Celebrate autumn’s arrival with recreational and educational activities returning to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and its surrounding natural habitats. From September to November, guests of all ages can engage in immersive, outdoor activities to ocean-themed arts and crafts.
Hatchling Discovery Program
Start the day by witnessing a live sea turtle nest excavation while logging scientific data. The program begins with a brief beach walk and ecology introduction to educate guests on identifying sea turtle crawls, nesting, and the hatching process. If a sea turtle nest is located, guests will witness trained staff excavate the eggs and release any healthy hatchlings found along the way. The free program is available Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through September and is open to guests ages 10 and older.
Early Access Tours
Experience a 1-hour tour of the center before opening. Meet sea turtle patients and explore the outdoor hospital while gaining a deeper understanding of the turtles’ journeys. This program begins October 1 and is available Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9 a.m. Admission is $25 and tours are open to guests ages 8 and older.
Junior Veterinary Lab
Starting October 2, children can be sea turtle veterinarians for the day as they “rehabilitate” their own green sea turtle replicas, while learning about common injuries and illnesses. The program is available Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and is free for children ages 6 to 10.
Hatchling Tales Story Time
This free 30-minute program for children ages 5 and younger includes an ocean-inspired story time and a themed drawing activity. Story time is available Sundays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Juno Dunes Natural Area Hike
Enjoy the great outdoors with 45-minute hikes into the coastal hammock habitat next to Loggerhead starting October 4. Led by an experienced naturalist, the excursion teaches about the importance of coastal ecosystems and identifying plants and animals. Hikes take place on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and are free for guests of all ages.
Kids Fishing Program
Children ages 10 to 14 will learn how to fish responsibly at the Juno Beach Pier during this program that covers basic techniques, including knot tying, casting, fish handling, and catch-and-release methods. Bait and equipment will be provided and is supported by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County. The program kicks off November 2 and continues on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Admission is $10.
Living Beaches
Beginning November 4, the Living Beaches program returns to provide hands-on learning and guided beach excursions. Participants will partake in a classroom session before heading to the beach to explore the origins of Southeast Florida’s seashells and marine life. The program takes place on Mondays and is free to guests ages 8 and older.
Sensory Saturdays
On the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m., adults and children with autism spectrum disorder and additional sensory needs can explore the outdoor hospital and indoor exhibits with reduced lighting and sound. Guests also have the chance to check out sensory backpacks and participate in a variety on hands-on activities and experiences just for them.
Little Naturalists
This early learning program takes children through a local nature trail to explore the sights, sounds, textures, and colors of the wild. The 45-minute program incorporates hands-on activities and stories into each child’s adventure along the trail. The program takes place on Thursdays beginning November 7, and is $5 for children ages 2 to 5.
For more information, visit marinelife.org/experiences.
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