The beautiful Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology or NEST is located at the new Robinson Preserve Expansion. Tucked in at the corner of 9th Ave NW and 99th Street NW in northwest Bradenton, the NEST is a gorgeous multi-purpose space. The building is managed by the Parks and Natural Resources Department's Volunteer and Education Division and is home to a variety of hands-on interpretive programming designed for all ages.
HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT THE NEST
In addition to regular free and low-cost public programming, volunteer workdays, and passive recreation programs such as Tai Chi and yoga, the NEST is also available for private rentals. Daytime rentals start at $100/hr and evening rentals (after 5pm) start at $150/hr.
Contact nest@mymanatee.org
Hours
NEST Open House hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday.
- Playground
The Canopy Zone (Nature Themed Playground)
Hours
Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, except when reserved for special events.
Welcome to the Canopy Zone! Crawl, climb, and challenge yourself to new heights among the treetops of Robinson Preserve. The compact, two-story structure is filled with adventure park elements including a series of boardwalks, rope bridges, climbing nets, and slides. Crawl through the net tube to catch a bird’s-eye view of the newly built waterways of the Robinson Preserve Expansion or climb the tower, zigzagging through platforms to top and then take the spiral slide all the way to the understory loop on the forest floor. While some of the more challenging elements are recommended for ages 5 and older, all ages and abilities are welcome on the tree-top boardwalk loop that emerges overlooking the Robinson Preserve Expansion, complete with mounted binoculars for viewing the wading birds and other wildlife within the preserve.
The Canopy Zone is now open to the public the same hours as Robinson Preserve, sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Parking can be found near the NEST which can be reached from the preserve’s South Entrance at the end of 9th Avenue Northwest. Whether it’s just you, or the whole family, the Canopy Zone is sure to bring out the kid in everyone.
