Florida Nature Events in August: 10+ Free Outdoor Adventures
Must-See Florida Nature Events in August: From Stargazing to Pollinator Counts
What do pollinators, geocaching, and gravel biking have in common? They’re all great options for Florida nature events in August. Whether you’re hiking under the full moon, volunteering in a preserve, or celebrating Smokey Bear’s birthday, there’s no shortage of free (or low-cost) outdoor fun across Florida.
The Highlights: Top Florida Nature Events in August
Keystone Heights | August 9 – Smokey Bear’s Birthday at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Join ranger activities, fire safety demos, and family fun to celebrate Smokey’s 80th birthday in one of Florida’s oldest parks.
Statewide | August 16 – International Geocaching Day
Celebrate 25 years of geocaching by finding hidden treasures on your favorite Florida trails.
Statewide | August 22–23 – Great Southeast Pollinator Census
Help count butterflies and bees across Florida in this fun, family-friendly citizen science effort supporting pollinator habitats.
Florida Panhandle Nature Events in August
Panama City Beach | August 2 – Camp Helen State Park History Tour
Take a ranger-led walking tour through the historic lodge and cabins of this former 1930s company retreat.
Santa Rosa Beach | August 5 – Ranger-Led Nature Hike
Explore dunes and coastal habitats with a ranger guiding you through native ecosystems.
Quincy | August 11 – Nature-Based Back-to-School Bash
Event will showcase programs from local conservation groups like the Florida Forest Service, Joe Budd Youth Conservation Center, DEP, and Operation Wildlife Survival.
Tallahassee | August 12 – The State of Pollinators Lecture at Goodwood
Learn how pollinators are doing in Florida—and what you can do to help them thrive.
Pensacola | August 16 – An Evening Under the Stars
Big Lagoon State Park along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association would like to invite you to spend an evening gazing at the skies! Clear skies permitting, members of the Association will set up telescopes and binoculars to capture views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects.
Destin | August 16 – Star Gaze at Henderson Beach State Park
Join rangers and astronomers for a guided look at the summer night sky on the Gulf.
Saint Marks | August 19 – Tots on Trails at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Bring little explorers for a short, educational hike designed for toddlers and young families.
Panama City | August 19 – Nature Through the Looking Glass
Join a Ranger at the Gator Lake overlook to try and spot American Alligators, Bald Eagles, various wading bird, and many more native species to the state of Florida. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be provided.
North Florida Nature Events in August
Gainesville | Tuesdays & Thursdays – Accessible Tram Tours at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Take a guided tour at Sweetwater Wetlands Park and learn about the park’s history and managament, and the wildlife and plants that can be found here.
Cross Creek | August 9 – Marjorie’s 129th Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the beloved Florida author with storytelling and historic house tours.
Ponte Vedra Beach | August 9 – GTM Reserve Moonlight Hike
Enjoy peaceful, self-paced access to the GTM Reserve trails, normally closed after sunset. This is a unique opportunity to hike at night and connect with nature in a serene moonlit setting.
Fort White | August 14 – Storytime and Hike with a Ranger
A park ranger will read tales about wildlife, mindfulness and environmental stewardship then take everyone on a short walk on our Discovery Trail.
St. Augustine | August 15 – Bikepacking 101 with Sprockets Bike Shop
Learn the basics of multi-day cycling trips—gear, routes, and tips included.
Jacksonville | August 16 – Urban Garden Tour
Join urban farmer James Hoskins for a 2-hour tour of his Syntropical Agroforestry Regenerative Garden.
Mayo | August 23 – Charles Spring Gravel Grind
An exquisite Gravel bike Adventure exploration of the Suwannee River Valley and Springs
Flagler Beach | August 24 – Guided Kayak Tour with Florida State Parks
Paddle through estuarine habitats while learning about coastal wildlife and conservation.
Central Florida Nature Events in August
Lakeland | August 2 – Night Life Lake Hike
Enjoy the night life at Colt Creek with a 1.5 mile hike around the lakes. Learn about noctural creatures, insects, and plants that call Colt Creek home.
Babson Park | August 6 – Volunteer Workday at Tiger Creek Preserve
Work together to maintain trails, restore habitats, and protect local wildlife.
