Morningside Nature Programs

Morningside Nature Center has more than six miles of trails that wind through sandhill, flatwoods and cypress domes. The farm is open to the public from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday all year long.

Please note: Dogs and other pets are not allowed at Morningside Nature Center. This includes all areas in the park.

Persons needing a special accommodation to participate in any proceeding should contact the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity at 352-334-5051 (voice) or 711 (Florida Relay Service) for TDD/TTY users. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of meetings in order to allow the city time to provide the requested services.

Barnyard Buddies (free)

Every Wednesday, Sept.–May, at 3 p.m. at the Living History Farm

Morningside Nature Center has a farm, ee—i—ee—i—oh! On this farm, youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding on the Living History Farm. This program is free but the animals love donations of carrots, squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and melons (please give these items to a staff member and not directly to the animals). With a sheep here—and a cow there—learning about heritage breeds is fun!  

Farm and Forest Friends 

Third Friday of each month Sept.–May, from 10-11 a.m. Meet at the pavilion at Morningside Nature Center
Cost: $5 for first child, $2.50 for each additional child in your group (must be accompanied by an adult)

Venture through the woods and onto the farm as we learn and explore! Begin your journey meeting one of our friendly classroom animals, then follow your guide as we learn about the birds, bugs and plants on our way to help the farm animals with their morning feed!

Living History Saturday (free)

First Saturday of the month Sept.–May, from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. at the Living History Farm. 

C’mon home to the Living History Farm and experience a time when the rooster’s crow and the rising sun, not an alarm clock, welcomed a new day! During Living History Days, interpreters portray day-to-day life on an 1870 Florida farm. Step back in time, enjoy nature and experience Florida as it was! 

Fall Wildflower Walks (free)

Saturdays this fall (Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18) from 9-10:30 a.m. 
Kid-friendly Wildflower Walk is Oct. 17th from 10-11 a.m.

When the air becomes cool and crisp, find what blooms among the pines. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and join our nature interpreters for a guided walk among the purples, yellows and pinks.

SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation (free)

Second Thursday of the month from September-May from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This program is located at the Pine Meadows Community Center (2626 E. University Ave.)

SOAR to discover science through hands-on learning and games! Join the Nature Education team at Pine Meadows Community Center and learn how you can explore nature in your neighborhood. Use scientific tools, try nature-based activities, and play fun team games as we learn what lives beneath our feet and what soars above us all!

Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest (free)

Held every November on the Saturday before Thanksgiving from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Enjoy the afternoon as local talented musicians accompany your exploration as you sample fresh cane syrup and biscuits, experience cane grinding and mid to late nineteenth century traditional skills demonstrations at the Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest.