A $9 million Environmental Education Center opened in 2004 at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs. The center is set in a 8,500-acre preserve northeast of Clearwater and features 6,000 square feet of exhibits including an object theater, where holographic residents from the areas past step off the screen to teach about the history of the area, a scaled up version of a gopher tortoise burrow that kids and adults can climb through and explore and an interactive exhibit showing the lifecycle of the surrounding wetlands through the year. The preserve offers free nature hikes on weekends and features a scenic six-mile horseback trail. The Preserve also has a series of boardwalks and hiking trails enabling residents, school groups and visitors to enjoy the many natural habitats available on this pristine piece of land including animals, birds, plants and wildflowers.
Hours
Thursday 9 AM–4 PM
Friday 9 AM–4 PM
Saturday 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday 11 AM–4 PM
Guest Reviews from Google
The perfect hot or rainy day activity. We visited the education center on a Thursday for storytime. Super cute! There are tons of activities for the kids to do, crafts, hands on stations, and safe exploration. The day we came it was sprinkling and the walk to the center was so ethereal - quiet, gentle falling rain, and glistening leaves. We can't wait to come back!
Was just looking for some nice, well-maintained, easy trails for myself and my toddler to venture through on a random Friday. What a pleasant surprise! The education center is free and full of fun for young, exploring minds. Fun features and facts along the short trails we took. Small nature shop open thurs-sun. Overall great experience for a random weekday adventure!
Honestly a pretty amazing place. While it can be a bit muddy in some areas (usually after it rains), the trails are overall held in excellent condition. The trails are plenty long, and you can spend up to a few hours if you travel along all the trails at a slow pace. They interconnect as well so you can take shorter loops. All in all, I highly recommend visiting this location!
Wonderful nature. A great adventure for family of toddlers. We love coming on Thursday at 10:30 where they have a storytime and then a craft centered around Florida nature. We pack lunches and enjoy a picnic when we go. It’s one of our fave places to go with the grandkids and best of all….its Free!
Walked on the boardwalk to see several turtles, birds and wildlife. The park is a beautiful and serene place. Definitely recommend.
General Information
- Family-friendly
- Free admission
- Hours: 7am- sunset
Rates & Times
- Time to Experience Activity: 1 - 2 hours
Accessible Features
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking