Back by popular demand, join us as we witness the slowest two minutes in sports at the Fifth Annual Turtle Derby! In celebration of World Turtle Day, we will celebrate our own local shell-ebrities who have been working hard at their respective nature centers, teaching all participants who meet them. Last year, the newest Parklands educational ambassador, May made a name for herself in a thrilling, come from behind victory. Participate in turtle-themed hikes, crafts, games, and see who will take the top spot this year! 

Junior Explorer is a free family-friendly event at The Parklands that is open to all ages, that focuses on a special nature topic each time. Drop in at any time during the event for themed activities and check below for a full list of scheduled happenings you won’t want to miss. Join the Parklands’ education team, community partners, and special vendors to explore our natural world with themed activities, games, hikes, crafts, and more!  

This event is free and open to everyone, with activities geared toward pre-k and elementary-aged kids. No registration is required unless otherwise stated.

2025 Turtle Derby Schedule:

10:30-11:30am: Ranger-led Creek Exploration

Ranger-led hike on the riparian ramble trail to search for turtles and other animals that live in or near our creek! Come prepared to step into the creek if you want to! Meet beside the Parklands welcome table.

11:45-12:30 pm: Turtle Meet and Greet

Learn about the special lives of the turtles running in the turtle derby, you might get the chance to watch them eat and pet them! Meet beside the turtle paddock.

12:30-1:00 pm: Kid Turtle Derby

Experience what it feels like to be a turtle in the derby by racing in the kid turtle derby right before the big race! Put on your shell and see how slow you can go! Meet beside the turtle derby track.

1:00: Kentucky Turtle Derby!

Local turtles will compete in the “slowest two minutes in sports”! A birthday celebration for the turtles will start right after the race, so stick around to enjoy a special birthday treat that will have you eating like a turtle!

Are you an organization or vendor who would like to join the fun? Please contact Olivia Hardin at ohardin@theparklands.org for more information on how you can be involved!