Prepare to become nature lovers when you move to South Florida. You’ll fit right in.
Seven nature centers in Palm Beach County alone are not trendy new venues. Most are mainstays in public parks that have served their communities for years. Their reptile and marine residents, conservation efforts and extensive programming, especially for tots to teens, reflect the mindset here. Parks & Recreation
Some nature centers and areas require a reservation and charge a small fee for classes. Each has its own set of rules, hours and parent advisories.
– Daggerwing Nature Center operated by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, located in South County Regional Park, western Boca Raton. Animal feedings and talks free. Classes include butterflies, birding, orienteering with a naturalist, weather and introduction to archery.
– Green Cay Nature Center operated by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, west of Boynton Beach. Animal encounters and guided boardwalk tours free. Classes include bird talk and tour, birds of prey, butterfly talk and tour, animal keeper for a day, reptiles and amphibians, night stalkers.
– Gumbo Limbo Nature Center cooperative project of city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University, and two other partners, located at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd. Draws more than 200,000 visitors for their boardwalk, open from dawn to dusk, and aquarium, sea turtle rehab, and programs in the indoor and open-air center with separate hours. Recently opened Jacob’s Outlook 40-foot fully accessible observation tower. Center also organizes beach cleanings.
– MacArthur Beach Nature Center, in MacArthur Beach State Park, the only state park in Palm Beach County, north of Singer Island, North Palm Beach, natural history exhibits including seagrass and manatee, outdoor sea turtle tank, beach and dune, dolphins, undersea reef room, mangrove.
– Okeeheelee Nature Center operated by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, located in Okeeheelee Park at 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, west of West Palm Beach. Live animal and alligator feedings free; classes on archery for beginners and advanced, night hikes with the Astronomical Society.
– Riverbend Park operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, located at 9060 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. One-hour guided walks with naturalist walks free, reptile meet-and-greet free, classes include south Florida mammals, night hikes, archery, wetland dip netting.
– Sandoway Discovery Center, Non-profit center at 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, with 15,000- gallon reef pool, large shell collection, special events such as Earth Day and beach clean-ups, children’s activity room, butterfly garden and more.
