DeBary Hall Offers Family Programs in October

Posted On: September 15, 2026

Whether you want to learn about local history, search for native birds, or pick up some new dance moves, DeBary Hall Historic Site has something for the whole family in October.

Historic Bike Ride: 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2. 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. Learn about the area's history, including facts about the Native Americans who inhabited the region thousands of years ago and 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.

Truly Off the Beaten Path in Northeast Florida: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Zach Zacharias will describe natural wonders, scenic drives, and historic places not found in most of the books that promote "off the beaten path" destinations. These include Bio Lab Road, 9-Mile Road, Fort King National Landmark, and other amazing locations all within a two-hour drive from Daytona Beach. Zacharias is senior curator of education and history curator at the Museum of Arts & Sciences. His presentation is part of the Lemonade Lectures series. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Wing it Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Lace up your walking shoes and head to Lake Monroe Park for a guided bird walk led by DeBary Hall staff. You will learn about the park's history and cultural significance, practice live bird identification by sight and sound, and receive assistance adding new species to your personal "life list." Keep an eye out for the tufted titmouse, barred owl, and northern mockingbird, plus seasonal surprises. Binoculars are encouraged but not required. Meet at Lake Monroe Park, 975 U.S. Highway 17-92, DeBary, in the parking lot to the far left, closest to the trail entrance for the Lake Monroe-Gemini Springs-DeBary Hall trail.

Upcycled Gardening: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Join certified Master Gardener Sarah Palvelchak for an interactive Lunch & Learn that will inspire you to see everyday household items in a whole new way. Discover creative and practical ways to upcycle items you already have at home into useful and unique garden treasures, while saving money and keeping perfectly good materials out of the trash. Bring your lunch and gardening questions for this informative discussion.

Line Dancing Lessons: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 15 and 29. Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for a fun evening full of learning beginner line dances to various music genres. There is a $5 charge for each class.

Story time at DeBary Hall: 9:30 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 16 and 30. Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome.

Learn about Florida's Black Bears: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Join Olivia Willams, a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for this presentation about black bears' biology and behavior. She will also discuss the unique challenges of wildlife management and ways to safely coexist with black bears. This presentation is part of the Lemonade Lectures series. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

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