Gillespie Museum at Stetson University 2026 Fall Family Events

2026 Science Saturdays offer hands-on learning for families

Science Saturday events run from 10 a.m. to noon and are designed for visitors of all ages. Three sessions are scheduled this fall:

• Sept. 20 - Wild Wonders: Hands-on activities celebrating Florida's natural world.

• Oct. 24 - Mostly Green Halloween: Eco-friendly Halloween-themed science activities for the whole family.

• Nov. 14 - Rock Fest!: A celebration of rocks, minerals and geology for enthusiasts of all ages.

Special events and community programming round out the fall

The fall calendar also includes several community-focused events. On Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m., museum members and Stetson students are invited to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science program tracking pollinator populations across the region. On Nov. 7, a Native Plant Sale runs from 9 a.m. to noon, offering Florida-friendly plants to local gardeners. A Thanksgiving Drop-In on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. welcomes visitors during the holiday week, and the season closes with Rock Your Stocking, a holiday gift event running Dec. 1 through Dec. 4 during regular museum hours.

Gallery openings and seasonal exhibits

The fall season features two new gallery openings. On Sept. 10, Colossal Crystals opens its doors, giving visitors an up-close look at the stunning science behind oversized crystalline formations. On Oct. 2 from 3 to 4 p.m., Spooky Stones debuts with a geology-meets-Halloween theme. Adding to the autumn fun, the museum's Haunted Museum experience runs Oct. 16 through Oct. 30 during regular museum hours.

The Gillespie Museum is located on the campus of Stetson University in DeLand. To get more information, visit the website here: https://www.stetson.edu/other/gillespie-museum/