Back to School- Back to Nature
2021-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Camp Bayou Back to School- Back to Nature is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 this year, from 9am-noon.
Children visit nature-activity tables then receive a free school supply item.
There’s more educational fun throughout the morning. Mark your calendars!

KidSpace
2021-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Online Event
During KidSpace we unleash the awesome power of astronomy as we help kids become scientific masters of the universe! Join us as we take off from the Earth’s surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy, and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome!

Where: On Zoom
When: 10:30am Saturday, July 10
Cost: Free

Register now to receive the Zoom link

Prehistoric Florida: Megafauna and Fossils
2021-08-28 10:00 - 23:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Journey back into Florida’s past when the saber cat, giant sloth, mammoth, giant tortoise, and bison roamed the sunshine state.

With a Sensing Nature biologist, investigate animal fossils millions of years old and float back in time when mega-fauna ruled our coastal habitats. Afterwards, roll up your sleeves and dig in our personalized fossil pit! Find a Florida fossil of your own to identify and take it home.
This class is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
REGISTER HERE

KidSpace
2021-10-09 10:30 - 23:30 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
During KidSpace we unleash the awesome power of astronomy as we help kids become scientific masters of the universe! Join us in person in The Planetarium as we take off from the Earth’s surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy, and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome!

Where: in person at The Bishop
When: 10:30am Saturday, October 9
Cost: Included in admission

REGISTER HERE

How to Use Your Telescope
2021-10-09 17:00 - 18:30 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
In conjunction with our Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, we’re also hosting a free program for individuals or small groups. How to Use Your Telescope will take place from 5-6:30pm before the night-sky viewing begins.
You bring your telescope with you and our experts will show you how to get the most out of it — just be sure to bring it with you! The program is free group size is limited and registration is required.
Register now
Limited Capacity

Halloween hike
2021-10-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Two sessions will allow younger children to enjoy a less scary hike, while the later hike will bring chills and thrills. Both end with s’mores around the campfire.
$5 per person, participants limited to 20, call to reserve your space: 813-641-8545

Seeing Stars
2021-10-09 19:30 - 21:30 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve
Join us for Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view at the Preserve, thanks to our partners at Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.
We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe featuring Saturn, Jupiter and the moon (weather permitting, of course)!
The program is free, but advance registration is required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are requested.

When: 7:30-9:30pm Saturday, October 9
Where: Robinson Preserve, in the Expansion, 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Parking available.
Cost: Free, but registration is required

Register now

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2021-10-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and archaeological experts will be on-hand to illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations. Then, check out the 1,100 year old dugout canoe on display in the Center and visit our free museum exhibit “Connecting People and Place” that tells the story of Weedon Island and its earliest inhabitants.
Explore the artifacts and talk with the archaeologists at your leisure anytime between 10am to 2pm. This event is suitable for all ages.
(AWIARE) is a non-profit organization (501C3) that has as its goal to promote and facilitate long-term archaeological research, scientific exploration and public education at the Weedon Island Preserve and the gulf coast region. Learn more at https://awiare.org/

Pumpkin Fest!
2021-10-23 12:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
We’re adding some Autumn spice to the Florida Botanical Gardens!
You are invited to attend the 5th Annual Pumpkin Fest at the boo-tiful Florida Botanical Gardens.
More details to come.

Halloween JuBOOLee
2021-10-29 17:30 - 20:30 | Morningside Recreation Complex, 2400 Harn Blvd., Clearwater, FL, 33764, United States
Trick-or-Treat! Morningside Rec Center has a free spooky, but not-too-scary night planned for you and your family. Dress up in your most spooktacular costume, and enjoy carnival games, trick-or-treating and playing on inflatables.

Ickology!
2021-10-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Click here to register for Ickology!

Penelope’s Birthday Party
2022-01-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
A celebration of Penelope turning 8 years old! We will have educational materials and learning opportunities for attendees ages 3+, Pin the beak on the eagle, and tiered donation options to sponsor the eagle at the park, as well as our educational programming and opportunities. Snacks will be provided.

