Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
These are the previously published dates. Check the organizer for a new edition.
Check the organizer’s latest schedule ↗Little Sprouts Club brings texture-themed play to Selby Gardens
The feel of a leaf or the surface of a stone can be a starting point for exploring nature. At Little Sprouts Club, Selby Gardens pairs that idea with crafts and sensory stations for young children and their caregivers.
Noticing the natural world together
The November gathering takes place in the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden and follows the series theme, The Terrific Textures of Nature. Selby Gardens points to contrasts such as smooth stones, rough tree bark and fuzzy leaves as examples of the outdoor textures behind the activities.
This is a family-guided session rather than a drop-off class. Nature-inspired crafts and sensory stations give children ways to explore the theme alongside their grown-ups, with free play, a story and a snack also planned. The activities are designed for ages 2–5, although Selby Gardens says all are welcome.
Little Sprouts Club meets monthly from October through May. This listing is for the November 12 session; families interested in another date can consult the Gardens’ events calendar.
Further reading: Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗ · Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
If story time matters to your plans
Selby Gardens lists two different times for the snack and story: 11:20 a.m. on the event page and 11:00 a.m. on its general Little Sprouts Club page. Check with the Gardens before visiting if you need to plan around that part of the morning. Both pages say free-play activities remain open until 11:30 a.m.
Further reading: Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗ · Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
The November session
Activities begin at 10:30 a.m.; check with Selby Gardens about the conflicting snack and story times.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden
- Activities begin: nature-inspired crafts, sensory stations and exploration of outdoor textures.
- Snack and story time; free-play activities remain open until 11:30 a.m.
Before you go
Register your child ahead of time
There is no separate participation fee for the child, but advance registration is required. Parents or guardians and children older than 5 need general admission; the registration process prompts visitors to buy admission afterward. Members may scan their membership at the Welcome Center.
Dress for outdoor play
Selby Gardens recommends comfortable clothes suitable for potentially messy crafts, along with sunscreen and bug spray.
A snack is planned
The session includes a snack. The Gardens’ general visitor policy does not permit outside food or beverages.
Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗ · Visit the Downtown Sarasota Campus - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
Getting to the downtown campus
Parking and bikes
The session is at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street, not the Historic Spanish Point campus. Complimentary parking is in the LEAF facility, accessible from Mound Street/US 41 and South Orange Avenue. Bike racks are near the Welcome Center.
Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗ · Visit the Downtown Sarasota Campus - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
Access around the gardens
Primary garden paths are paved, though some areas are unpaved. Designated accessible parking and drop-off outside the Welcome Center are available. Complimentary wheelchairs can be borrowed there on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.
Before you make a plan
Is this a drop-off program?
No. Little Sprouts Club is family-guided and designed for young children with their caregivers.
What does admission cost for the family?
There is no separate activity fee for the registered child. The event page requires general admission for parents or guardians and children older than 5; members may scan their membership at the Welcome Center. The campus admission page lists adults at $28, ages 5–17 at $12 and ages 4 and under free. Ask the Gardens about admission for a participating 5-year-old, since the age wording differs.
Little Sprouts Club - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗ · Visit the Downtown Sarasota Campus - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
Can we stay in the gardens after the session?
Daytime admission covers the downtown campus, including the Children’s Rainforest Garden. The campus is generally open until 5 p.m.
Visit the Downtown Sarasota Campus - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ↗
Are sensory accommodations available?
The downtown campus offers complimentary sensory headphones and maps; ask the Guest Relations team about using them.
Location & Google Maps
Downtown Sarasota campus, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.