DeBary Hall Plans Family Events in October

Posted On: September 9, 2025

Understanding your GI system:1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. From the very first bite to the final stage of digestion, the gastrointestinal system is a remarkable network of organs working in harmony to extract nutrients and minerals, fuel our bodies, and keep us strong. Join Susan Araujo, a registered nurse, for a fascinating journey through the GI system. She will explain how it works, what can go wrong, and how you can keep it healthy. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Bee smart: Tips for hives at home: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Join one of Volusia County's master gardeners for a Lunch & Learn Session that will cover the benefits of keeping beehives at home. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and questions to this buzz-worthy, informative presentation.

Line dancing lessons:5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 9 and 23. Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for a fun evening full of beginner line dances to various music genres. This program is recommended for adults. There is a $5 charge for each class.

Story time at DeBary Hall:9:30 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 10 and 24. Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free series featuring stories, songs, and activities. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome.

Witches Tea: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Guests will savor the charm of a traditional Victorian tea, complete with samples of delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, and two fine teas. The experience will also include a guided tour of Frederick deBary's historic hunting estate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. Mystical touches and a few magical surprises await, and guests are encouraged to arrive in their most bewitching attire to add to the spellbinding atmosphere. Seating is limited; tickets will be available for purchase between 11 a.m. Sept. 12 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The cost is $20 per person, and tickets are nonrefundable. Call 386-668-3840 to reserve your tickets.

Family Ties in the Scrub: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Family takes many forms, and in the case of the Florida scrub jay, it's at the very heart of survival. Join Master Naturalists Joan and Jack Ferrell as they explore the unique social behaviors of these remarkable birds, uncover the similarities between their communities and our own, and explain how we can all play a part in protecting the habitats they call home. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Creepy Candlelight Tours: 7:15 and 8:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25. Candles will light the way during a spooky tour designed to startle and activate the imagination. Guests can expect mild frights as they are escorted to the mansion and enter the narrow hallways and darkened rooms once occupied by 19th century wine merchant Fredrick deBary and his family. Staff will share scary tales from the past. A portion of this program will occur outdoors. Reservations are required, and space is limited; call 386-668-3840 to make a reservation. Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 will not be admitted. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 12.

Swing into Contra: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 25. Join staff for an engaging, beginner-friendly class designed to introduce the lively tradition of contra dance. Partners and prior experience are not needed. During this free, two-hour class, a caller will guide participants through each step, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

Historic Bike Tour:9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. Travel back in time on two wheels during a nine-mile guided bike tour from DeBary Hall Historic Site to Lake Monroe Park and back to DeBary Hall Historic Site. Learn about the area's history, including facts about the Native Americans who inhabited the region thousands of years ago to the development of Gemini Springs Park. Participants must bring a bicycle and helmet. Sunscreen and bottled water are recommended. Children over 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required; call 386-668-3840 to register.

DeBary Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is managed by Volusia County's Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. It's open from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lisa Perez at 386-668-3840 or [email protected].