Spring Activities for Veteran Families: The Ultimate Tallahassee Guide

As spring approaches, veteran families in Tallahassee are looking for exciting ways to spend quality time together. We've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of spring, featuring a mix of family-friendly activities, veteran-specific events, and local resources.

Outdoor Adventures

Tallahassee Museum

Explore the great outdoors at the Tallahassee Museum, where you can enjoy nature trails, live animal exhibits, and even a thrilling zipline adventure. Don't miss the Tree-to-Tree Adventures, offering three different course levels suitable for various ages and abilities. The museum is located at 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

• Website: https://tallahasseemuseum.org

Cascades Park

This 24-acre urban park is perfect for family outings, featuring walking trails, a splash fountain, and a Discovery Playscape area. Pack a picnic and spend a day enjoying the beautiful spring weather. The park is located at 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

• Website: https://www.talgov.com/parks/parks-cascades

Wakulla Springs State Park

Located just 16 miles south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs State Park offers a unique outdoor experience for the whole family. Take a guided boat tour along the pristine Wakulla River to spot wildlife like alligators, manatees, and various bird species. The park also features a swimming area in the crystal-clear spring waters, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm spring day.

• Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/edward-ball-wakulla-springs-state-park

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Just a short drive from Tallahassee, this refuge is an excellent spot for bird watching, hiking, and photography. Don't miss the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, one of the most photographed sites in the area. The refuge also hosts special events, including a Monarch butterfly festival in the fall.

• Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/st-marks

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Explore the beautiful floral masterpiece created by Alfred B. Maclay in the 1920s. The park offers nature trails for hiking and biking, fishing in Lake Hall, and a swimming area. Spring is an ideal time to visit when the gardens are in full bloom.

• Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/alfred-b-maclay-gardens-state-park

Kayaking and Canoeing

For adventurous families, consider kayaking or canoeing on one of Tallahassee's many waterways. The Wakulla River and the Apalachicola River offer scenic routes suitable for various skill levels. Local outfitters can provide rentals and guided tours.

Tip: Check with local outdoor recreation stores or the Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department for rental information and guided tour options.

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Family-Friendly Events

KidsFest 2025

Mark your calendars for KidsFest 2025, scheduled for April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Cascades Park. This free event offers a variety of activities, entertainment, and a special Toddler Town area for younger children. While it's after spring break, it's a great event to look forward to.

• Website: https://kidsincorporated.org/events/

Springtime Tallahassee Festival

Don't miss the 57th Annual Springtime Tallahassee Festival, taking place on March 28-29, 2025. The event includes:

- Music Festival (March 28)

- Grand Parade (March 29, 10:30 AM - Noon)

- Jubilee in the Park (March 29, 9 AM - 5 PM)

- Children's Park activities

• Website: https://www.springtimetallahassee.com/events/

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival

Set for April 19-20, 2025, this premier outdoor fine arts festival transforms downtown Tallahassee's Chain of Parks into a natural art gallery. Enjoy works from over 150 artists, chalk art displays, local food vendors, children's art activities, and live entertainment.

• Website: https://www.chainofparks.com/

Word of South Festival

Scheduled for April 25-27, 2025, at Cascades Park, this family-friendly festival celebrates literature and music. Enjoy performances by authors and musicians, and don't miss the children's 'Literacy Lane' featuring local authors and special performances.

• Website: https://www.wordofsouthfestival.com/

Southern Shakespeare Festival

From May 8-11, 2025, visit Cascades Park for this theatrical celebration featuring Shakespeare's works. On May 10-11, The Bardlings will present an abridged version of a Shakespearean play, perfect for introducing children to classic literature.

• Website: https://southernshakespearefestival.org

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Indoor Fun

Skate World

For active families looking to beat the heat, Skate World offers special spring break sessions. In previous years, they've offered sessions from 11 AM to 4 PM during spring break weeks. Call ahead to confirm this year's schedule and pricing.

• Website: https://skateworld1.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

This indoor adventure park features trampolines, obstacle courses, and climbing walls for endless entertainment.

• Website: https://www.urbanair.com/florida-tallahassee/

District 850

Enjoy bowling, escape rooms, and axe-throwing at this entertainment complex.

• Website: https://district850.com/

The Pickle Pad

Tallahassee's indoor pickleball courts also offer table games and yard games.

• Website: https://www.thepicklepad.com/

Alchemy Climbing

Test your skills on a variety of indoor climbing walls, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.

• Website: https://alchemyclimbing.com/

Challenger Learning Center

While primarily an educational center, it also features an IMAX theater and planetarium for indoor entertainment.

• Website: https://www.challengertlh.com/

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Planning Tips for Veteran Families

1. Check for military discounts: Many attractions offer special rates for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Always ask about available discounts when planning your activities.

2. Prepare for the weather: Tallahassee's spring can be unpredictable. Pack sunscreen, hats, and light layers for outdoor activities.

3. Connect with other veteran families: Use local veteran organizations to find other families who might want to join in on activities, creating a sense of community during the break.

4. Balance activities: Mix educational experiences like museum visits with more active pursuits to keep everyone engaged throughout the break.

