December Happenings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

December Hammock Happenings E-News
Nature Programs
We have added more onsite programs, including after-hours guided tours and Sea Turtle Camp! Advanced reservations are required through Webtrac; see our website for instructions. Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

Beach Treasures
We’re back, live and in person! Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. 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! Call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.

All ages: children/minors must participate with a registered adult.
Wednesday, December 15, 2:00-3:30 pm
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. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center. Reservations not required.

Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, December 30, 8:30-10:00 am
Golden Hour Guided Tours
Gumbo Limbo is open and back in full swing, but here is a tip for missing some of the happy crowds – Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and ending with breathtaking sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the beach by our Seminole Chiki. 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 and Fridays; December 7, 10, 21; 5:00-6:30 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $10; All others $13
Intracoastal Adventures – Canoeing
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 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.

Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Saturday, December 4; Sunday, December 19; 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo 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.

Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday, December 5; 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20; All others $25
Little Wonders
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! This monthly children’s program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through story times, explorations, and crafts.

Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday, December 11; 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10
Cost per adult: Free
Nature Detectives
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! This monthly children’s program will be held outdoors and will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through story times, explorations, and crafts.

Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday, December 11; 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10
Cost per adult: Free
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 9-12: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday December 27, 28, 29; 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Cost per child per day: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $30; All other $35
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 a registered adult.
Sunday, December 12, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; All others $8

Gumbo Limbo’s New Hours
Nature Center, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, and Aquariums
Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Holiday Hours: We will be closed on December 25 and January 1.

Nature Trails
Sunday – Saturday, 7:00 am – Sunset (closed December 25 and January 1)
Restrooms are not available when the nature center is closed.