Summer is the perfect time to be active and have fun! Looking for free experiences and cost-effective activities to enjoy? Check out these amazing events and locations open to the public at Bay Preserve and beyond.
Join us on July 26, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am for an interactive family program to explore the fascinating world of insects. Did you know that beetles make up nearly a quarter of all animal species? There are around 5 million insect species on Earth! In this fun family session, you’ll learn about insect body parts and adaptations, their various uses, and their crucial role in our environment. You’ll even have the chance to taste some edible insects! Afterward, participants will go outside to catch and identify insects with sweep nets and viewing containers.
Our Saturday, July 29 Family Fishing Clinic from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, is another great opportunity to try something new! Instructors will teach you the basics of fishing, including tying a knot and casting. We’ll provide all the necessary equipment, including rods, tackle, and frozen shrimp. Then you can practice catch-and-release fishing techniques in the beautiful waters of Little Sarasota Bay.
On Tuesday, August 1, from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Community Education Manager Sarah Denison-Williams will lead a full moon kayak at Little Sarasota Bay. This unique experience allows you to watch the sun set in the west and the full moon rise in the east! This program is suitable for individuals 16 and older, and it’s an intermediate paddle that’s not recommended for beginners. Children under 16 can attend with a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak.
On Friday, August 11, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, join us for food trucks and family-friendly trivia at Bay Preserve. You’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of Little Sarasota Bay while indulging in the delicious offerings of Big Blue Grilled Cheese food truck. Our August trivia theme is ” All Things Florida,” and trivia itself starts at 6:00 pm.
Can’t make any of those events? Visit one of our protected preserves! Several of the properties we’ve conserved are open to the public, such as Felts Audubon Preserve in Manatee County, located at 4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221. The preserve is owned and managed by Manatee County Audubon Society, Felts serves as an environmental education center for people of all ages and is an excellent birding .
You may also want to check out Johnson Preserve on the Braden Riverpedestrian-only trail heads are located at 6820 93rd Street East (off Linger Lodge Road) and 6804 99th Street East. Another great option is Old Miakka Preserve in eastern Sarasota County at the end of Fruitville Road, at 251 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34240. If you’re heading out Fruitville, the Crowley Museum & Nature Center is another excellent option. With a small admissions fee, adults $6.00 and kids (2-12) $3.00, this 191-acre farmstead was established in 1878 and features rare Florida habitats, pioneer buildings, and heritage farm animals.
When looking for summer experiences and activities, it’s worth exploring the options available in your own backyard. Start by discovering what’s accessible to you outside. And remember, our event page is always an excellent resource for free things to do outside!
