4202 E. Fowler Ave. NES107
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-2329
A visit to the USF Botanical Gardens is a family-friendly experience for children and adults of all ages. In addition to plant and flower festivals, there are fun and informative events like beekeeping workshops. It is also one of the most affordable places to spend some time enjoying the colors and fragrances of flowing plants in full bloom. Admission is free for children under age six. Adults are just $5.
Mead Botanical Garden
1500 S. Denning Drive
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 599-2800
Joining people with plants and the science that sustains our environment is only part of the botanical experience at Mead Garden. In addition to hosting one of the most diverse floral exhibits in the central Florida area, this facility offers horticulture workshops, garden clubs and picnic pavilions for special events.
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Sunken Gardens
1825 4th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
(727) 551-3102
Sunken Gardens challenges visitors to “discover the beauty” at this flowering paradise. More than 50, 000 exotic plants flourish among enchanting waterfalls at this historic site, which is considered the oldest living museum in the area. Guided tours and special events and yoga classes among the gardens make visiting this botanical garden a truly unique experience.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 S.W. 58th Drive
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 372-4981
Enjoy the wonders of nature with an Asian flair at this 62-acre botanical garden. Plants like Chinese bamboo, Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums are part of a unique collection of plant environments at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Asian-theme lanterns and sparkling lights line the paths that take visitors through dozens of exotic flowering exhibits. There are also events with live entertainment, as well as guided tours.
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Maryann Tobin is an award-winning writer based in Tampa, Florida. She has appeared on the History Channel’s ‘DECODED’ series, and her investigative reporting on animal welfare issues led to a WTSP 10 News Investigators report. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.