Kissimmee | August 6 – Community Garden Tidy Up
Community Garden Clean-Up Program: Enhance local green spaces, foster community, and promote environmental stewardship.
Kissimmee | August 14 – Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
Dig into the basics of homegrown food with this free gardening workshop.
Paisley | August 16 – The World of Seeds at Ellis Acres Reserve
Seed set, seed ripening, seed germination, seed eaters, and seed dormancy are all aspects of propagating plants. Come learn a bit about seeds while enjoying the Reserve and Nature Center.
Apopka | August 21 – Tails on Trails: Hike with a Ranger at Wekiwa Springs
Bring your furry friends out to enjoy a guided 2.5 mile hike around various ecosystems with a ranger bringing a program of their choice.
Leesburg | August 22 – Stories of Water at Flat Island Preserve
Join for a casual guided hike as we share the Story of Water at Flat Island Preserve.
Wild foods abound in the park, waiting for educated visitors to sample with expert park staff and volunteers as their guides.
East Florida Nature Events in August
West Palm Beach | Saturdays – Volunteer at Westgate Community Farm
Join the Westgate Community Farm to feed our community with local organic produce, learn sustainable gardening, and connect with your neighbors!
Jupiter | Sundays – Food Forest Tour: Edible Plants & Permaculture
Join this Food Forest Tour to explore edible plants and learn about permaculture.
Deerfield Beach | August 2 – ArtPark: Ecocraft Edition
Create art, explore nature, and learn to make natural insect repellent.
Jensen Beach | August 6 – Indigenous History Walk
Join this guided nature walk through Indian Riverside Park, where you’ll explore the rich indigenous history of the area.
Miami | August 8 – Vizcaya Late: Coral Spawning Celebration
Celebrate South Florida’s coral reefs and spawning season with educational programs and art.
Stuart | August 11 – The Secret Life of Gopher Tortoises Nature Walk
Join in uncovering the secrets of the beloved and threatened Gopher tortoise on this guided nature walk.
Miami | August 17 – Volunteer EcoAction Day at Castellow Hammock Preserve
Get your hands dirty helping restore native habitats in this Miami-Dade preserve.
West Palm Beach | August 19 – Native Plant Society Annual Plant Swap
Bring your extra natives and leave with something new to plant!
Stuart | August 21 – Feel the Burn: Prescribed Fire Nature Walk
Join us on August 21 for this nature walk to learn about the role of prescribed fire on Florida’s natural areas from a burn expert!
West Florida Nature Events in August
Clearwater | August 1 – Owl Prowl
Walk through the park at night with a real owl, and owl trainers to look for wild owls in the park!
Bonita Springs | August 11 – Frogs: Canaries in Our Wetlands Lecture
Discover an in-town lecture uncovering the importance of frogs in our day-to-day lives!
Wesley Chapel | August 12 – Horticulture in Arts and Crafts
Discover how to preserve flowers and plants to use them for greetings cards, framed flower pictures, potpourri, etc.
Tarpon Springs | August 16 – Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.”
Immokalee | August 20 – Advanced Wet Walk at CREW Cypress Dome Trails
This advanced wet walk traverses a seasonal marsh, cypress dome, popash slough, and pine flatwoods.
St. Petersburg | August 20 – Creekshed Project: Author Series
Wild Space presents eight authors from the Creekshed Project answering “What are the human and natural stories that drain into the Gulf?”
Pine Island | August 21 – Audubon Birding Trip to Pine Island & Bayport Park
Join local birders for a day of coastal birdwatching in this shorebird-rich hotspot.
Brooksville | August 30 – International Bat Night with FWC
Join us for International Bat Night with a talk from Shari Blissett-Clark of the Florida Bat Conservancy, a Q&A session, a close look at a bat, and, weather permitting, a chance to see bats emerge from the Chinsegut bat boxes.
Florida’s wild side never takes a summer break. Whether you’re a full moon hiker, pollinator protector, or just looking for a reason to get outside, Florida nature events in August are packed with fun.
Looking for more? Maybe you’re ready to try fishing for the first time, or scroll our blog for hidden gems across the state.
Tag your adventures with #LiveWildlyFL and show us how you explore Florida!
