Where Discovery Becomes Connection
School & Youth Programs
Hobe Sound Nature Center offers a diverse selection of nature, wildlife, and conservation programs that can be tailored to your group’s age range, interests, curriculum needs, and available time. All programs are aligned with Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, supporting meaningful connections between classroom learning and Florida’s natural world. From live animal encounters and hands-on STEM activities to guided nature exploration, our programs engage learners in inquiry, observation, and scientific thinking while fostering 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
Programs are available Monday through Thursday and are scheduled in advance based on educator availability.
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.
Visitors are welcome to explore our living museum and nature trail at their own pace, free of charge. For groups seeking a more structured educational experience, guided programs led by an HSNC educator are available for an additional fee.
Click here to view the On-site School & Youth Program Information & Guidelines.
Wade Into Wonder: Indian River Lagoon
Grades: 1 - 12
Availability: On-Site ONLY, Monday-Thursday
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
On-Site Program Cost: $9/student ● $225 minimum ● max. 40 students
Off-Site Program Cost: Varies depending on location and chosen program package.
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: Wade program bookings are tide dependent; so, flexibility with dates/days is ideal. During colder winter months (i.e., Dec - Feb), we suspend this program for everyone’s comfort and safety.
Wildlife Around Us
Grades: K - 2
Availability: On-Site & Off-Site, Monday-Thursday
Duration: approximately 1 hour
On-Site Program Cost: $7/student ● $175 minimum ● max. 40 students
Off-Site Program Cost: Varies depending on location and chosen program package.
Discover the history of the Hobe Sound Nature Center and the important role of wildlife refuges in protecting native species and their habitats. Through hands-on activities and encounters with our animal ambassadors, students will explore the differences between zoological and wild animals, discover the habitats found on the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, and learn what wildlife needs to survive. This program encourages students to connect with the natural world and understand how wildlife refuges help protect the places animals call home.
Whoo’s for Dinner?: Owl Pellet Investigation
Grades: 3 - 5
Availability: On-Site & Off-Site, Monday-Thursday
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
On-Site Program Cost: $9/student ● $225 minimum ● max. 40 students
Off-Site Program Cost: Varies depending on location and chosen program package.
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 what owls eat by dissecting real owl pellets (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. When available, our resident ambassador Screech Owl, Willow, will also make an appearance!
NOTE: Two weeks notice is required for ordering pellets
Reptile Rumble: Exploring Scales & Tails
Grades: 6 - 12
Availability: On-Site & Off-Site, Monday-Thursday
Duration: approximately 1 hour
On-Site Program Cost: $7/student ● $175 minimum ● max. 40 students
Off-Site Program Cost: Varies depending on location and chosen program package.
Discover the fascinating world of reptiles and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Through hands-on activities and encounters with our live reptile ambassadors, students will explore the unique adaptations that help reptiles survive, from their scaly skin, behavioral thermoregulation, and more! This program encourages students to connect with these often-misunderstood animals, understand the challenges they face in the wild, and discover why protecting reptiles and their habitats is important to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
ON-SITE ADD-ONS
During every visit to the Nature Center, your group is welcome to explore our trails and living museum at no extra cost. Want to make your visit even more engaging? Add an educator-led experience to your scheduled on-site program and discover more about the wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems that make the Nature Center unique.
Museum Exploration
Grades: All ages
Self-Guided Option: Free
Guided Option: $30 per group | Additional 30 minutes
Explore our living museum with an HSNC educator, who will introduce your group to our animal ambassadors, interactive exhibits, and the fascinating wildlife and ecosystems of Florida.
Nature Trail Hike
Grades: All ages
Self-Guided Option: Free
Guided Option: $30 per group | Additional 30 minutes
Join an HSNC educator for a guided walk through the Refuge’s natural habitats, from Florida sand pine scrub and hardwood hammock to the Indian River Lagoon estuary. Along the way, discover native plants and wildlife, explore how these unique ecosystems are connected, and learn why protecting them is so important.
OFF-SITE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Programs are available Monday through Thursday and are scheduled in advance based on educator availability.
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 region. Offsite programs are available throughout Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties.
Led by a Hobe Sound Nature Center educator at your location, off-site programs feature place-based learning experiences that engage participants in exploring Florida’s native wildlife, ecosystems, and natural resources. Programs may incorporate live ambassadors and hands-on activities that connect scientific concepts to local environments and empower participants to become informed stewards of Florida’s natural world.
Click here to view the Off-site School & Youth Program Information, Pricing, & Guidelines.
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Availability: Presentations are available Monday through Thursday and are scheduled in advance based on educator availability.
