to 8 people per vehicle.)
Where: The park is located near Dunedin, Florida, about 6 miles west of U.S. 19, on Curlew Road. 
Follow signs to the Picnic area and park there. Meet the ranger at the head of the nature trail, which is at the north end of the picnic area parking lot. Restrooms available at picnic area only.
Contact: Please call the park directly at: 727-469-5942 - or call the nature center at 727-738-2903 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • THERE IS A REGULAR CHANCE OF AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER - so plan your visit and beach/trail activities accordingly. 
  • Trails are subject to periodic flooding. 
  • Portions of trails are loose sand and may be difficult for walking and bicycling. 
  • Biting insects, poison ivy, sand burrs, and venomous snakes are present. 
  • There are no restroom facilities on the trails. 
  • Pack out your trash and do not litter. 
  • It is illegal to pick any wildflower, or disturb plants in any way. 
  • It is illegal to touch or in any way disturb animals.
  • Pets are permitted on trails, except beach areas. 
  • For beach access with a pet, use dog beach only. 
  • Pets are not permitted in park structures. 
  • All pets must be on a 6 foot hand held leash at all times. 
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. 
    • FRIENDS OF THE ISLAND PARKS MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES:

    Friends Website: Click Here