Tips: Due to a change in concessionaires, boat tours and gas sales at Flamingo have been suspended since late December; service should resume in early February. The new Nike missile site tour operates each Saturday through March; reserve in advance. On weekends, the park tends to be crowded at the Anhinga trail near the main visitor entrance; go further into the park for solitude. Spanish-language programs are available on Saturdays.

HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK

STATE PARK

Where: Off US 27 four miles west of Sebring.

Details: Florida's first state park, covering 9,125 acres, has an old-growth forest, nature trails, popular campground, three playgrounds and museum of Depression-era works. 863-386-6094, www.floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock. Entry: $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people.

Prime time: Cooler weather brings ranger programs, evening concerts, runs and workshops from November to May.

How to see it: Walk nature trails amid wild oranges, massive oaks and cypress trees reflected in still waters. Take a tram tour ($4 adults, $2 children 5-12). Birding, bicycle trails, plus ranger programs including hayrides, bike tours and campfire programs.

Lodging: Full-facility campground available; 863-386-6094. Sebring and Lake Placid offer various hotels.

Tips: If you take a meal at the park's historic Hammock Inn restaurant, ask for its signature wild orange pie, a real treat. It now offers wild orange ice cream as well.

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS

WILDLIFE STATE PARK

Where: Homosassa Springs, 75 miles north of Tampa on U.S. 19.

Details: Native Florida wildlife in natural habitats draw visitors to this 210-acre park. 352-628-5343, www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings. Entry: adults, $9; children 3-12, $5.

Prime time: New animals acquired recently by Florida's only state wildlife park make this winter and early spring an especially good time to visit.

How to see it: Visitors can park at the Wildlife Park or take a 20-minute pontoon boat ride from the Visitor Center to the park (included in entry fee). From the Walk, you can see habitats of a Florida panther (new to park), bobcats, black bears, river otters, alligators, crocodiles, manatees, reptiles, birds of prey, a pair of rare whooping cranes and three red wolf pups (new to park). Though not native to Florida, a hippopotamus and a western cougar also live here. Wildlife programs are offered throughout the day.

Lodging: No lodging at the park. Crystal River, seven miles away, offers chain motels.

Tips: The park closes at 5:30 p.m., but last admission is at 4 p.m. Amenities include a cafe.

JONATHAN DICKINSON

STATE PARK

Where: South Florida, 12 miles south of Stuart.

Details: The Loxahatchee River runs through this 11,468-acre park, filled with sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves and river swamps. 772-546-2771, www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson. Entry: $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people.

Prime time: Crisp days, cool nights and almost no mosquitoes make this the park's busiest period.

How to see it: Boat tours and motorboat, canoe and kayak rentals available; 561-746-1466, www.floridaparktours.com. Nature and bicycle trails wind through the park. Ranger programs include Saturday night campfires and various walks and tours during the week. One of the most popular ranger-led tours takes visitors by boat (fee charged) to the restored homesite of pioneer Trapper Nelson, the ``Wildman of the Loxahatchee.''

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