Free special events at Manatee Lagoon

Sensory Saturdays at Manatee Lagoon, Riviera Beach

On the third weekend of each month, Manatee Lagoon hosts Sensory Saturdays for family members who prefer an inclusive experience with softer lighting, less noise, and still a lot of fun from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free; advanced registration required.

Fun fact: Did you know the manatee's closest living mammal is the elephant?

Manatee Lagoon on Riviera Beach in Palm Beach County has been a must-see place for residents and visitors since it was built in 2016. It is more than just a museum with exhibits and gift shop, it also hosts programs, lectures and show films to educate the public on its ecological mission to help preserve the Florida manatee and conserve the habitats and environment in which it thrives.

Plus, this attraction provides access to live endangered mammals during the season, so visitors can see for themselves, up close and personal, what these docile sea cows are like, where they live, what they eat and how special they are. Scroll down for details on Sensory Saturdays each month.

credit: Manatee Lagoon

Every third Saturday in 2024, from 8 to 9 a.m.

Sensory Saturdays: Manatee Lagoon will host a series of ongoing Sensory Saturdays, an initiative to create a welcoming environment for individuals with autism and related disabilities, as well as those with sensory sensitivities.

The center will adjust lighting and sound levels, and will provide sensory-friendly kits with activities tailored to individual needs. Free admission; registration recommended RSVP here due to limited space.

Sensory kits will also be available for checkout at the welcome desk. Each sensory kit is a backpack that contains the following items:

Sunglasses
Noise canceling earmuffs
Fidget toy
Weighted manatee plushie

Manatee Fest in the Manatee Lagoon Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.

In Florida, manatee season begins on Nov. 15 and runs through March 31, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the season. The attraction is open year-round, however it is closed on Mondays from April 1 to Nov. 14.

Manatee Lagoon is at 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. For more information call 561-626-2833 or visit visitmanateelagoon.com.