Tranquil Tuesdays
At dusk, when Sarasota’s gardens begin to trade the day’s bustle for the softer sounds of evening, Selby Gardens will make room for a different kind of visit—one shaped by quiet, flexibility, and atte
By Edit Sarasota Staff
At dusk, when Sarasota’s gardens begin to trade the day’s bustle for the softer sounds of evening, Selby Gardens will make room for a different kind of visit—one shaped by quiet, flexibility, and attention to the senses.
Tranquil Tuesday is a private, sensory-friendly experience at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, created with neuro-inclusivity in mind. For one additional hour after regular operations, neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive guests, along with their families and caregivers, can explore the Downtown Sarasota campus at no cost and without the crowds and noise that can make cultural outings difficult.
The evening reflects a broader understanding of what it means for a public garden to welcome its community. Selby is not simply a place to admire orchids, palms, and Florida’s coastal landscape; it is also a gathering place, an educational institution, and a shared civic resource. By designing an experience around varied sensory needs, the Gardens offer families a more comfortable way to discover the grounds—and, perhaps, a bridge to future visits during regular hours.
Upon arrival, guests will receive a customized map marked with clear icons indicating interactive areas, including places with touch or notable smells, as well as displays that may involve strong sensory components such as loud sounds or pronounced odors. The Children’s Rainforest Garden, Florida Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, restrooms, and walking paths will remain open. The Tropical Conservatory, gift shop, café, and Museum of Botany and the Arts will be closed during the event, keeping the evening focused on a calm outdoor experience.
Selby’s Welcome Center will provide noise-cancelling earmuffs, sensory kits, and wheelchairs at no charge. Guests are also welcome to bring familiar tools, toys, or stimming devices that help make an outing more comfortable. These accommodations—along with sensory maps—are available from the Welcome Center during regular business hours as well, making Tranquil Tuesday an introduction not only to one evening at Selby, but to the possibility of returning on another day.
Tranquil Tuesday takes place Tuesday, October 20, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., with check-in beginning at 5:10 p.m. at the Welcome Center. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for every guest and accompanying family member or caregiver; contact programs-classes@selby.org or 941-366-5731, ext. 243, for the registration link. The best address for mapping is 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236, with parking available in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) structure.