Alachua County announces all-new Parks and Open Space programs for children

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – 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 with hands-on activities and science-based programming is offered. Students will explore topics like life cycles, habitats, trees, and more. These programs are offered the second Wednesday of every month, from February through April 2025, 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.