Admission is always free at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
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.
At Gumbo Limbo, you can watch fish feeding, sea turtle enrichment, crafting, and learn from outreach partners, plus treats available for purchase. Take family and friends for activities and educational experiences with experts ready to answer questions about marine life, sustainability, and conservation.
All ages welcome, no admission or registration required. Parking is limited; visitors are encouraged to use carpooling, bicycling, rideshare, or using the Boca Connect service.
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.
Here's a list of some of the ongoing free things to do and see:
Island Treks
Visitors will be guided on a short trek along the shaded boardwalk through our tropical hardwood hammock forest, pausing for some intracoastal views through the mangroves. Island Treks will conclude with breathtaking views atop the observation tower (ramp is ADA accessible). Reservations are not required for this FREE program. Walk-ins are welcome!
- All ages are welcome. Parent/guardian must participate with minors.
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m.
Nature Connections
Join us for our new, free weekend talks! Get in touch with the wild side of Florida. Meet in the amphitheater for a short presentation featuring our native flora and fauna. Registration is not required for this free program. Walk-ins are welcome!
- All ages are welcome. Parent/guardian must participate with minors.
- Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats? Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life while watching our animals be fed during these free daily presentations.
Reservations are not required for this FREE program. Walk-ins are welcome!
- All ages are welcome. Parent/guardian must participate with minors.
- Daily, 12:30 p.m.
Resident Sea Turtle Talk
Gumbo Limbo’s aquariums are home to three resident sea turtles, whose injuries prevent them from ever returning to the ocean. Hear their stories, learn how we care for them, and watch as our staff engages them in daily enrichment activities during these free presentations. Reservations are not required for this FREE program. Walk-ins are welcome!
- All ages are welcome. Parent/guardian must participate with minors.
- Daily, 1 p.m.
Some programs and special activities do require a nominal fee or request registration due to limied space, etc.
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.
The Observation Tower
Rising 40 feet above the coastal hammock forest, Jacob’s Outlook features an ADA accessible 700-foot switchback ramp and offers a bird's-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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Visit the website for specific details, recommendations, reservations and costs, etc.
Nature Trail, Boardwalk, and Tower Hours
Monday – Sunday: 7 a.m. to sunset
Gumbo Limbo After Hours Tours
Enjoy an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and lighted outdoor aquariums, including peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail.
NOTE: All events are subject to change or cancellation. We suggest you confirm details before heading out.
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