KIDS & FAMILIES
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. Your adventure awaits.
KIDS & FAMILIES
June through August
Kids Free Fridays
Kids Free Fridays is one of our most popular summer education programs. Offered June through August with themed programs, hands-on activities, craft rooms, story time, films, and a naturalist presentation that is perfect for the entire family!
Year Round
Science Saturdays
Each Saturday, adults and kids alike can discover science with an educator including examining live organisms under microscopes, behind-the-scenes experiences in our working laboratories, hands-on marine critter connections and more!
August
Summer Institute for Marine Science (SIMS)
Students with an interest in marine science are invited to participate in a very special opportunity to learn about the coastal environment with Rookery Bay staff and local researchers during the Summer Institute for Marine Science. This week long program brings students into the estuary for hands-on experiences relating to ecology, marine biology, sustainability and citizen science.
Last Saturday in September
National Estuaries Day
November and February
Home School
December and February
Junior Campout
Gain outdoor skills and further your appreciation for the great outdoors of Southwest Florida with the Education staff of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. This is a non-campfire campout. Participants are required to bring their own camping gear. Pizza and light snacks are included. Drop off at 4:30 pm and Pickup at 8:00am next day.
January through April
Estuary Edventures
School may be out but the estuary is open for exploring! Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve Educators for a day in the field with hands on learning that will leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation of our local estuaries. Students must bring their own lunch/snacks. Water is provided. Drop off at 9:00am and Pickup at 4:00pm
Monday, February 17, 2020: Estuary Connections
Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Uplands & Ecotones
Friday, April 10, 2020: Adaptations: Strategies for Survival
November
Girls in Science Slumber
Discover the nocturnal side of nature while camping with Rookery Bay Research Reserve Educators inside our Environmental Learning Center. This program will emphasize the unique Southwest Florida environments we call home. Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bag/pillow. Pizza and light snacks are included. Drop off at 5pm and Pickup at 8:00am next day.
Saturdays - Year Round
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your next birthday with us! With 5 different birthday party themes to choose from you and 19 other guests can enjoy the exciting activities we offer at the Environmental Learning Center.
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.
Support the Reserve’s Education Program
Donate to support amazing programs that educate our future community leaders.