Posted by: If you're on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. And best of all, admission is free!
Credit: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton
There is no charge for general admission. The facility is supported by the taxpayers in the City of Boca Raton and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. If you would like to make a donation to help support the animals, programs, and exhibits, you may do so at the Welcome Desk. Some programs and special activities do require a nominal fee.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton has nature trails to explore.
Without a fee, you can visit the butterfly garden, the shaded Ashley Trail loop, and the authentic Seminole tiki that offer great views of the water. You can also get a close-up view of fish and stingrays in their four large and lighted outdoor aquariums. Plus, there is a boardwalk offering a closer look at nature without getting your feet wet.
Observation Tower, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
The Observation Tower is open
Rising 40 feet above the coastal hammock forest, Jacob’s Outlook features an ADA accessible 700-foot switchback ramp and offers a birds-eye view of Boca Raton’s barrier island. From the top of Jacob’s Outlook you can admire the lush forest, views of the Intracoastal waterway, and the ocean breezes above the quiet hammock below.
Gopher turtles at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Photo courtesy of Lisa Jacobs.
Stroll the Boardwalk: Take in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature along the Gumbo Limbo Boardwalk. The half-mile-round trip takes you through the Coastal Hammock Forest under a canopy of trees.
Boardwalk at Gumbo Limbo through the Coastal Hammock Forest. Photo courtesy of Lisa Jacobs.
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding:
Daily at 12:30-12:50 p.m., weather permitting
Learn about the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities and how 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. Free, for all ages. Reservations not required. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Outdoor aquariums at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.
Recurring weekly or monthly activities include the following; some are free, others require nominal fees:
- Beachcombing
- Citizen Science Squad for ages 9-13
- Early Birding with Al for ages 10 and above
- A Walk in the Hammock
- Little Wonders for ages 3-4
- Nature Detectives for ages 5-6
- The Science of Nature for ages 7-8
- Golden Hour Guided Tour
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Don't forget to check out the volunteer opportunities.
Early Birding with Al
8:30-10 a.m. on select Thursdays
Here's your chance to pick up some new outdoor skills or sharpen the old ones. Learn about native and migratory birds from an experienced birder, as you walk the Ashley Trail and the boardwalk in search of warblers, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, and other avian species. Wear your walking shoes and binoculars are recommended. It's free. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center. Reservations not required. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. For ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Repeats monthly (seasonal); check calendar for schedule.
Visit the online calendar for an updated list of activities.
Visiting hours for the Nature Center: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Monday noon-4 p.m.; closed on federal holidays.
PARKING: There is free parking onsite for Gumbo Limbo visitors only. There is no beach parking permitted at the Center. Additional parking is available in the Red Reef West parking lot, at the south end of the boardwalk with metered parking.
Trails are wheelchair accessible. For more information, including accessibility options, call (561) 544-8605.
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd. (A1A) in Boca Raton. For the latest information on what’s open in Boca Raton parks visit, gumbolimbo.org to become an a Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward and myboca.us for details for ongoing Center activities.
NOTE: All events are subject to change or cancellation. We suggest you confirm details before heading out.
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Also read our post about other scenic parks and natural areas …plus other Free or Cheap Things to do …
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