Programs at Oscar Scherer State Park
Audubon Society Guided Bird Walk
Every Thursday 8:30 – 10:00 AM from Nov. 3rd 2022 to April 6th 2023
Meets at the Nature Center
Regular park entrance fees apply
- Sarasota & Venice Area Audubon Society knowledgeable volunteers will be providing guided bird walks along some of the park trails.
- You will have the opportunity to see and hear some of the birds that pass through Oscar Scherer or live here as permanent residents.
- Learn what the park does to help support the resources for these birds and other wildlife.
- Supportive footwear, water, bug spray, sunscreen, hats, camera & binoculars are recommended. Pets are not allowed on these guided walks.
Throughout the year, during daylight and evening hours, there is always something to do at Oscar Scherer. Some programs are organized by OSSP staff, some by the FOSP, and some by a collaboration of the park, the friends and other third party groups.
- Programs are free for registered campers and day visitors with park entrance fee
- Please click this link to view our latest EVENTS AND PROGRAMS brochure.
- Many programs take place in specific areas of the park or in and around the Nature Center. In the case of inclement weather some programs maybe moved into the Nature Center, be warned space is then limited!
- Please remember that while the park is pet friendly, dogs are not allowed inside the Nature Center
Critter Crafts for kids
Learn about the plants and animals at Oscar Scherer by making critter crafts. Materials are provided. Year-round • Saturdays 10:00am to 11:00am • Nature Center.
Free for registered campers or with park entrance fee
Art In The Park Fellowship
Learn tips and tricks or just come and paint with fellow enthusiasts.
Monthly • First Saturday 9:00am to 11:00am • Nature Center
Free for registered campers or with park entrance fee
Junior Ranger Program
Learn what it takes to become a Junior Ranger and work on your Junior Ranger CORE or passport activities!
December to March • Saturdays 10:00am to 12:00pm • Nature Center
Free for registered campers or with park entrance fee
Guided Night Paddle
Take a paddle up South Creek under the moonlight. Experienced paddlers only please. Can bring your own vessel or rent one from the park. You can register up to 1 month in advanced at the Ranger Station. No reservations taken by phone.
December to March • For dates and times contact Ranger Station, 941.483.5956 • South Creek Canoe Launch Area
$20 per Person – cash only
Eagle Viewing
Join the weekly eagle watch and see how our pair of nesting bald eagles is doing. High-powered scope and trail maps are provided. Comfortable shoes, camera and binoculars are suggested.
Group meets where the Green Trail meets the campground between sites 62 and 63
December to March • Sundays • 9:00am to 11:00am • Green Trail
Free for registered campers or with park entrance fee
Co-Ed Low Impact Exercise Class
Put on your comfortable shoes and wake up with a morning ‘Standing’ exercise session! Handicap accessible.
January to March • Monday and Wednesday (Wednesday class is Folk Fit) • 8:30am to 9:15am • Nature Center Screen Room
Free with camping or park entrance fee
Coffee Social
Wake up with tea or coffee, and meet your fellow campers.
December to March • Tuesday • 8:00am to 10:00am • Nature Center
Free with camping or park entrance fee, but donations appreciated
Guided Paddle – This will be a walk if tidal water is too shallow
Paddle along South Creek and learn about the park and the estuarine critters.
Bring your own vessel or rent one from the park, $15.00 plus tax
Please register between 8:00am and 8:45am at the Ranger Station
Year round • Wednesday • 9:00am to 10:00am • South Creek Canoe Launch Area
Free with camping or park entrance fee
Regular canoe/kayak rental – $15.00 per hour or $64.00 per day plus tax
Pancake Breakfast with a Ranger
Enjoy a fresh cooked breakfast of pancakes, sausage, with tea, coffee, or juice.
Learn more about Oscar Scherer; between 8:30am and 9:00am a knowledgeable and friendly park ranger will be available to answer your questions.
December to March • Thursday • 8:00am to 10:00am • Nature Center
$7.00 per person, $3.00 for 12 years and younger, with camping or park entrance fee
Audubon Society Guided Bird Walk
For this guided walk led by the local Audubon society you will need comfortable footwear, camera, binoculars, and a bird guide is recommended.
November to April 7th • Thursday • 8:30am to 10:30am • Meet outside Nature Center
Free with paid camping or park entrance fee
Open Music Jam
Anyone with an instrument is welcome to come jam with fellow campers and area musicians!
December to March • Thursday • 3:00pm to 5:00pm • Outside the Nature Center
Free with camping or park entrance fee
Ranger’s Choice Guided Hike
Explore the park with a ranger, on a trail and topic of their choice.
December to March • Friday • 8:30am to 9:30am • Meet outside Nature Center
Free with camping or park entrance fee
