KIDS & FAMILIES

PERFECT PAINT PAIRS

Seasonal
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Perfect Paint Pairs: A Colorful Escape for Every Duo

Bring your favorite partner-in-creativity for a Saturday watercolor adventure at Rookery Bay! Perfect Paint Pairs is designed for all kinds of duos including mom and child (ages 9+), grandma and grandkid, siblings, best friends or even couples looking for a fun and unique experience. Explore the colorful world of Rookery Bay’s coastal wildlife together. Paint fish, manatees, sea stars and more with step-by-step guidance from Artist Jan Deswik. No experience is needed! Each pair will create their own postcard while sharing laughs, learning about local wildlife and making memories to take home.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: $50.00 per pair, includes all materials

Location: Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples FL 34113

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STUDENT INSTITUTE FOR MARINE SCIENCE

Year-Round
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MARINE SCIENCE CAMP: STUDENT INSTITUTE FOR MARINE SCIENCE

Be a Marine Scientist this summer with Rookery Bay Research Reserve! Join us for a perfect half-day marine science camp for 7th to 10th grade students who want to get hands-on with marine life and learn from real scientists. This flexible camp is filled with nature and science activities including time in Rookery Bay’s labs. Discover the birds, sharks, sea turtles and other amazing wildlife that call Rookery Bay’s amazing coastal habitat home. Each camp day will have a unique experience including lab programs in shark research, plankton and water quality, birding basics and much more.  Every camp day will also include a look at the mission and wildlife conservation efforts of Rookery Bay and exposure to the research and monitoring of the coastal estuary environment.
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Applications closed, all camperships have been awarded
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For questions, call 239-530-5972.

This program was made possible with funding support from the Friends of Rookery Bay!

ROOKERY BAY COMMUNITY DAY

May 2, 2026
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Rookery Bay Community Day

Rediscover Rookery Bay Research Reserve on Rookery Bay Community Day. The annual FREE event will feature family fun for everyone!
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VIRTUAL FAMILY FUN

All Year
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Virtual Family Fun

Adults and children of all ages will discover the wonders of our coastal environment, engaging in a wide array of educational activities and events offered throughout the year.

Get your hands on virtual resources to help your kids continue their education about Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Content includes worksheets, quizzes, videos and more. Your adventure awaits.

Virtual Activities

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

November 15, 2025
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November 2025

Annual Classic Car Show

Presented by Carter Fence
Attention car enthusiasts! Join us at Florida SouthWestern State College for this annual event in support of Friends of Rookery Bay. Building on the success of our prior car shows featuring more than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high performance cars, this year’s event includes 20+ vendors, entertainment, and family/dog-friendly activities for all ages.

Cash-only admission.
$10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12. Children 3 & under are free.

Location:
Florida SouthWestern State College
7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples 34113

Date
November 15, 2025

Time
9:00am – 2:00pm

Register Your Car Today!
Questions? Call Friends of Rookery Bay at (239) 530-5972
Friends of Rookery Bay and Rookery Bay Research Reserve has the right to turn away submissions that do not meet the restrictions for this show.

Mailing a check for Car Registration
PLEASE INCLUDE REGISTRATION FORM
Make payment out to Friends of Rookery Bay
Mail to: 300 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113

Rookery Bay Research Reserve – “The mission of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is to provide a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education.”
Friends of Rookery Bay – “Connecting people with southwest Florida’s dynamic coastal environment in support of Rookery Bay Research Reserve.”

CAR REGISTRATION
PRINTABLE CAR REGISTRATION FORM
CAR SHOW FLYER & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Saturdays
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Saturdays - Year Round

Birthday Parties

Party package includes:

  • Designated onsite guide
  • Classroom equipped with tables and chairs
  • 30 minutes at the Estuary Encounter- hands-on experience
  • 30 minutes themed craft activity in the classroom
  • 30 minutes exploration of exhibit hall
  • 30 minutes for cake
  • $10 nature store gift coupon for birthday child

Ages 8 – 12

Price: $300

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Birthday Party Information

Where: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
300 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113

When: Saturdays from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Themes: Manatees, Dolphins, Birds, Sharks, & Turtles

Guests: Up to 20 people, includes kids (8-12) & adults

Reservations:  (239) 530-5972

Party guest is responsible for cake, drinks, and decorations. *No balloons, confetti, glitter, piñatas, or bubbles. Decorations may not be affixed to the walls, lights, ceiling or doors. Cancellation policy: Prior to 30 business days – full refund; 15-30 business days – 50% refund; Less than 15 business days – no refund, however the balance can be credited to a future event

Grades 3 - 12

HOMESCHOOL

Currently unavailable
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Homeschool

Currently unavailable

If you are interested in visiting the Environmental Learning Center as a self-guided group, please fill out the form below. (Based on availability)

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National Estuaries Day | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Make a Difference

80% of polled 2019 National Estuaries Day attendees rated the educational programming as Excellent and 70% said they learned something that they will apply to a future action.

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