August Happenings @ Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Advanced reservations are required (unless otherwise indicated); see our website. Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

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.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
  • Tuesdays: August 9, August 23; 9:30-10:30 am
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8 (under 3 years, free)

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.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 9 and up; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
  • Saturday, August 27, 2:00-3:00 pm
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $5; All others $8

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).

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Adults and children ages 10 and up; parents/guardians must register and participate with minors.
  • Saturday, August 13, 10:00-11:30 am
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $15; All others $19

Intracoastal Adventures – Intro to Canoeing

Not experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and tangled canoe trails? Then 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.  2-3 people per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 12-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
  • Sunday, August 21, 10:00-11:30 am
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Advanced Canoeing

Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the mangrove and estuary ecosystems. Must have canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a canoe without assistance. 2-3 per canoe, single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant. These programs are not appropriate for inexperienced paddlers; paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 12-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
  • Saturday, August 27, 9:30 -11:00 am
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking

Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have kayaking experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak without assistance. Single/double kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 7-adult; each child under 12 must be accompanied by one parent/guardian in a double kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
  • Saturday, August 6, 9:00-10:30 am; Sunday, August 7, 10:00-11:30 am; Friday, August 19, 6:00-7:30 pm
  • Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $20; All others $25

Little Wonders

This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
  • Saturday, August 20, 10:00-11:00 am
  • Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $8; All others $10

Nature Detectives

This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
  • Saturday, August 20, 12:00-1:00 pm
  • Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $8; All others $10

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

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