VERO BEACH — McKee Botanical Garden has announced the schedule of activities for its first ever Jungle Day event on Jan. 27 from Noon to 4 p.m.
Jungle Day will pay homage to McKee’s earlier days as the Jungle Gardens and features activities reminiscent of that time. There will be animal demonstrations featuring native snakes and reptiles as well as a petting zoo.
Forever Florida will have two rare Cracker horses on site, and Showbirdz Parrot Shows will give performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Historic photos from the Garden’s archives will be on display, and visitors are encouraged to share their own early memories of McKee by recording them on a mural.
History buffs will enjoy viewing “Birth of a Garden,” a one-act play about McKee founders Waldo Sexton and Arthur McKee. The play will be performed in the Garden’s Richardson Education Building at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
A number of additional activities for children will take place throughout the event including face painting, balloon twisters, games, and educational activities.
Children also can take a ride on the Safari Train and participate in a “Where’s Waldo” scavenger hunt (this Waldo being Waldo Sexton and not the striped shirt-wearing, bespectacled character from fiction.)
Members of the Indian River Woodcarvers Club will demonstrate their woodcarving skills, and Key of Life will perform live music throughout the day in the Garden’s Spanish Kitchen area.
“Many local residents have fond memories of childhood visits to McKee Jungle Gardens. This event is an opportunity for them to experience that magic once again, this time with their own children and grandchildren,” stated Executive Director Christine Hobart.
Admission to Jungle Day is free for children age 12 and under and for adults, general admission rates apply.
Jungle Day is sponsored by Quail Valley Charities, the “AT&T Real Yellow Pages,” 93.7 the Breeze, and 97.1 Ocean FM.
The mission of McKee Botanical Garden is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment, and enrichment of all.
McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US 1 in Vero Beach.
Admission fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays.
For more information, please call (772) 794-0601 or visit www.MckeeGarden.org.
