Environmental Programs
- Beach Treasures
- Citizen Science Squad
- Early Birding with Al
- Family Summer Snorkel
- Golden Hour Guided Tours
- Gumbo Limbo Fall/Winter Break Camp
- Halloween in the Garden
- Haunted Hammock
- Home School Workshops
- International Coastal Cleanup
- Intracoastal Adventures Kayaking & Canoeing
- Little Wonders & Nature Detectives
- Ornaments Naturally
- Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
- Seining the Lagoon
- Virtual Programs
Beach Treasures
Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. With warm sunshine, cool breezes, sand between your toes, the sound of the surf, and the smell of the salty sea air, what’s not to love? Learn all about the shells and other treasures found on Boca’s Beaches, then join one of our expert beachcombers in search of the mysteries the sea has left behind!
- Advanced reservations are recommended; call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.
- All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
- Friday: November 10, 2:00-3:30 pm
- Tuesday: November 28, December 12; 2:00-3:30 pm
- Cost: Free
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.
Citizen Science Squad
Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission.
- Ages 9 -13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
- Saturday: September 23, 10:00-11:00 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; All others $8
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Early Birding with Al
Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones! Join us for a free early morning birding adventure at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Learn about our native and migratory birds from an experienced birder, as we walk the Ashley Trail and the boardwalk in search of warblers, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, and other avian species. Binoculars recommended.
- Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Thursday: October 26, November 30, December 28; 8:30-10:00 am
Reservations not required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.
Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Family Summer Snorkel
The mangrove ecosystem is known as the nursery of the ocean. Come explore the back side of the island with us as we snorkel the shallow Intracoastal waters to study the animals sheltered and protected from the ocean’s dangers here. Bring your own snorkel, mask, and water shoes (no fins allowed).
- Adults and children ages 10 and up; adults must register and participate with minors.
- Sunday, October 1, 10:00-11:30 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $15; All others $19
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Golden Hour Guided Tours
Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and lighted outdoor aquariums, including peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail.
- Adults and children ages 7 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
- Tuesday: November 14, November 28; 5:00-6:30 pm
- Friday: November 10; 5:00-6:30 pm
- Cost per person: Resident/Member $10; All others $13
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.
Gumbo Limbo School-Break Camps
Gumbo Limbo Fall Break Camp - Registration opens 10/1
Do you have a budding conservationist? School breaks can be fun and educational! Sign them up for Gumbo Limbo Fall Break Camp where they will enjoy hands on activities and learn more about our coastal and marine habitats. Sign up for one, two, or all three days. Subject to cancellation due to minimum registration.
- Ages 9-12
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; November 20, November 21, November 22; 8:30-12:00 pm
- Cost per child per day: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $30; All others $37.50
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Gumbo Limbo Winter Break Camp - Registration opens 11/1
Do you have a budding conservationist? School breaks can be fun and educational! Sign them up for Gumbo Limbo Winter Break Camp where they will enjoy hands on activities and learn more about our coastal and marine habitats. Sign up for one, two, or all three days. Subject to cancellation due to minimum registration.
- Ages 6-8
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, December 27, December 28, December 29; 8:30-12:00 pm
- Cost per child per day: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $30; All others $37.50
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Halloween in the Garden
Halloween fun for the young (and young at heart!). Join us for outdoor crafts, games, and more, have your picture taken with Luna, our sea turtle friend. Wear your coolest costume (please, no swords or pointy props). Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited; insect repellent suggested. Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
- Ages 2-6; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Sunday, October 22, 4:30 -5:30 pm or 5:45-6:45 pm (register for either time slot).
- Cost per child: Resident/Member $10; All others $13
- Cost per adult: Free with participating child.
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.
Haunted Hammock
Do you dare take a nighttime stroll through the haunted hammock? Your guide will lead you through the shadowy and mysterious hammock forest along the boardwalk where you will learn about the nocturnal critters that creep and crawl when no one else is around. But beware, you never know who or what you may meet!
This program is meant to be a little scary with some frights along the way, please keep this in mind when registering children. Please no flashlights or cell phone use during program. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited; insect repellent recommended.
- Adults and children 7 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
- Saturday, October 28, 7:30-10:00 pm
Sign up for one of the 30-minute night walks at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, or 9:30.
- Saturday, October 28, 7:30-10:00 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $12; all others $15
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Home School Workshops
Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students, ages 3-12. Participate in science activities related to the monthly topic, prepared specifically with your student’s age group in mind.
- Ages 3-12. Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Parents/guardians stay with ages 3-5 ONLY; younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups.
- Wednesdays: September 20, October 18, November 15; 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
- Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $5; all others $8.
