Where Discovery Becomes Connection
Wild by Design: Build a Field Trip
We’re excited to unveil Wild By Design, our new educational program model for the 2025–2026 school year. Developed by a former University of Miami faculty member, these fully customized, private programs engage students of all ages in STEM through hands-on, real-world science lesson plans that inspire a deep connection to nature and a lasting commitment to conservation.
This flexible, build-your-own field trip experience blends indoor and outdoor learning through fully immersive, interactive activities. Teachers may mix and match programs and free, experiential add-ons to fit their students’ interests and curriculum goals.
Email our Program Coordinator, Lindsey Homa, at programs@hobesoundnaturecenter.org with questions and/or additional information.
*One of our top priorities is to ensure the welfare and well-being of our teaching animals. Though we will do our best to ensure designated teaching animals are included in relevant programs, we cannot guarantee their involvement.
INDOOR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
Cost: $3 per student*
Duration: Each program is approximately 45-60 minutes,
*We scale our pricing based on Title I funding (including free programming) and may also be able to provide transportation support for schools in need.
Reptile Rumble: Exploring Scales & Tails
Grades: Pre-K - 12
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!
Investigating Florida’s Feathered Friends
Grades: K - 12
From the bold bald eagle to the colorful roseate spoonbill and the curious Florida scrub-jay, young explorers will uncover what makes these feathered locals so special. With hands-on activities, games, and plenty of bird-brained fun, students will learn all about their habitats, behaviors, and how to identify them - with eyes and ears - in the wild.
Take an Everglades Journey
Grades: Pre-K - 2
Get ready for a wild journey through the Florida Everglades, crowned as one of North America's Seven Natural Wonders! In this exciting, story-filled class, young explorers will flap, crawl, and wade their way through the swamp in a silly skit where they become the amazing animals that call the Everglades home. Along the way, they’ll discover how wetlands help clean our water, why this unique habitat is so special, and how everyone can do their part to protect it.
Blazing Adventures: Digging Into Florida’s Fire-Dependent Habitats & Wildlife
Grades: K - 12
Embark on an exciting journey into the heart of Florida’s unique scrub habitats and other fire-dependent ecosystems! In this class, students will delve into the fascinating world of these specialized landscapes, where fire plays a critical role in shaping plant and animal life, including a meet and greet with our beloved scrub animal ambassador, “Daisy”, the gopher tortoise.
Trash Troopers: The Impact of Plastics in Our Oceans
Grades: 1 - 8
In this class, students will dive into the world of ocean currents and gyres to learn how trash travels and why it ends up in places like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Through interactive games and eye-opening activities, we’ll explore how plastic pollution affects marine animals, from sea turtles mistaking bags for jellyfish to baby seabirds snacking on microplastics. By the end, students will become ocean defenders, ready to chart a cleaner course for our blue planet!
Manatee Junior Rescuer Training
Grades: 3 - 12
Embark on a mock manatee rescue and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about these incredible, gentle giants! In this interactive class, students will step into the shoes of wildlife biologists who are called upon to respond to a manatee in distress. Through hands-on activities and role-playing, your group will “rescue” a manatee, collect important data, and discover the challenges manatees face in their natural habitat, as well as the important role of science in conservation and management.
Songs of the Sea: Exploring Marine Mammal Communication
Grades: K - 12
Ever wonder what whales are singing about or how dolphins chat underwater? From clicks and whistles to haunting songs that travel for miles, we’ll explore how and why ocean mammals "talk" to each other. Through fun experiments, sound samples, and a friendly competition, students will learn to tell the difference between different types of calls and uncover the hidden meanings behind them, while also learning about the impacts of sound pollution. Get ready to tune in to the language of the deep!
Wildlife Around Us
Grades: K - 12
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.
What's Wild?
Grades: Pre-K - K
In this hands-on adventure, kids will discover the cool differences between wild animals who live free and domesticated animals who rely on people. Plus, meet one of our awesome animal ambassadors up close and learn how we care for our special, non-releasable resident wildlife.
