Where Discovery Becomes Connection
School & Group Programs
Hobe Sound Nature Center offers a diverse selection of nature, wildlife, and conservation programs that can be tailored to fit your group's age range, interests, curriculum needs, and time constraints. From live animal encounters and hands-on STEM activities to guided nature exploration, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.
At this time, all education program requests and bookings are being accepted via email while we complete updates to our reservation system. To request a program, discuss scheduling options, or ask questions, please contact our STEM Education Manager, Yasmeen Bruno, at programs@hobesoundnaturecenter.org OR (772)546-2067. We will work with you directly to create the best experience for your group.
*One of our top priorities is ensuring the welfare and well-being of our teaching animals. While we will do our best to include designated animal ambassadors in relevant programs, their participation cannot be guaranteed and may vary based on their needs and comfort.
ON-SITE EDUCATION PROGRAMS & FIELD EXPERIENCES
School and group programs have a 25-student minimum charge. Groups with fewer than 25 students are welcome to participate but will be charged the applicable program minimum. We scale our pricing based on Title I funding (including free programming) and may be able to provide transportation support for schools in need.
Click here to view/download the Onsite School & Group Program Information & Guidelines.
Reptile Rumble: Exploring Scales & Tails
Grades: Pre-K - 12
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Cost: $7/student ● $175 minimum ● max. 40 students
Get ready to slither into the wild world of reptiles! In this exciting, hands-on class, students will meet real live reptile ambassadors, think snakes, lizards, turtles, and more, up close and personal. Through interactive demonstrations and fun activities, we’ll uncover what makes reptiles so unique, from their scaly skin to their cold-blooded superpowers and the survival challenges they face on a daily basis. This class is perfect for curious minds who aren't afraid to get a little wild!
Wildlife Around Us
Grades: K - 12
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Cost: $7/student ● $175 minimum ● max. 40 students
Discover the amazing creatures that call our area home and dive into the secrets of their habitats. Learn why these special places matter, how they keep our ecosystems buzzing, and what you can do to be a local conservation hero. Perfect for curious explorers ready to connect with nature and make a difference! In this hands-on class, you and your students will get up close and personal with some of our coolest, local wildlife ambassadors.
Whoo’s for Dinner?: Owl Pellet Investigation
Grades: 2 - 8
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Cost: $9/student ● $225 minimum ● max. 40 students
In this hands-on class, students will explore the amazing adaptations that make owls expert nighttime hunters, from silent flight to super powered hearing. We’ll uncover the secrets of predator-prey relationships and then roll up our sleeves to investigate the real evidence by dissecting an owl pellet (i.e., a compact bundle of bones and fur the owl couldn’t digest... and spit back up). It's weird, it's wild, and it’s full of surprises! Two students will work together to disassemble a pellet and may take home the small skeletal and fuzzy remains they disCover.
NOTE: Two weeks notice is required for ordering pellets.
Wade Into Wonder: Indian River Lagoon
Grades: 1 - 12
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Cost: $9/student ● $225 minimum ● max. 40 students
This is a very popular field experience at the Nature Center for students of all ages! Participants will learn about the importance of seagrass beds in Florida and the incredible biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon. Then, they’ll wade in the shallow water grass flats and use a dip net to collect and organize the many creatures discovered in their nets. Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes (e.g., water shoes or sneakers) and must be prepared to enter the water up to their waists (swimming not permitted!).
NOTE: Wading program bookings are tide dependent; so, flexibility with dates/days is ideal. Though we can book this program during colder months, winter (i.e., Nov - Feb) water temperatures may be uncomfortable for students and chaperones.
SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES
During every visit the the Nature Center, your group is welcome to explore our trails and living museum at NO EXTRA COST.
Museum Exploration
Grades: All ages
Take time to visit our indoor living museum, featuring live animal exhibits, interactive displays, sensory experiences, and fascinating facts about Florida’s ecosystems.
Trail Hike
Grades: All ages
Step into the wild and explore the natural beauty of the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge trails will take you through our scrub, tropical hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, and a sugar sand beach on the Indian River Lagoon!
OFF-SITE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Bring the Hobe Sound Nature Center to you! A selection of our educational programs can travel beyond the Nature Center, bringing engaging, hands-on environmental education directly to schools, libraries, community organizations, and other groups throughout our local community.
Led by an HSNC educator at your location, offsite programs may feature live animal ambassadors, biofacts, hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, and other interactive learning experiences designed to connect participants with Florida's native wildlife, ecosystems, and natural resources.
Click here to view/download the Offsite School & Group Program Information & Guidelines.
OFF-SITE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Availability: Monday–Thursday, based on educator availability
Program Length: Approximately 60 minutes
Group Size: Maximum 40 students per program
Location: Your school, organization, or approved program location
Scheduling: Advance scheduling and confirmation are required. 2 weeks minimum notice required.
OFF-SITE PROGRAM PRICING
Single Educational Program
$250 | Up to 40 learners | Approximately 60 minutes
The base program fee includes one educational program at a single location within HSNC's standard service area.
Additional Same-Day Programs
$175 per additional program | Up to 40 learners per program
Groups serving more than 40 learners may schedule additional program sessions at the same location, based on educator availability.
LARGE GROUPS & SPECIAL OFF-SITE PROGRAM REQUESTS
Programs are designed for a maximum of 40 students per instructional group. Groups exceeding 40 students may be accommodated through multiple program sessions.
Large-group presentations, modified program formats, extended programming, multiple locations, or other requests outside the standard program structure may be available and require a custom quote.
Standard program pricing is based on programming that can be delivered by one HSNC educator. Programs requiring additional HSNC staff due to group size, program format, animal participation, safety considerations, or other program needs may be subject to additional fees. Any additional staffing requirements and associated costs will be communicated and quoted in advance.
SERVICE AREA & TRAVEL
Standard offsite program pricing includes travel to locations within Martin County.
Programs outside Martin County may be available based on educator availability, travel distance, scheduling, and program requirements. Programs outside the standard service area require a custom quote.
Please provide the complete program location when submitting your request so HSNC staff can confirm availability and applicable pricing.