5. Take advantage of free resources: Utilize parks, nature trails, and community events to keep costs down while still enjoying quality family time.

Spring is an excellent opportunity for veteran families to reconnect, explore Tallahassee, and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing together, our city offers something for everyone. Remember to check the websites or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on events and activities, as schedules may change.

At Sauls-Bridges Post 13, we're committed to supporting our veteran community. If you need any additional resources or information during your spring break planning, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Enjoy the season of renewal!

Four Chaplains Day: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Unity

Source: https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/sons/2015/january/remembering-the-four-chaplains

As we commemorate Four Chaplains Day on February 3, 2025, we're reminded of an extraordinary act of heroism that occurred 82 years ago. This day honors four Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, demonstrating unparalleled courage and interfaith unity in the face of certain death.

The Fateful Night

On February 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, a converted luxury liner turned troop transport, was sailing through the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. Onboard were approximately 900 soldiers, merchant seamen, and civilian workers, along with four Army chaplains:

• Reverend George L. Fox (Methodist)

• Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (Jewish)

• Father John P. Washington (Catholic)

• Reverend Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed)

At 12:55 a.m., disaster struck. A German U-boat torpedoed the Dorchester, and chaos ensued. The ship began to sink rapidly, and panic spread among the men.

A Beacon of Hope in Darkness

In the midst of terror and confusion, the four chaplains emerged as a calming presence. Survivors recounted how these men of faith worked tirelessly to bring order to the panicked evacuation. They distributed life jackets, guided frightened soldiers to safety, and offered prayers and words of comfort to the terrified men.

When the supply of life jackets ran out, the chaplains made an extraordinary decision. Without hesitation, they removed their own life jackets and gave them to others. As the ship sank into the frigid waters, survivors witnessed a final, unforgettable scene: the four chaplains, arms linked, praying together as they went down with the ship.

A Legacy of Selflessness

The actions of the Four Chaplains transcend religious boundaries and speak to the very core of human compassion. In those crucial moments, they didn't ask about faith or background; they simply helped everyone equally.

Their sacrifice did not go unnoticed. In 1944, they were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. Congress later created a special "Four Chaplains Medal" in their honor, recognizing their extraordinary heroism.

Remembering Their Sacrifice Today

As we observe Four Chaplains Day in 2025, their story remains as powerful and relevant as ever. In a world often divided by differences, the Four Chaplains stand as a testament to the power of unity, selflessness, and faith in action.

Here in Tallahassee, we're honoring their memory with a special ceremony at the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 on Sunday, February 2nd from 2 to 3 pm.

We invite all community members to join us in remembering these brave men and reflecting on how we can embody their spirit of service and unity in our daily lives.

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Four Chaplains Ceremony

Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 2 - 3pm

American Legion Post 13

229 Lake Ella Dr | Tallahassee, FL 32303

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A Call to Action

The heroism of the Four Chaplains challenges us to look beyond our differences and serve others selflessly. As we face our own challenges in 2025, let their example inspire us to:

1. Embrace diversity and promote interfaith understanding

2. Serve our community, especially those in need

3. Stand united in the face of adversity

"The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could"

In the words of survivor Grady Clark, "The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could". May we all strive to live up to their example of courage, faith, and sacrifice.

As we remember the Four Chaplains today, let their legacy remind us that in our darkest moments, the light of human compassion can shine the brightest.

You can read more about the four chaplains at https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/sons/2015/january/remembering-the-four-chaplains

Welcome to the American Legion Post 13 Blog: Your Go-To Resource for Veterans in Tallahassee!

Hello, and welcome to the inaugural post of The American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 blog! We're thrilled to launch this new digital space dedicated to serving our veterans, their families, and our community right here in Tallahassee.

Why This Blog?

At Post 13, we believe that every veteran deserves access to valuable information and resources that can enhance their lives. Whether you're a long-time member or just discovering us, this blog is designed with you in mind. Just as our physical location at 229 Lake Ella Drive serves as a community hub, this blog aims to be an online resource for veterans across Leon County and beyond.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where veterans can find practical advice, share stories, and connect with one another. We're committed to providing content that's valuable to both Post 13 members and non-members alike, ensuring that every veteran in our community can benefit from our insights and resources. You can expect a variety of topics tailored specifically for our local veteran community. From understanding VA benefits and mental health resources to tips for transitioning back into civilian life and celebrating local events, we aim to cover it all!

Stay Connected

Don't forget to follow us on social media! Connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram lets you stay updated on our latest blog posts, local events, and initiatives at Post 13. Our LinkedIn content focuses on professional development, career opportunities, and entrepreneurship tailored explicitly to veterans. Post 13 is your digital hub for Tallahassee veteran resources.

Check Back Regularly!

We'll be posting new content regularly, so be sure to check back often! Whether you're looking for resources, tips for personal development, or ways to get involved in the community, there's something here for everyone.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We're excited about what's ahead and look forward to building a supportive online community for veterans in Tallahassee. Welcome aboard!

Warm regards,

The American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 Team

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Feel free to share this post with fellow veterans or anyone who might benefit from the information we'll be providing. Let's make this blog a valuable resource together!