Special Events for Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

• HOLIDAY TEA PARTY
  Date: Saturday December 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m.&1:30 p.m.
  Description: Parents mark your calendar for the “Holiday Tea Party” hosted by Mrs. Claus. The tea party will be offered to boys and girls ages 5-8 years old and will be held Saturday, December 5th at the Visitors’ Center. Mrs. Claus will welcome children at two different seating times of 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Children should dig through Mom and Dad’s closet and come to the party dressed in their best attire which could include old jewelry, ties, and garden hats. Also, children can bring along their favorite stuffed animal to join in at the tea party festivities. Some of the activities will include sharing a Christmas wish list session with Mrs. Claus, storytelling featuring “The Reindeer Christmas,” a souvenir photograph with Mrs. Claus, Holiday storytelling and of course tea and cookies. Also, Mrs. Claus will present each child with a Christmas stocking filled with holiday goodies to take home. The tea party fee is $20.00 per child and includes souvenir photograph with Mrs. Claus, refreshments, holiday stocking and the park entrance fee. Spaces are limited and advance reservations are required. To make reservations, contact Mark Giblin at (386) 446-6783, Mark.Giblin@dep.state.fl.us.
  Fees: $20.00 per child
  Contact: Contact park for more information.
  
  Participation Requirements
  
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
  
• HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN'S
  Date: December 12, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Description: “Santa’s Garden Celebration”. Children may share their holiday wish list with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Gardens. For a nominal charge, the Friends of Washington Oaks will offer a souvenir photo with the Claus’s. “Santa’s Playground” will include activities for children suc ad hand’s on arts and crafts and game section. Starbucks Coffee will be giving out complementary hot chocolates and peppermint white hot chocolates; pizza by the slice will also be available for purchase This year we will be having a Gingerbread house contest for all ages! Your Gingerbread house will need to be dropped off at the park between the hours of 8:00am and 9:30am on December the 12th, and remain on display until 4pm. Prizes will be given including a “Mrs. Claus’s Choice” award. To register please call Mark Giblin at 386-446-6783 or mark.giblin@dep.state.fl.us.Other activities include the Friends 2nd Saturday plant sale, food vendors, programs including wreath & ornament making and live entertainment throughout the day.
  Fees: Fees waived with a donations of toy and non-perishable food items which will be collected at the gate.
  Contact: Mark Giblin at 386-446-6783/mark.giblin@dep.state.fl.us
  
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
  

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Ranger Programs

• 2ND SATURDAY PLANT SALES AT THE PARK
  2nd Saturday each month The Friends of Washington Oaks will be holding a plant sale on the second Saturday each month. The plant sale hours are from 10am-2pm. You will find a selection of perennials, succulents, and orchids. Most of our plants for sale were propagated and grown right here in the park by our wonderful volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is made up of a diverse landscape with a hardwood forest bordering the tidal marshes along the intra-coastal waterway. Within the Park are ornamental gardens, hammocks, coastal scrub, beaches and marshes. This variety of plant communities accounts for the abundant wildlife here. The peaceful and tranquil setting of this biologically rich area offers the unhurried visitor an opportunity to relax, reflect, explore, discover, and wonder.
  
  Call 386-446-6780 for more details.