October Happenings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center October 2022

The City of Boca Raton Recreation Services Department is excited to announce the return of Boca Boo Days! Check out the Boca Boo Days webpage to learn all about the fun activities for all ages at many recreation facilities around the City. At Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, we are excited to offer Halloween in the Garden for ages 2-6, and Haunted Hammock for ages 7 though adult.

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.

Advanced reservations are required.
All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesdays: October 11, October 25; 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 9-13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Saturday: October 22, 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

Early Birding with Al
Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones! 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.

Reservations are NOT required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.
All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Thursday: October 27, 8:30-10:00 am
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.

Advanced reservations are required.
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

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.

Advanced reservations are required.
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
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Member $10; Non-resident/Non-member $13
Home School Workshops
Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students. Participate in science activities prepared 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.

Advanced reservations are required
Wednesday: October 19, 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).

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 familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn 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: October 16, 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: October 22, 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: October 8, 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/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: October 15, 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: October 15, 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

Free Daily Programs
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