Environmental Programs
- Beach Treasures
- Citizen Science Squad
- Early Birding with Al
- Intracoastal Adventures Kayaking & Canoeing
- Little Wonders & Nature Detectives
- The Science of Nature
- Tales Under the Trees; Storytime for Children
- A Walk in the Hammock
- Virtual Programs
Beach Treasures
Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. Warm sunshine, cool breezes, sand between your toes, the sound of the surf, 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! Call 561-544-8605 to register.
- All ages; children/minors must participate with an adult.
- Friday: June 17; 9:00-10:30 am
- 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 and up; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
- Saturdays: May 28, June 25; 2:00-3:00 pm
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $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. 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. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center. Reservations not required. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
- Adults and children 10 and up; children/minors must participate with an adult.
- Thursday, May 26, 8:30 -10:00 am
- Cost per person: Free!
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 not suitable for first time 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 tangled trails? This program is for you! In preparation for our more experienced canoeing adventure, we provide an opportunity for you 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: 12-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and paddle with a registered adult.
- Sunday, May 15, 9:00-10:30 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20; Non-resident/Non-Member $25
Advanced Canoeing
This program is for experienced canoers who are comfortable steering and maneuvering a canoe, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic, and paddling narrow mangrove trails under and around branches, roots and logs. Canoes hold 2-3 people (single canoers will be paired with staff or another single participant).
- Ages 12-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
- Saturdays: May 7, June 11; 9:00-10:30 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20; Non-resident/Non-Member $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.
Advanced Kayaking
This program is for experienced kayakers who are comfortable paddling in a single or tandem kayak, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic and paddling narrow mangrove trails under and 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: May 21, June 25; 9:00-10:30 am
- Fridays: May 27, June 10; 6:00-7:30 pm
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20 per person; Non-resident/Non-Member $25
Little Wonders and Nature Detectives
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! These children's programs allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through monthly themed storytimes, 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.
- Saturdays: June 11
- Time: 10:00 am - Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)
- Time: 12:00 pm - Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)
- Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8, Non-resident/Non-member $10
- Cost per Adult: Free (one adult per family)
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.
The Science of Nature
What is the name of the science that studies insects and spiders? What does a dendrologist do? Come find out for yourself! We will explore the science of nature and conduct some scientific experiments and activities of our own. Monthly program for adults and families.
- Adults and children ages 7 and up; children/minors must participate with a registered adult.
- Sunday: May 29; 10:00 -11:00 am
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $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 canceled.
Tales Under the Trees; Storytime for Children
Join us in the amphitheater today for story time adventures of fish, mammals, reptiles, plants, and more! Stay for a fun learning activity at the end. No registration required.
- Ages: Families with children (first book for younger, second book for older children)
- Sundays: May 8, May 29; 1:00-1:30 pm
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.
A Walk in the Hammock
Join us for a guided nature walk along our quarter-mile boardwalk trail that meanders through the beautiful hammock forest and along the magnificent mangroves by the Intracoastal. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this woodland habitat, interrupted only by the sounds of birds, the antics of squirrels, and the occasional visit of a fox, raccoon, or skunk.
- Ages: All ages; children/minors must participate with an adult.
- Tuesdays: May 24; 9:30-10:30 am.
- Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; Non-resident/Non-member $5 (Under 3 years 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.
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! Visit At Home with Gumbo Limbo for additional activities your family can do together in your own backyard!
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!