Free Nature Centers Open to the Public in the West Palm Beach, Florida Area

 
Watch sea turtles at play at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. 

1. Loggerhead Marinelife Center—Juno Beach

Is there anything cuter than a sea turtle turtle hatchling? Visit with them and other sea turtle patients at this rehabilitation center in Juno Beach. Loggerhead is mostly an outdoor spot, with several aquariums containing turtles, as well as tropical fish, sea horses, and nurse sharks. A play water table was a fun recent addition, and kids love designing their own sea animals on a giant indoor computer screen. We recommend Loggerhead's junior vet lab, a free program in which elementary-school children learn the process of sea turtle rescue and release. 

2.  Manatee Lagoon—West Palm Beach

Visit Manatee Lagoon year-round to see gorgeous photographs and exhibits centered around these gentle sea animals. If you visit during manatee season (typically November through March), you might even see them in the wild. That's because the sea cows like to gather in the warm waters outside of the Florida Power & Light plant, which is just next door. Walk the center's observation deck and get your camera ready.  Manatee Lagoon also hosts many events, including weekly story times for little ones and an annual family festival.  

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3. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary—Jupiter

This outdoor animal refuge and hospital recently moved and expanded its offerings. The new Jupiter Farms center features wide, stroller-friendly trails and lots of cute animals on display. Meet native creatures including snakes, bears, birds of prey, and Florida panthers. Busch Wildlife is open seven days a week, and most days of the year. We love their "Conservation Conversations," a daily program in the amphitheater where visitors can get an up-close look at the center's animal ambassadors.   

 
Take a look through one of the Grassy Waters microscopes.

4. Grassy Waters Preserve—West Palm Beach

Each time I visit this wetlands park in West Palm Beach, I see something amazing—from an alligator in the wild, to a water snake sunning itself on a log. It's a great place to get fresh air walking the one-mile Cypress Boardwalk Trail or the half-mile Eagle Trail loop. More animals, including crayfish and turtles, can be found inside the Grassy Waters nature center. My girls always like looking through the facility's collection of furs and shells, and peering through its microscope.

5. River Center—Jupiter

Visit with Igor the pacu fish, Bubba the bearded dragon, and other animal friends at this Jupiter center that features several aquariums, a room of reptiles, and a touch tank full of sea urchins, conches, and other wildlife. The River Center also holds regular events that should be on your radar. We love Science with Sam, a drop-off nature class for ages 6-17 with activities that include animal encounters, garden exploration, and science experiments. Meanwhile, families with babies and toddlers should check out the center's weekly story times, where families gather on the floor to hear nature tales and songs.

 
Climb "Jacob's Tower" for great views at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex. Photo courtesy of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District 

6. Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex—Boca Raton

The city of Boca Raton offers up this stunning coastal preserve located on 20 acres of protected barrier island. Ascend "Jacob's Tower," a 40-foot tall observation deck, where visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The complex is home to a marine biology lab for Florida Atlantic University. Research focuses on sea turtle rehabilitation, which means families can visit with turtle patients and hatchlings. Other highlights include an outdoor butterfly garden and large aquatic tanks with tropical fish.  

7. Daggerwing Nature Center—Boca Raton

This nature center in western Boca offers up a spacious exhibit hall, where visitors can see live animals, including frogs and baby alligators, as well as eye-catching displays on the Florida ecosystem and food web, among other topics. A sweet children's book nook features coloring pages and board books, and the art gallery in the lobby showcases local artists and students. The center is surrounded by 40 acres of preserved habitat. Stroll the boardwalk for some exercise and the chance to spot more wildlife, including soft-shell turtles.  

8. Okeeheelee Nature Center—West Palm Beach

Located on the grounds surrounding Lake Okeeheelee, this facility features an observation room with live snakes, turtles, and a screech owl, as well as animal fossils and furs that kids can touch and explore.  Parents of toddlers love the discovery zone, an area stocked with books, puzzles, and a puppet theater.  We enjoy coming to watch the alligator feedings on Saturday afternoons. The center also hosts a number of events, including archery courses for older kids and family hikes. Many require registration; find out more here. 

RELATED: Best Things to Do and See with Kids in Nearby Martin County

 
Explore the wetlands ecosystem at Green Cay Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center

9. Green Cay Nature Center—Boynton Beach

Take a walk through the Florida wetlands at this 100-acre preserve in Boynton Beach that was once a privately owned farm. You're likely to spot wildlife, including herons and ibises, while on the 1½-mile boardwalk. Inside the nature center, exhibits include a frog terrarium, turtle pond, and an alligator hole with live baby gators. A wetland diorama explains how the park naturally filters millions of gallons of water each day from a nearby wastewater treatment plant. The center also features a theater with educational films, as well as a small gift shop.    

 
Try one of the STEM-friendly displays at the Children's Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park

10. Children's Science Explorium—Boca Raton

While not a nature center per se, this Boca Raton museum gets an honorable mention because it has so many hands-on exhibits and is entirely free. Located in Sugar Sand Park, the Explorium is STEM-friendly, with touchable displays on wind energy, robotics, and optical illusions, among other things. Outside is a beautiful garden, where you are likely to spot wildlife—grab a Bugio bingo card so your kid can win a small prize for their observations. Also, check the Explorium's calendar for events such as free monthly telescope viewings and kids' nights out.

All photos by author Jackie Jones unless otherwise indicated.