All New Alachua County Parks and Open Space Programs for Children

​It's a new year for Alachua County Parks and Open Space with new and continuing programs for children.

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is continuing its popular Homeschool Junior Naturalist Program for grades K-6. Each month, a different topic, hands-on activities, and science-based programming are offered. Students will explore topics like life cycles, habitats, trees and more. These programs are offered the second Wednesday of every month, beginning in February 2025 through April, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is also offering a new program for preschoolers. Preschool Environmental Education Program Series (PEEPS) will be offered on the first Wednesday of each month, starting in February 2025. This is a program for ages 2 to 4. PEEPS encourages outdoor exploration that supports child development and helps children grow independence and confidence while helping them build a relationship with the natural world. This program begins Feb. 5 and runs from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Both programs cost $4 per Alachua County resident and $5 per nonresident.

Another new program, Park Play Pals, is a playgroup tailored for youth with special needs. Park Play Pals will be located at a different playground throughout Alachua County each month. This program is for ages ten and under and requires parental participation. It will occur on the third Wednesday of each month, starting in February, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The first program will occur at Veterans Memorial Playground on Feb. 19, 2025. The second program will occur at Squirrel Ridge Park on March 19, 2025. The third program will occur on April 16, 2025, at Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park. This is a free program, but participants are encouraged to register online using the link below.

Register for the programs online.

For more information, contact Cuscowilla Manager Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372 or [email protected]. ​

Read All About It: Alachua County News and Updates

Keep up-to-date with all news and developments in your community, delivered to your inbox.