- REGISTRATION WILL OPEN THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a WebTrac. account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
The International Coastal Cleanup
Come out to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and intracoastal mangrove habitats. This worldwide cleanup effort not only takes trash out of the environment, but it also provides valuable data to Ocean Conservancy to help them combat the growing problems of plastic in our oceans. Using an app on your cellphone, keep track and report what you and your group removed from the beach. Free tee shirts while supplies last, community service hours given.
- Pre-registration is required and begins August 1. Call (561) 544-8605 to reserve your spot; space is limited.
- All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).
- Saturday: September 23, 8:00-11:00 am
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Intracoastal Adventures Kayaking & Canoeing
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores by kayak or canoe while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida.
Must have appropriate kayaking/canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak/canoe without assistance. Advanced programs are not suitable for beginner paddlers.
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.
Intro to Canoeing
Not quite experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and boat channels? This program is for you! We provide opportunities to get more familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn the best techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal. Canoes hold 2-3 people (single canoers will be paired with staff or another single participant).
- Ages: 13-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and paddle with a registered adult.
- Sunday, October 8, November 19; 10:00-11:30 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25
Advanced Canoeing
This program is for experienced canoers who are comfortable steering and maneuvering a canoe, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic, and paddling in open water. Canoes hold 2-3 people (single canoers will be paired with staff or another single participant).
- Ages 13-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
- Saturday: September 30; 9:30-11:00 am
- Saturday: October 21, 1:00-2:30 pm
- Saturday: December 9; 9:30 am-11:00 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25
For the safety of our participants and instructors, paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued.
Kayaking
This program is for experienced kayakers who are comfortable paddling in a single or tandem kayak, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic and maneuvering in shallow water around branches, roots and logs. Single/tandem kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.
- Ages 7-adult; Each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult parent/guardian– No child under 12 may paddle a single kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
- Saturday: October 14, 9:00-10:30 am
- Sunday: November 12, 9:00-10:30 am
- Saturday: November 25, 9:00-10:30 am
- Sunday: December 10; 9:00-10:30 am
- Saturday: December 23; 9:00-10:30 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25
Little Wonders and Nature Detectives
Parents participate in these programs designed for our youngest naturalists! You and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through monthly themed story times, explorations, and crafts.
In order to limit group size, we ask that only one adult per family attends and that no older and younger siblings accompany that adult.
- Saturday: September 16, October 14, November 18, December 16
- Time: 10:00 am - Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)
- NEW Time: 11:30 am - Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)
- Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards $8; all others $10
- Cost per Adult: Free
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.
Ornaments Naturally - Registration opens 10/1
Bring your imagination! Create ornaments and decorations with holiday themes from shells, sea beans, pinecones, and colorful craft supplies. Materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own holiday décor to add to your natural creations. Make a beautiful keepsake for yourself and one to give as a gift.
- Ages 7-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
- Saturday: December 2; 10:00-11:30 am OR 1:00-2:30 pm (one session only)
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $12; All others $15
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during these free presentations. Meet at the outdoor marine aquariums.
- All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
- Daily at 12:30 pm.
- Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
No reservations required.
Seining the Lagoon
Need some special family outdoor fun? Join us while we wade in the Intracoastal Waterway just behind Gumbo Limbo; we will catch and release fish, shrimp, crabs, and more with hand-held dip nets and large seine nets. Get up close and personal with our local marine life! Closed toed shoes required (old sneakers or water shoes; no sandals). Bring a change of clothes and towel.
- Adults and children ages 10 and up; adults must register and participate with minors.
- Sunday: September 24, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
- Saturday: October 7, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $15; All others $19
Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.
Virtual Programs
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center continues to play an active part in the environmental education and conservation communities through virtual programming. By making educational resources available on our website and through social media, we hope to encourage individuals and families to pursue their own personal conservation missions from home, your own back yard, the beach, or anywhere you can get outdoors and enjoy nature. See below for a list of available virtual programs and presentations!
Select the Virtual Program Below to learn more!
Beachcombing Gumbo Limbo Style!
One of our most popular pre-quarantine programs at Gumbo Limbo was Beach Treasures, a lecture at the Center followed by beachcombing with the experts at Red Reef Park! Well, you and your family can still enjoy the beaches together and we can help! This self-guided program will provide the knowledge and incentive to get out, enjoy the beach, find cool natural treasures, and help wildlife all at the same time.
Watch the video below to join us for a tour of the beach at Red Reef Park, with a conservation twist. You will learn beachcombing tips and how to identify cool beach treasures using our free Gumbo Limbo Beachcombing Guide. Now you are ready to head out on your own beach treasure hunt!