How to find us: Picnic Shelter behind the Yellow Building

Tortoise Talk
2022-02-02 15:30 - 16:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages.
No reservations required. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org.
Robinson Preserve – Valentine House Lawn

Soar in 4 Family Night
2022-02-02 17:30 - 19:00 | FL
Soar in 4 occurs the first Wednesday of each month in downtown Bradenton. Families visit demonstration tables (facilitated by Manatee County teachers, non-profit organizations, and volunteers) to learn how to use various materials to support the ‘spotlight book,’ as well as incorporate take-home items to continue to play, create, learn, and explore at home together. These monthly events provide families with the resources and information to become their child’s best ‘first teacher’ at home. All activities are aligned to classroom learning.
Birth – 3rd grade students. Free admission, books and learning resources for the entire family.
No reservations required. For more information please visit https://soarin4.org/.

Tot Time
2022-02-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, songs, stories, and other activities that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

Jurassic Park at Moccasin Lake!
2022-02-05 15:00 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Friends of Moccasin Lake, the Clearwater Library and the City of Clearwater are delighted to host a free community event, Jurassic Park at Moccasin Lake! Day of Raptors! This one-day event will host a variety of fun Jurassic Park themed education & craft stations, snacks, and a movie on the lawn at 6 p.m.
Please bring your own lawn chairs.
To learn more, call 727-562- 4315, ext. 1 for details.

How to Use Your Telescope
2022-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
How to Use Your Telescope — Limited Capacity
In conjunction with our Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, we’re also hosting a free program for individuals or small groups. How to Use Your Telescope will take place from 6-7pm before the night-sky viewing begins.
You bring your telescope with you and our experts will show you how to get the most out of it — just be sure to bring it with you! The program is free group size is limited and registration is required.
Register now

Seeing Stars at Robinson Preserve
2022-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve
Join us for Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view at the Preserve, thanks to our partners at Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.
We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe. This month, we’ll be featuring the Moon, Uranus, Pleiades and the Orion Nebula (weather permitting, of course)!
The program is free, but advance registration is required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are requested.

When: 7-9pm Saturday, February 5
Where: Robinson Preserve, in the Expansion, 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Parking available.
Cost: Free, but registration is required

Register now

Florida State Fair
2022-02-10 - 2022-02-20 | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL, 33610, United States
12 Days of Thrills, Exhibits & Entertainment
Admission Gate Hours:
Weekdays Open at 11:00 AM
Weekends Open at 10:00 AM
Closing times are subject to change each night and are subject to change pending weather and other conditions.
Midway Hours:
Weekdays Open at 1:00 PM
Weekends Open at 10:30 AM
Midway and Games close an hour and a half after the close of the admission gates.
PRICES & TICKETS

Seashell Shore Walk
2022-02-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Coquina Beach
Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program will explore what makes mollusks unique and the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines. Program suitable for all ages.
Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/239166783287. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036.
Coquina Beach South – Under Longboat Key Bridge

Library Learning: Metamorphosis
2022-03-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34203, United States
A tadpole becomes a frog, and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Join us and explore the magic of metamorphosis! Through games, movements, songs, and a craft, your little one will be captivated by animals who experience extreme lifecycle changes.
Program suitable for preschool-age children
For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6034.
Braden River Library

Tortoise Talk
2022-03-16 15:30 - 16:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems.
Program suitable for all ages.
For more information contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org.
REGISTER HERE

Tot Time
2022-03-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, stories, and crafts that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2022-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and archaeological experts will be on-hand to illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations.
There will also be a special guided hike to an active archaeological dig-site on the Preserve. Spots on this hike are limited so advance registration is required. Register for the Archaeology Day Hike & Site Visit today!
Local fossil collectors are encouraged to bring in artifacts such as arrow heads, lithics, and pottery sherds for identification during Archaeology Day. No dollar value will be assigned or discussed, but educational information will be generously shared.
Explore the artifacts and talk with the archaeologists at your leisure anytime between 10am to 2pm. Also, check out the 1,100 year old dugout canoe on display in the Center and visit our free museum exhibit “Connecting People and Place” that tells the story of Weedon Island and its earliest inhabitants.
This event is suitable for all ages. The Center and its museum exhibits are open from 9am to 4pm.
REGISTER HERE
