The City of Abbeville hosts plenty of fun, family-friendly events throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season. From Santa sightings to toy giveaways, to book donations, and of course, the festive Abbeville Cajun Christmas Celebration that happens downtown each year in Magdalen Square, there is so much for families to enjoy. These holiday events are geared to bring smiles to the faces of families in Vermilion Parish.
But did you know about this hidden holiday treasure at Palmetto Island State Park in Abbeville that you can enjoy with your kids this December? Let me introduce you to StoryWalk!
 Image via Palmetto Island State Park/Friends of Palmetto Island State Park |
Featured on the Palmetto Island State Park Kid's Nature Trail, StoryWalk incorporates a love for reading and learning with the beauty of nature in Vermilion Parish. Each month, a new book is placed along the Kid's Trail in the park to encourage families to explore the park together while helping children foster a love for reading.
From December 1st through 31st, families can enjoy reading The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story by Terri Hoover Dunham as the featured book of the month on StoryWalk. This month's book is sure to be a hit for families searching for an inexpensive way to celebrate the holiday season or engage in a fun family activity over the Christmas break.
 Image via Palmetto Island State Park/Friends of Palmetto Island State Park |
The Kid's Trail is approximately 500 feet long and located at the parking lot near the splash pad at the park. You can take as long as needed to walk the trail with the kids and stick around to play, eat a picnic lunch, or enjoy the other amenities that Palmetto Island State Park has to offer like biking, fishing, or camping.
 Image via Palmetto Island State Park Facebook Page | According to Palmetto Island State Park and Friends of Palmetto Island State Park, this is a colorfully inventive Christmas tale that introduces children to a part of America that is rich in folklore and legend. |
And Cajuns know all too well about the folklore and legends of our area! The story also has a Cajun French translation available, thanks to Mrs. Earline Broussard, and is available at the park's entrance station.
Once you and your children complete the Kid's Trail at Palmetto Island State Park this month, make sure to complete the survey. Then, head over to the park's entrance station to turn in your survey and pick up a free children's book.
StoryWalk at Palmetto Island State Park is made possible by the LSU Ag Center, the Vermilion Parish Library, the City of Abbeville, and the Friends of Palmetto Island State Park. For more information on upcoming events and resources, be sure to connect with the Friends of Palmetto Island State Park. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter that features other events and activities in the park throughout the year.
Palmetto Island State Park is located at 19501 Pleasant Road in Abbeville. Admission to the park is only $3 per person, free for seniors, 62 & older, and free for children age 3 and under.
