Environmental 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.
• Tuesdays: November 15, December 13; 2:00-3:30 pm
• Friday: December 9; 2:00-3:30 pm

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: September 24, October 22. November 26, December 24; 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 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.
• Thursdays: September 29, October 27, November 17, December 29; 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 from November through April in the Community Room at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton.  

• Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free monthly programs; please call (561)544-8605 to reserve. 
• Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Wednesdays, November 30, December 28; 6:30-8:00 pm

Golden Hour Guided Tours

Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, and lighted outdoor aquariums, beginning with peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway.  Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail, please call if you have accessibility questions.  

• Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
• Tuesdays: November 8, November 22; 5:00-6:30 pm
• Friday: November 18; 5:00-6:30 pm
• Cost per person:  City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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 cancelled.

Gumbo Limbo Aglow!   

‘Tis the SEAS’n at Gumbo Limbo!  Experience holiday ambiance with a special evening visit to our “glowing” outdoor aquariums and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility.  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.

Registration begins for Residents/Members on October 18 and for all others on November 1.

• 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.
• Tuesdays:   December 6, December 20; 6:00-7:30 pm 
• Fridays: December 16, December 30; 6:00-7:30 pm
• Cost per Person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $14; All others $17.50

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. 

• Ages 2-6; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Sunday, October 23, 4:30 -5:30 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm (register for either time slot).
• Cost per child:  City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards 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 cancelled.

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 suggested.  

• Adults and children 7 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian. 
• Friday, 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. 
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Member $10; Non-resident/Non-member $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 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. 

• Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years.  Younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups.  Parents/guardians stay ONLY with ages 3-5.
• Wednesdays: September 21, October 19, November 16; 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 Stewards Member $5 (siblings $3), All others $8 (siblings $5).

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. 

• All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).
• Saturday, September 17, 8:00-11:00 am

Pre-registration is required and begins September 1. Call (561) 544-8606 to reserve your spot; space is limited to the first 200 to pre-register.   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 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: September 25, October 16, November 6, December 4; 10:00-11:30 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: October 22; 9:30-11:00 am
• Sunday Sunset Paddle: December 18; 3:30-5:00 pm
• 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.

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.
• Saturdays: September 24, October 8, November 19, December 17; 9:00-10:30 am
• Sunday: September 18, November 13, December 11; 9:00-10:30 am 
• Full Moon Paddle: Sunday, October 9; 7:30-9:00 pm (Adults only) 
• 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: September 17, October 15, November 12, December 10
• 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.

Ornaments Naturally

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.  

• Advanced reservations are required bit.ly/GLNC_60.  Separate registration and payment required for each session.
• Ages 7-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.  Saturday, December 3; 10:00-11:30 am or 1:00-2:30 pm 
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/ Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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 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.

Sea Turtle Camp

Do you have a budding conservationist?  Fall break and Winter break can be fun and educational!  Sign them up for Sea Turtle Camp where they will learn about the importance of caring for and protecting sea turtles and other marine life.  Sign up for one, two, or all three days!

• Ages 6-8: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; November 21, 22, 23; 8:30 am-12:00 pm
• Ages 9-12: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; December 27, 28, 29; 8:30 am-12:00 pm
• Cost per child per day: Resident/Member $30; All others $35

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac unless otherwise indicated.  If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions.  Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.  Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.  A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.  A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards.

Sea Turtle Talk 

Get the inside scoop on our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility.  Last year, over 100 sea turtle patients were treated at Gumbo Limbo.  Meet some of our current patients and hear their stories.  Why are they here?  What can you do to help?  Meet in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for a free presentation.

• All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
• Daily at 2:00 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!  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!

• Little Wonders & Nature Detectives (Recordings for past Programs)
• Virtual Tours

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!