December Hammock Happenings E-News

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. Ages 7-adult, children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a paid adult. Sessions are identical. Separate registration and payment required for each.
Cost per person: Resident/Member $7, Non-resident/Non-member $10

Saturday, December 14

Morning: 10:00-11:30 am

Afternoon: 1:00-2:30 pm

Animal Adventures Day Camp
Winter Break for Grades 1-3
Join us during school breaks to explore topics in science and nature. Register for one, two, or all three days!

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, December 30, 31, January 2, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Day 1, December 30 – Shark Science: Learn about the fascinating lives of sharks through shark themed activities and lessons. Register for Day 1
Day 2, December 31 – Animal Anomalies: Frogfish, octopus, flounder and more! We’ll learn all about special animals with amazing adaptations. Register for Day 2
Day 3, January 2 – Sensational Sea Turtles: Come discover these extraordinary reptiles and why they love living in Florida. Register for Day 3
Cost per child per day: Resident/Member $25, Non-resident/Non-member $30. Sign-up for each day individually. Online registration closes 48 hours before this class (Day 1). Program may be cancelled due to registration below-minimum required number.

Holiday Closures
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and all property will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (11/28) , Christmas Day (12/25) and New Year’s Day (1/1). We are open regular hours on all other days.

December Programs
Search our online Program Listings and learn about our new program registration procedures.

The Art of Nature
Do you look at clouds and see images of animals? Does the rustling of leaves in the wind sound like a symphony? We will make ephemeral art, learn to take thoughtful nature photos, and capture the beauty of nature on canvas. Program for adults and families.

Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 1, 10:00-11:00am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $8
Reservations required
Little Wonders
Join us for stories, laughter, and fun, as we learn about everything under the sun! Gumbo Limbo, a great place to explore; aquariums, trails, gardens, and more! Make a craft, meet an animal, take in the scene; come back every month for a brand-new theme!

Ages 3-4 with an adult.
December 7, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $8
Reservations recommended
Nature Detectives
“Why’s the sky blue? Why are plants green? What’s inside an egg? What does it all mean?” There is no end to a child’s questions! Become a Nature Detective with your novice naturalist as we investigate the mysteries of the world around us.

Ages 5-7 with an adult.
December 7, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $8
Reservations recommended
Intracoastal Adventures – Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
A whole new way to see the Intracoastal! Stand-up paddling offers a new perspective of the water below. Join us for a fun paddle along the mangroves as we look for fish, turtles, and stingrays!

Ages 12-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 8, 9:00-10:30am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20, Non-resident/Non-member $25
Reservations required
Beach Treasures
Sand dollars? Sponges? Oh, what treasures you may find… sea beans, coral, shells and more; see what the sea has left behind! Meet at the Center to learn about shells and sea life; caravan to Red Reef Beach Park, for beachcombing with the experts!

All ages; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 11, 3:00-4:30pm
Reservations recommended
Intracoastal Adventures – Canoeing
Nature-lovers, discover the magic of the mangroves with a Gumbo Limbo guide on a canoe paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway. Must be experienced at canoeing and be able to get into and out of a canoe without assistance. 2-3 people per canoe.

Ages 6-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 15, 9:00-10:30am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20, Non-resident/Non-member $25
Reservations required
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.

Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
December 19, 8:30 am
Reservations not required
Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Join us for a kayak tour as we learn about the fascinating wildlife that calls the Intracoastal home. Must have kayaking experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak without assistance. 1-2 people per double kayak.

Ages 6-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 21, 9:00-10:30am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20, Non-resident/Non-member $25
Reservations required
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. Program for adults and families.

Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
December 22, 11:00am-12:00pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $5, Non-resident/Non-member $8
Reservations required
S’more Science
Join us for this fun campfire program in our garden amphitheater with a yummy treat. Each month will host a different topic.

All ages; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult.
Sunday, December 22, 5:00-6:00pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $3, Non-resident/Non-member $5
Reservations required
Recurring Programs
Guided Nature Walk
Join us for a FREE guided walk along the Ashley Trail, a quarter-mile natural trail that winds through the Butterfly Garden, Coastal Hammock, and Mangroves, to a sandy beach by the Intracoastal. Observe local flora and fauna as your naturalist guides you on this island exploration.

All ages; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00-12:00 pm
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings
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 daily feeding presentations.

All ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by 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?

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