With the close of our performing arts and festival, we welcome summertime programming to the Gardens, a mix of educational and recreational activities and a wonderful display of botanical beauty.
ROBOTICS CAMP
June 22-July 17 — A robotics exploration where children build robots, learn about engineering and programming, have robot competitions, field activities and much more! For kids 9-14; Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 305-666-2992 or to register, go to www.funcampsregistration.com/.
LEAPERS AND CREATURES
Select Saturdays, July 11, July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1. VSAFL and Pinecrest Gardens present an all-inclusive, hands-on art class that incorporates science, exploration and art in the Gardens. 10-11:30 a.m. For children 6 to12; 5-year-olds are welcome accompanied by a parent. Call 305-753-5341.
NATURE LINKS FOR LIFE LONG LEARNING
Urban Explorers program; two sessions, June 1-July 10 and July 13-Aug. 23; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continuing education for young adults 18- 30 years old with middle range intellectual disabilities. Trains underserved young adults 18-30 years old to become fully engaged in learning from the city/county and navigating it independently through the use of FDOT public transportation. Participants work in plant management and habitat restoration, visit area museums and other cultural institutions, learn basic money management skills, create I-Movies and art projects, learn culinary arts and healthy habits, weather and marine studies, make friends and community connections and study local wildlife. $300 per 6-week session; scholarships available. Submit an application to www.naturelinks.net/student-application.
SPLASH ‘N PLAY
A water playground designed for children 2-12. Open daily from 10 a.m. to one hour prior to park’s closing. PLAYGROUND Adjacent to the picnic table area and concession, the colorful playground offers kids a wide variety of fun and exercise.
PETTING ZOO
Interact with our farm animals. Open daily at 10 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free! BOTANICAL GARDENS Some of the most beautiful and rare plants from around the world serving as a perfect stage for the young botanists. Cell phone tours and guided tours are available.
FEED THE FISH
Waterways throughout the garden offer children a unique opportunity to feed fish in their native environment. Fish food is sold at the Splash ‘N Play stand.
SWAN LAKE
Swan Lake provides the perfect place to watch wildlife in a spectacular setting. Kids can sit and watch the beautiful swan as it swims across the water, the iguanas and turtles sunning themselves on the grassy bank or the native birds that stop to cool down at the water’s edge.
DOMINO GAMES
Bring your friends and test your domino skills in a beautiful garden setting. Inquire at admissions booth; a valid driver’s license will be held during the time of reservation.
CHESS, CHECKERS
You’re in for some gigantic fun when you play chess with our 25-inch tall chess or checkers pieces. Played on our grassy Meadow, these games rarely fail to fascinate players and spectators. Inquire at admissions booth; a valid driver’s license will be held while you play.
