young boys and girls use binoculars to scan for wildlife and ecosystems during a recent outing. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

How Do I... Find Youth and Family Opportunities?

Looking for youth-friendly and family-oriented opportunities to spend time outdoors and learn all about nature and sustainability? Research shows youth who spend time in nature engage more often in physical activity, have improved focus and academic performance, and report increased ability to deal with stress. Positive, nature-based experiences are also one of the most important predictors of future environmental stewardship behavior.

Whether you are a teacher, an adult who works or volunteers with youth, or a family looking for fun, educational activities in Sarasota County, we have an array of opportunities for you. From 4-H youth clubs and summer programs to gardening, family nature walks, hands-on science fun and learning how to take care of the Earth, there is something for everyone.

Explore UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County's youth and family programs below, or reach out to us at sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu for more information.

View the opportunities by choosing a category below (view all categories).

DIY Exploration Opportunities

These family-friendly, nature-based opportunities are designed for families to do on their own. They range from backpack kits with activities and books inspiring exploration of nature and sustainability to a mobile app that can be played at select Sarasota County parks while completing missions to learn more about our local natural environment, as well as the scavenger hunt-style "Treasure Quest" series available at select Sarasota County libraries and parks.

Agents of Discovery

Turn your next park visit into a mission with "Agents of Discovery," an award-winning educational mobile game that turns the great outdoors into an interactive learning experience. Help Field Agent Forest Parker solve nature-based challenges and complete each site’s mission for a digital badge. Play on your own or register to join an optional free launch events at select county parks!

Target Audience: Best for ages 6-12, but fun for all

LEARN MORE: sarasotacountyparks.com/aod

Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits

eco-explorer backpack items displayed in array on ground next to backpack. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Eco-Explorer backpack kits are designed to inspire outdoor adventures and eco-friendly living. Kit themes include nature exploration, insects, birding, and sustainability. Each Eco-Explorer backpack kit contains all you'll need to get started, including books, gear, and activities designed to inspire exploration for all ages. Check out kits for free with a valid Sarasota County library card.

Target Audience: Best for ages 5-14, but fun for all.

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_explorebackpack

Treasure Quest

ai-generated illustration of treasure map. [credit: bing.com, dallE]

This fun, interactive experience allows youth and their families to hunt for and learn about natural and historical elements at sites across Sarasota County. Each location offers a unique quest. Check in at any location for a booklet, then start your hunt to claim your own treasure!

Target Audience: Ages 5-10, but fun for all

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_treasquestblog

Public Programs

Our broad array of youth and family programs, offered throughout the year at various locations, range from 4-H clubs and summer camp to outdoor guided walks for families. Find classes focused on local wildlife, our watershed, composting, and so much more! Note: Most of these programs require registration.

4-H Clubs

a 4-h member rests by laying against the cow she shows during judging contests at the sarasota county ag fair. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

4-H provides hands-on opportunities and experiences for all youth. An array of clubs offer activities in leadership, STEM, and agriculture activities, among others, in a positive, "learn-by-doing" community-based environment.

Target Audience: Ages 5-18 years old (as of Sept. 01)

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_4hclubs

4-H Exploring Your Environment Summer Day Camp

a youth at a recent 4-h camp uses binoculars to scan the horizon for wildlife and ecological features. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

This day camp provides two weeks of combined classroom experiences with field trips to natural areas around Sarasota County. Participants learn about the environment and ecosystem, make scientific inquiries and observations, and get hands-on learning and experience in environmental science and education.

Target Audience: Ages 10-14

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_4hexplorecamp

Full Moon and Sunset Adventure Walks

a group of adults with backpacks and other gear hike through a grassy field and into a forested area. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Enjoy the mysteries of nature at sunset or in the moonlight, with a family-fun hike led by a UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County educator. Discover the wonders of the natural world, the night sky and observe nature by night. Learn about the animal and plant families that call the outdoors their home.

