Get your toddler excited about exploring the great outdoors! Join Florida Museum nature ambassadors for a safe and interactive nature walk on Tot Tuesdays. While our exhibits building is closed, we will still be exploring the natural world at the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab and sharing Museum treasures.
This program promotes child-focused sensory experiences and investigation with an emphasis on families exploring science together.
Instead of meeting at the Museum, we will meet at the picnic tables at the UF NATL Natural Park Entrance located on the corner of Natural Area drive.
Weather permitting, Tot Trot Nature Walks will take place on Tuesdays unless noted otherwise. Each event will be unique and cover a different topic. Wear appropriate footwear and clothes that can get dirty or wet.
Length: About 1.5 hours
Age: Recommended for children ages 2-5 years old and family members.
When: Most Tuesdays.
Tickets
No pre-registration needed; payment will take place at the UF NATL picnic tables before the nature walk. Each adult and child attending will need a ticket. Free for children under 2 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
| Nature Walk cost | Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Per Attendee* | $6 | $7 |
* Ticket prices are the same for children and adults.
One Tot Trot program each month is free of charge! Check the schedule below for upcoming dates.
Schedule
Check-in (9:00 a.m.):
Please arrive on time to check in. Meet at the UF NATL Natural Park Entrance.
Introduction (9:30 a.m., about 15 minutes):
An engaging introduction to the topic with hands-on activities.
Nature Walk (about 30 minutes):
Hike outside on trails behind the Museum while allowing children to safely touch, explore and interact with items on our path. Surprises await as we look closely at the world around us, encouraging teachable moments that are part of being outside in nature.
Wrap-up (10:30 a.m.):
Enjoy an activity and snack outside.
What to expect and bring
- While the museum is closed, we will be using the restroom facilities at UF’s Entomology and Nematology Department/Steinmetz Hall before our hike.
- Public parking is limited to the paid lot in front of the Harn Museum.
- Masks are welcome.
- Bring a water bottle and/or sippy cup.
- Wear long sleeves and pants or apply bug spray.
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothes that can get dirty or wet.
- This program is rain or shine. It will only be cancelled if there is lightning in the area or extreme weather anticipated.
- It is less than ½ a mile of walking (strollers not recommended). We could potentially get up to 30 minutes away from restrooms during the hike.
Upcoming Events
December:
Dec. 9- Geology
Dec. 16- Birds, FREE DAY
Dec. 23- NO TOT TROT
Dec. 30- NO TOT TROT
January:
Jan. 6- Colors
Jan. 13- Winter
Jan. 20- Mammals
Jan. 27- Science Tools, FREE DAY
February:
Feb. 3- Ponds
Feb. 10- Forests
Feb. 17- Oceans
Feb. 24- Foraging, FREE DAY
March:
March 3- Physics
March 10- Mud
March 17- NO TOT TROT
March 24- Biology, FREE DAY
March 31- Bubbles