PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS—parrots back! PRIVATE ENCOUNTERS now for longer time periods, either parrots or reptiles! Small groups can enjoy fun interactions with either THREE parrots or THREE reptiles with guests holding each animal, giving them snacks, taking photos in private setting. A great party, birthday, anniversary, or friend treat! Funds go to Animal Enrichment and Emergency Funds.

In a unique fusion of art, community and nature, students in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Sculpture I and Ceramics I classes present “Botanical Gardens: Flow and Bloom,” nearly 60 pieces of flora and fauna-themed art displayed in the Hummingbird and Rose Gardens, October 24-November 16, included in general admission. This is the third semester for TAMU-CC Botanical Gardens art exhibits.

H-E-B and H-E-B Tournament of Champions “Explore More” program provides free
admission to the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center FRIDAYS this November and
December, beginning November 7! This support aims to promote educational
experiences and cultural arts by providing local families and visitors ways to enjoy
attractions during the holidays. H-E-B remains committed to making educational
enrichment and discovery more accessible—when it comes to Texans helping Texans,
learning should be within everyone’s reach. “Explore More” also includes three other local and five Gulf Coast region museums.

“HAUNTED TRAIL WALKS” will be 8-10 pm, Fridays, October 17 and 24, to scare your socks off on our Nature Trail! SEE MORE to make reservations on-line. “HAY MAZE” opens October 18-Thanksgiving, for children to navigate, co-sponsored and decorated by Ocean Drive Garden Club, included in admission. Changes to Christmas décor after Thanksgiving. ON HALLOWEEN, October 31, costumed kids ages 3-12, get in half price ($3), when accompanied by at least one paying adult!

MARIPOSA PALOOZA Artists Butterflies have brought many visitors to South Texas Botanical Gardens! Winners were announced May 30, with the exhibit being a popular piece of October fundraiser MOONLIGHT & Mariposas IN THE GARDENS. The entire collection of artistically-designed 24 to 30-inch metal butterflies by local professional and amateur artists, continues on display in the Gardens through November 16, included in general admission. They are available for purchase by photographing the display card and taking it to the Gift Shop to reserve your choice. Excellent for yard art, or landscape color with no watering!

MOONLIGHT & MARIPOSAS in the GARDENS entertained more than 500 people, with comments like: “This is my all-time favorite event;” “What a perfect, enjoyable evening;” “So glad we came again after missing a couple of years;” “Congratulations, you did it again;” “We’ll definitely be back next year!” The Botanical Gardens thanks Presenting Sponsor CITGO, plus dozens of supporting sponsors you’ll see on large signs in the Gardens until MOOONLIGHT ‘26! Click SEE MORE for those generous sponsors, entertainers, our Event Chair Kitty Hommer, restaurant and beverage sponsors, plus volunteers. . . with new Moonlight slideshow in the works!

For your convenience, we’re providing a schedule of SATURDAY MORNING Horticulture & Environmental Education classes! All begin at 9:30 am, Education Station classroom, with spaced seating for 40. Unless noted, all are covered by that day’s general admission, membership, or $5 each. Educational, fun, meet new friends. Make your reservation at 361-852-2100.

This is a first! The Botanical Gardens is looking for VOLUNTEERS to work with Grounds Staff helping with daily hand-watering, mowing, weeding, edging! Coastal rains made the grass grow, and watering restrictions still make us hand-water! We’ll work with your schedule, except (watering must be done before 10 am), other work between 9 and 6. Please call Kathie for details, 361-852-2100, x 225.

Guests visiting Saturdays or Sundays are treated to REP-TALES,10:30 am, on the Festival Lawn. Meet and learn about some our Reptile Animal Ambassadors including tortoises, iguanas, snakes and other creatures (specific animal ambassadors and species vary daily). Included with membership or general admission. Feed these reptiles for additional fee.