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 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. Special programs do require a nominal fee.
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 officially 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.
Gumbo Limbo 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.
The Nature Center's marine aquariums showcase tens of thousands of gallons full of plants and animals native to this environment. These habitats serve as a vital nursery ground for many fish and other organisms, plus visitors can view feedings at the aquariums. The Center also sponsors the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation facility where you can visit recovering patients. See free Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings daily at 12:30 p.m. and learn about marine creatures, their habits and habitat (weather permitting).
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
Plus, don't forget to check out the volunteer opportunities.
Check the Center's 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.
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Also read our post about other scenic parks and natural areas plus more activities at the Nature Center.
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