Presentation Length: Approximately 60 minutes
Group Size: Maximum 40 learners per presentation
Location: Your school, organization, or approved presentation location
Scheduling: Advance scheduling and confirmation are required.Presentations are designed for a maximum of 40 learners per class/instructional group to maintain a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment. Classes/groups serving more than 40 learners may select a half-day or full-day package to provide repeated presentations to multiple groups.
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Offsite programs are available throughout Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties. Program pricing varies by county to account for travel distance and educator time.
Presentations outside these counties may be available based on educator availability, travel distance, scheduling, and presentation requirements and require a custom quote.
Please provide the complete program location when submitting your request so the Hobe Sound Nature Center staff can confirm availability and applicable pricing.
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Offsite programs are available as a single presentation, half-day package, or full-day package. Half-day and full-day packages are designed for organizations wishing to offer the same selected educational program to multiple classes/groups throughout the day.
SINGLE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
One presentation | Up to 40 learners | Approximately 60 minutes
A single program includes one educational presentation at your location.
Single Education Program Package Prices:
Martin County & Jupiter/Tequesta Area: $250
St. Lucie & Palm Beach Counties (Beyond Jupiter/Tequesta): $325
HALF-DAY PACKAGE
Up to 3 presentations | Up to 40 learners per presentation
The half-day package allows your organization to offer the same selected educational program to up to three separate classes/groups during one scheduled visit.
Half-Day Program Package Prices:
Martin County & Jupiter/Tequesta Area: $350
St. Lucie & Palm Beach Counties (Beyond Jupiter/Tequesta): $425
FULL-DAY PACKAGE
Up to 6 presentations | Up to 40 learners per presentation
The full-day package allows your organization to offer the same selected educational program to up to six separate classes/groups throughout the day.
Full Day Program Package Prices:
Martin County & Jupiter/Tequesta Area: $500
St. Lucie & Palm Beach Counties (Beyond Jupiter/Tequesta): $575
Programs delivered in St. Lucie or Palm Beach County (outside of Jupiter/Tequesta area) are subject to a modest regional outreach rate to help offset additional travel time and transportation costs.
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Programs are designed for a maximum of 40 learners per instructional group. Groups exceeding 40 learners may be accommodated through multiple presentations.
Large-group presentations, modified program formats, multiple locations, extended programming, or other requests outside the standard program structure may be available and require a custom quote. Please email us at programs@hobesoundnaturecenter.org with the details of your inquiry.
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Please provide a safe, accessible program space with adequate seating and room for educational materials. Live animal programs require a cooler, temperature-appropriate area protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and inclement weather, with a secure location for animal carriers. Animal participation is subject to welfare and staff discretion.
Please let us know if your location can provide a presentation table, projector or display, screen, speakers, wifi and electrical access. HSNC can bring equipment when arranged in advance, and many programs can be adapted for delivery without technology.
Please provide a designated contact person, allow time for unloading and setup, and communicate any parking, security, or access requirements in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Our school and group programs are designed for schools, homeschool groups, youth organizations, and other organized educational groups. Private groups, and organizations interested in a community presentation, tabling event, festival, or other outreach opportunity should review our Community Programs page for additional options.
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Advance scheduling is required, and availability varies throughout the year. We recommend submitting your request as early as possible, especially for larger groups or programs requiring multiple sessions.
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Programs are designed for a maximum of 40 learners per instructional group. Larger groups may be accommodated through multiple sessions, based on educator availability and the selected program.
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Yes! Onsite groups may schedule multiple educational programs or add guided museum and nature trail activities. Offsite groups may select single, half-day, or full-day packages, which allow the same program to be presented to multiple groups.
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Many programs feature live animal ambassadors, but participation varies by program and cannot be guaranteed. Animal welfare, environmental conditions, and staff discretion determine which animals may participate.
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Programs may continue in light or moderate rain when conditions are safe. Outdoor activities may be modified, postponed, or canceled due to lightning, severe weather, unsafe conditions, or Refuge closures. HSNC staff will coordinate with your group if changes are necessary.
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Lunch arrangements should be discussed when scheduling. Outdoor gathering space is limited, picnic tables are not available for group lunches, and indoor space cannot be guaranteed. Groups are encouraged to keep lunches in coolers on their bus or group vehicle until lunchtime.
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HSNC is committed to making environmental education accessible. Title I schools may qualify for reduced or scaled program pricing and are encouraged to contact us when scheduling to discuss available options.
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Groups are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Schools with transportation or funding limitations are encouraged to contact HSNC to discuss any available assistance or sponsorship opportunities.
