Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2024
2025-01-03 17:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-04 17:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
This winter fundraiser runs from Friday, November 29th, 2024-Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 5:30-9:30 PM nightly.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, with kids 12 and under free.
The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. The opening of our new Majeed Discovery Garden will take this already awesome event to the next level. You won’t want to miss it! Interested in being a sponsor? See the information below.
Kids Activities
There will be free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout the month of December.
Participate in this community event while enjoying the twinkling lights. Learn more about volunteering here: www.flbgfoundation.org/volunteer.

Birding on the Bay
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
-We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
-Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
-Sun protection is highly recommended.

Bay Babies
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 – 6
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session may include story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited.
Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Children must have an accompanying adult in the classroom. Due to space constraints, only one adult per child is allowed.

Astronomy Night
2025-01-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Plantapalooza III !
2025-01-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL, 33704, United States
Sunken Gardens is proud to host the third annual PLANTAPOLOOZA, a local botanical event dedicated exclusively to Florida native plants.
Originated by The Community Wildlife Corridor, this event seeks to connect the wildlife populations in our largest parks with backyard native gardens. Join us as we celebrate the importance and beauty of Florida’s native plants!
🌱 Browse unique native plants, garden décor, & more for sale by Tampa Bay area vendors.
🌱 Learn from local organizations who are working hard to protect Florida’s plants & pollinators.
🌱 Attend themed lectures by native plant experts.
🌱 Enjoy youth workshops and activities.
🌱 Take home free Florida native plant seedlings (while supplies last).
🌱 Enter for a chance to win a rain barrel from the City of St. Petersburg Water Resources Department (limited quantity).
🌿 Themed lectures:
“The Importance of Home Landscapes in Conservation” by Craig Huegel (Lead curator at USF Botanical Gardens, Author)
“Salt-Tolerant Native Plants” by Amanda Streets (Owner of Living Roots Eco Design & Native Nursery)
🪴 Featured vendors & organizations:
– Living Roots Eco Design & Plant Nursery
– Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
– Art Stone Co.
– Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation
– Little Red Wagon Native Nursery
– Wise Hands Native Plant Landscaping
– Carnivorous Plants by Kenny Coogan
– All Along the Treeline natural soaps
– JP Charisma native plant grower
– Rock Creations by Christine
– Louise’s Healing Calendula Salve
– Florida Wildflower Foundation
– Take MAR
– UF-IFAS Extension
– Pinellas County Farm Bureau
– Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
– City of St. Pete Water Resources
Beer, wine, and Italian fare by Carrabba’s will be available to purchase.
❗️Important details:
PLANTAPOLOOZA III is free with Gardens admission or membership.
NOTE: We will not be processing new memberships during this special event. This helps us expedite admissions in a timely manner. We appreciate your understanding.
***Parking is extremely limited due to our shared parking lot. We encourage guests to carpool, ride share, bike, or walk to this special event!***

Family Night Hike
2025-01-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for a monthly family night hike while enjoying some hot chocolate!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida Arbor Day Activities & Hike
2025-01-17 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES!
In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Join Lara on a hike to learn about all of the amazing things these giant plants can do! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees while exploring a 1.5 mile trail. Geared towards adults.
In case you missed it, we have a whole line-up of activities for Florida Arbor Day:
Ongoing activities all day:

Free Trees (while supplies last)
Hands-on Exploration Stations in the Education Center
Tree Quest (an outdoor scavenger hunt to enhance your hike)

Scheduled activities:

9:30am – THIS Florida Arbor Day Hike (registration required)
10-10:30am- Meet Smokey the Bear with Florida Forestry
10am to noon- Touch-A-Truck with Florida Forestry
1pm- Youth Papermaking (registration required)

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Owls, Hawks, Falcons, Oh My!
2025-01-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon in exploring our apex predators: RAPTORS!
Participants will have the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet, and with the assistance of charts, identify the prey species the owl dined on.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2025-01-18 07:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-15 07:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-15 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Nature Riders Adult Bike
2025-01-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike!
Ages 12 yrs +
This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way.
Please note: only 5 adult bikes and 5 child bikes available.
MUST bring own helmet.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Nature Riders Child Bike
2025-01-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike!
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way.
Please note: only 5 adult bikes and 5 child bikes available.
MUST bring own helmet.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Sensory Sundays
2025-01-19 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-03-16 08:30 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rx Fire Fest
2025-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments will hold our “Rx Fire Fest,” which is a festival created to celebrate and educate about prescribed fire and its value to Florida’s natural landscapes and communities.

This program will take place at Edward Medard Conservation Park (6140 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL 33567) on Saturday, January 25th from 9am – 2pm.

The Prescribed Fire Festival will feature talks and Q&A’s with wildland firefighters, live prescribed fire demonstrations (weather permitting), equipment demonstrations, games and kids events, guided hikes, food trucks, and more.

In Your Backyard: Build a Bat Box!
2025-01-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Discover the amazing world of bats and help support local wildlife by building your very own bat box!
Ages 7 yrs +
In this engaging workshop, participants will learn about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, their unique characteristics, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats.
Through hands-on activities, kids (and their adults) will gain practical skills while fostering a love for nature.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Let's Talk Turtles
2025-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a fascinating program dedicated to exploring the diverse turtle species found in Florida. Participants will learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face. Through interactions with our ambassador animals and a hike through tortoise habitat, we’ll foster a deeper appreciation for these remarkable reptiles and the vital role they play in our ecosystems.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-03-05 10:00, 2025-03-12 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Dennis is the president of the Suncoast Herpetological Society, Inc. and spends his Wednesdays at Moccasin Lake Nature Park educating guests about reptiles.
Come with your questions!

Afternoon Adventures Weather or Not
2025-03-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our Rangers in exploring what weather is, how it is different from climate, and how does it form. We will look at everything from the tilt of the Earth, solar radiation, the Coriolis effect, air pressure/temperature, to how large bodies of water and different landforms (forest, desert, mountains, plains) affect our weather and climates.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Elemental Seasons Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Celebrate the winter season of Florida with an experiential look at the winter changes, celebrations, and cultures around the world throughout time.
Nature hikes, handcrafted items to take home, and interactive experiences occur each day.
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE <<<
