October and Halloween Happenings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

October Hammock Happenings E-News
Halloween is Happening!
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). Kids enjoy a “chilling” trick-or-treat snack at the end! Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited; insect repellent suggested. Advanced reservations are required. Reservations begin October 1.

Ages 2-6; must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, October 24; 4:30-5:30 pm or 5:30-6:30 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $10; Non-resident/Non-member $13
Cost per adult: Free with participating child.

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’ll 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. Advanced reservations are required. Reservations begin October 1.

Adults and children 7 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Saturday, October 30, 7:30
Pick your time slot for your 30-minute tour: 7:30 (not so dark), 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm, and 9:30 (VERY dark!)
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $10; Non-resident/Non-member $13

Nature Programs
We have added more onsite programs – check them out! 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.

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. Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, October 28, 8:30-10:00 am
Reservations not required.
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! Visit our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and end 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, Thursdays, and Fridays; October 5, 7, 8, 19, 21, 22; 6:00 -7:30 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo $10; Non-resident/Non-member $13
Advanced reservations are required.
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. October’s topic is Creepy Critters – Learn why creepy critters are not so scary and are often helpful to humans! Students will be divided into age groups; 3-5 years (parent stays with child), 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups. Parents stay ONLY with ages 3-5.

Wednesday, October 20, 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
Cost per Child: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5 (siblings $3), Non-resident/Non-Member $8 (siblings $5).
Advanced reservations are required.
Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores 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 an adult.
Saturday, October 9, 12:00-1:30 pm; Sunday, October 3, 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20, Non-resident/Non-member $25
Advanced reservations are required.
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, October 23, 12:00-1:30 pm; Sunday, October 17, 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20; Non-resident/Non-member $25
Advanced reservations are required.
Little Wonders and Nature Detectives
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! What’s that spooky sound at night? Critters hiding out of sight. Don’t be afraid, they are not scary once you get to know them a little better! Learn all about nocturnal animals beginning with a story time in the amphitheater, a fun activity, and a critter craft to take home! We cannot wait to see “HOO” will be there!

Saturday, October 16
10:00-11:00 am – Little Wonders (ages 3-4)
12:00-1:00 pm – Nature Detectives (ages 5-6)
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8, Non-resident/Non-member $10
No cost for adult (one adult per family)
Advanced reservations are 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 a registered adult.
Sunday, October 10, 10:00 -11:00 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; Non-resident/Non-member $8
Advanced reservations are required.
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
The Gift Shop is closed on Monday.

Holiday Hours: We will be open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Monday, October 11.

Nature Trails
Sunday – Saturday, 7:00 am – Sunset
Restrooms are not available when the nature center is closed.