Target Audience: All ages

LEARN MORE: eventbrite.com/cc/2162209

Let's Make Some "Black Gold"

ai-generated image of two hands cradling a pile of soil and compost with a leafy green plant growing from it. [credit: bing.com, dallE]

Anyone can compost... given a little space, water, air, some organic material and the desire. Get started today, by learning the basics of composting. Attend for free; optional $25 to purchase a take-home compost bin.

Target Audience: All ages

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_compost

Marine Debris Impacts with Coastal Cleanup

underwater scene showing a mass of floating plastic trash, with fish swimming in and around the mess. [credit: unsplash.com, naja bertolt jensen]

This comprehensive program comprises a teaching module and a debris cleanup event, helping participants develop a deeper understanding of the marine debris issue and actions to mitigate its effects. Join us in making a positive impact on our coastline and promoting a culture of sustainability.

Target Audience: All ages

LEARN MORE: sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu

Vermicomposting (Worms!)

a hand holds a mix of soil, compost and small worms. [credit: uf/ifas]

Learn how worms can produce rich, garden-ready compost from kitchen wastes — a process known as "vermicomposting." — with just one pound of worms creating 65 pounds of compost in just 100 days. The bi-monthly class includes: a bin, bedding, and red wiggler worms!

Target Audience: All ages

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_vermicomposting

Watershed Programming

closeup of water drop splashing into bright-blue water. [credit: unsplash.com, zhang kaiyv]

Choose from an array of water quality and water conservation programs tuned to our area, including Enviroscape (a coastal watershed hands-on model that helps youth explore the impacts of human behaviors and pollution), the Watershed game, water quality testing and aquatic insect identification, and dipnetting.

Target Audience: Various (most programs can be adapted for ages 5-18)

LEARN MORE: Visit ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu

Wild Sarasota for Kids

two young students watch and reach out to touch maizey, a corn snake raised by uf/ifas extension sarasota county staff. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Find our wildlife-focused programs offered throughout the year at various locations in Sarasota County, including "Superstar Snakes," "Shells and Shark Teeth Jewelry," birding, mammal survival board game, owl pellet dissection workshop, wildlife adaptations, and more. Check availability in our Event Guide or contact us about specific programs and recommended ages.

Target Audience: Various (most programs can be adapted for ages 5-18)

LEARN MORE: Visit ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu

Education Programs

This selection of programs aims to address the needs of teachers, homeschool groups, external summer camps, or other organized groups to provide educational content related to nature, conservation, sustainability and related topics. Some programs listed in the "Public Programs" section (above) might also be available for school or other organized groups. Please contact us sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu for further information or to determine the best program to meet your group's educational needs.

Energy Vampires

a tangled mass of portable electronic device chargers and charging cables, drawing electricity. [credit: unsplash.com, jerry wang]

Learners are introduced to ways to conserve energy at home and discover how to spot and defeat "energy vampires" or devices that drain standby power. Activities include visual scavenger hunt for energy vampires and a hands-on vampire craft to take home.

Target Audience: Ages 7-12

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_speaker ("Sustainability" category), or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu

Learning in Florida's Environments (LIFE)

a group of young girls use binoculars to view wildlife and ecology along a lake. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

LIFE is a science-based, hands-on environmental education program about Florida's ecosystems for Sarasota County students in grades 4 and/or 5, and is aligned with science standards. Includes an in-school visit followed by a field trip to conservation lands in Sarasota County modeling scientific careers and environmental stewardship.

Target Audience: Grades 4-5

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_life

School/Youth Gardens

boys and girls pay close attention as a sarasota county extension staff member teaches a gardening lesson. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

The school garden program supports teachers and volunteers at a range of educational locations, providing expertise and an array of resources to establish and maintain vegetable gardens for hands-on and in-class educational activities. Certificates of attendance provided for individuals seeking CEUs.

Target Audience: Pre-kindergarten to high school

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_schoolgardens

Solar for Kids

Learners discover the basics and benefits of solar energy by exploring solar photovoltaic panels and creating their own solar ovens to cook s'mores with the power of the sun!

Target Audience: Ages 5-14

LEARN MORE: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_speaker ("Sustainability" category), or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu