Environmental Programs
- Beach Treasures
- Early Birding with Al
- EcoWatch Lecture Series
- Golden Hour Guided Tours
- Gumbo Limbo Aglow!
- Gumbo Limbo Winter Break Camp
- Home School Workshops
- Intracoastal Adventures Kayaking & Canoeing
- Little Wonders & Nature Detectives
- Ornaments Naturally
- Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
- 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.
- Tuesday: December 12, January 23; 2:00-3:30 pm
- Friday: February 9, 2:00-3:30 pm
- Thursday: February 22, 2:00-3:30 pm
- Cost: Free
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.
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: December 28, January 25, February 22; 8:30-10:00 am
Reservations not required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.
Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
EcoWatch Lecture Series – On the Cutting Edge of Conservation!
Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.
- Adults and children ages 13 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Wednesday: December 27, January 24, February 28; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
- Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs; please call (561)544-8605 to reserve.
Upcoming Talks
December 27, 2023
Leneita Fix – The Reef Institute, Executive Director
January 24, 2024
Dr. Mike Jenkins - Geosyntec Senior Coastal Engineering Principal
February 28, 2024
Dr. Chelsea Bennice – Florida Atlantic University
Octopus Research: Behavior, Bacteria, and Beyond!
March 27, 2024
Hannah Medd - American Shark Conservancy
April 24, 2024
Jessica Pate - Founder Florida Manta Project
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.
- Fridays:
- January 12, 5:15-6:45 pm
- January 26, 5:30-7:00 pm
- February 16, 5:45-7:15 pm
- Tuesdays:
- January 16, 5:15-6:45 pm
- January 30, 5:30-7:00 pm
- February 6, 5:30-7:00 pm
- February 20, 5:45-7:15 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 Aglow!
‘Tis the Seas’n at Gumbo Limbo! Experience holiday ambiance with a special evening visit to our “glowing” outdoor aquariums. Discover what goes on in the aquariums at night after the regular visitors have gone! Enjoy holiday refreshments, yard games, and a festive photo op with our mascot, Luna.
- All ages (children under 2 free; children 2 and up must be registered); children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
- Sunday: December 3; Fridays: December 8, December 15, December 22; 6:00-7:30 pm
- Cost per person: Resident/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 canceled.
Gumbo Limbo School-Break Camps
Gumbo Limbo Winter Break Camp
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.
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.
- Wednesday: January 17, February 21; 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.
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.
- Saturday: January 6; 10:00-11:30 am
Sunday: February 4; 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: December 9; 9:30 am-11:00 am
- Sunday: January 21, 9:30 am-11:00 am
- Saturday: February 17, 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.
- Sunday: December 10; 9:00-10:30 am
- Saturday: December 23; 9:00-10:30 am
- Sunday: January 7, February 18; 9:00-10:30 am
- Saturday: January 20, February 3; 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.
- Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)
- Saturday: January 13, February 17; 10:00-10:45 am
- Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)
- Saturday: January 13, February 17; 11:30 am-12:15 pm
- 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.
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!