Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
About
68 Acres of Subtropical Gardens
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a 68-acre garden run by the North Florida Botanical Society since 1978. The collection includes 24 major plant collections - the largest herb garden in the southeast, Florida's biggest bamboo grove, a hummingbird garden, and a Victorian-style butterfly garden.
What Kids Can Do
The Children's Garden has stepping stones, fountains, and child-scale plantings. The Bamboo Garden's giant timber bamboo grove (some stalks 6 inches diameter) creates a magical tunnel-walk experience. Butterfly Garden teems with zebra longwings, monarchs, and gulf fritillaries. Lake Kanapaha hosts turtles, fish, and seasonal water lilies including giant Victoria amazonica pads strong enough to support a child's weight [marked: Victoria water lilies peak July-September - check garden calendar for displays].
What's Included
General admission $10 adults, $5 kids 5-13, free under 5. Self-guided tour map at entrance. Spring Garden Festival and Moonlight Walks special events priced separately.
Experience
Plan 2-3 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring sun protection, water, bug spray (heavy mosquitos May-October). Mostly stroller-friendly paved paths. Free on-site parking. Open Mon-Wed and Fri-Sat 9am-5pm, closed Thursdays.