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!  

Frogs and Friends Fridays (free)

First Friday of each month Sept.–May, at 2 p.m. in the Education Building at Morningside Nature Center

Join the fun, get the facts! Youngsters, with an adult, can join a Morningside Nature Center animal caretaker for an exciting and educational program featuring live amphibians and reptiles.

Living History Days (free)

First Saturday of the month Sept.–May, from 9 a.m.–4:30 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! 

Cane Boil & Fiddle Fest (free)

Held every November on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 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.