Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors.
Daggerwing features a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall with live animals, butterfly garden, art gallery and an elevated boardwalk with two trails. Stop along your walk at the observation tower and catch a glimpse of a variety of winged creatures, such as ospreys, woodpeckers and butterflies (including the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly, their namesake). You might even see turtles and alligators.
Photo: Courtesy of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation: Daggerwing Nature Center – View from Tower
Daggerwing is located within Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, 11435 Park Access Road in West Boca Raton. For more information call, 561-629-8760. Reservations are required for ALL programs (unless otherwise noted). All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form and COVID-19 Waiver before each program. Click here to register and pay for programs. (New users must create a household account online-please follow online instructions.)
Hours:
Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday–Tuesday
The Boardwalk is open daily, from sunrise to sunset.
Take advantage of their upcoming activities.
JUNE:
INVASIVE SPECIES
Saturday, June 5, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Discover how you can help conserve our local natural resources while learning more about exotic and invasive plants and the animals that live here in Florida.
FISHING FUN
Friday, June 25, 10 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Dive into fun with freshwater fishing. Learn the basics from fishing pole techniques, casting tips, and freshwater fish identification. All fishing supplies are provided. Make sure to bring a water bottle, sun protection, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet and muddy.
FLORIDA ANIMALS
Saturday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Meet live animals that make their home here in Florida. Discover how these native creatures adapt to survive in the various habitats found right here in our home state.
INTRO TO ARCHERY
Tuesday, June 29, 10 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Meet up with USA Archery and N.F.A.A. certified staff to learn something new about the thrilling sport of archery. Learn about the sport including archery safety skills and the correct way to use a bow and arrow before heading out to practice on the range.
JULY
FLORIDA ANIMALS
Thursday, July 8, 1:30 p.m.
Ages 5+, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Come in and live the wildlife. Meet live animals that live right here in Florida. Explore how these native creatures are adapted to survive in the various habitats found right here at home.
RADICAL REPTILES
Wednesday, July 14, 10 a.m.
Ages 5+, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Get ready for family fun. Join a naturalist for a program that’s all about the amazing world of reptiles. Find out all about these diverse scaly creatures by getting close up and personal with some of the resident reptiles.
DIP NETTING
Saturday, July 17, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Ever wonder what’s going on under the water? Find out what creatures naturally live in the water of our wetlands. Discover and collect tiny pond animals and observe and identify your findings. Make sure to bring a water bottle, wear sun protection and closed-toed shoes that can get wet, dirty and muddy.
DAGGERWING VISITS THE LIBRARY VIRTUALLY: ANIMAL TAILS
Tuesday, July 20, 3:30 p.m.
Ages 8+, FREE (Reservations required)
This special virtual program features the nature center’s resident animal ambassadors. Call the West Boca Branch Library for details and RSVP at (561) 470-1600.
INTRO TO ARCHERY
Thursday, July 22, 10 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Discover the wonderful sport of archer with USA Archery and N.F.A.A. certified staff. Learn archery safety skills, how to correctly use a bow and arrow and then enjoy practicing out on the range.
FISHING FUN
Friday, July 30, 10 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Get ready for fishing fun and learn the basics of freshwater fishing. The class includes fishing pole basics, casting tips and how to identify freshwater fish. All fishing supplies are provided. Please bring your own water bottle, wear sun protection and closed-toed shoes that can get wet and muddy.
SENSATIONAL SNAKES
Saturday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $3/participant (Reservations required)
Get up close and personal with snakes. Learn all about snakes and discover how to identify the most common snakes found right here in southern Florida.
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