Sea Turtles: Struggle For Survival
Grades: 1 - 12
Students will learn about the natural history of South Florida’s sea turtle species, their conservation status, and information about nesting behaviors and trends on local beaches. Turtle shells will be utilized to showcase the unique anatomy and physiology of sea turtles, and leather goods, jewelry, and other products will be shared with a message to discourage the international trade of endangered species products.
NOTE: An interpretive skit is available for younger audiences.
Aliens In Our Backyard
Grades: K - 8
Florida is a literal zoo! From the Brazilian pepper to the Burmese python, the Sunshine State is home to many invasive species, which are non-native organisms that often disrupt environmental stability. During this interactive program, students will learn about Florida’s many invasive species (including a meet and greet with one of our animal ambassadors), the role they play in habitat and species loss, and most importantly, how we can help!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Cost: $5 per student
Duration: varies by program/noted below
*We scale our pricing based on Title I funding (including free programming) and may also be able to provide transportation support for schools in need.
Wade Into Wonder: Indian River Lagoon
Grades: 1 - 12
Duration: approximately 2 hours
This is a very popular field activity 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.
Wild Data Detectives: Scrub Habitat Survey
Grades: 5 - 12
Duration: approximately 60 minutes
In this fully immersive scrub habitat adventure, students will discover how real biologists survey these sandy, sun-drenched habitats to monitor plant and animal life, track environmental changes, and protect rare species. Then, students will practice real scientific techniques, collect data alongside staff scientists, and contribute their findings to a living dataset that helps monitor the health of our local scrub habitat.
Marine Debris Detectives (at the Refuge Beach)
Grades: 2 - 12
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Students will become marine debris detectives during this hands-on program where students will walk the beach as citizen scientists—collecting, sorting, and categorizing marine debris found along the shoreline of the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. After analyzing their “evidence,” students will use debris collected to create an eco-inspired art masterpiece to display at their school, turning trash into treasure while reinforcing the importance of ocean conservation. Each participant will receive a Marine Debris Detective certificate, recognizing their efforts in keeping our beaches clean and protecting wildlife.
Turtle Patrol (at the Refuge Beach)
Grades: 1 - 12
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Step into the role of a wildlife biologist! During this immersive field experience, students will walk the beach at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, conducting sea turtle nesting surveys just like real conservationists. As they search for signs of nesting activity—such as tracks, nests, and hatchling trails—students will learn how to identify different species, record data, and understand the challenges sea turtles face in their fight for survival.
NOTE: Sea turtle nesting surveys can only be booked April-August, and are preferred to be conducted in the morning.
ADD ON OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
When scheduling an indoor program, we highly recommend signing up for at least one of our guided, add on outdoor activities at NO EXTRA COST! Each activity is thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful and uninterrupted connections with nature, encouraging participants to slow down, engage their senses, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.
Cost: FREE
Duration: approximately 30-45 minutes (can be modified to suite various time schedules/constraints)
Off the Beaten Path (Trail Hike/ID)
Grades: K - 12
Take a hike through the trails at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and learn all about Florida’s local ecosystems, from our tropical hardwood hammock, to our sand pine scrub and mangrove forest, students will learn about the various plant species that have adapted to each unique habitat and the vital role they play in supporting Florida’s native wildlife.
The Zen of Art in Nature (Nature Journaling)
Grades: 1 - 12
Slow down, take a breath, and reconnect with the world around you in this peaceful, creative outdoor experience. From the rustle of wind in the trees to the scent of wildflowers and the color of a bird’s feathers, students can explore how to express sights, sounds, and smells through art. This class not only hones observation and artistic skills, but also promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection to nature.
Operation Scrub Rescue (Invasive Species Removal)
Grades: 6 - 12
Students become environmental stewards by helping remove invasive plant species from our fragile scrub habitat, gaining practical experience in restoration ecology and making a real impact protecting one of Florida’s rarest and endangered habitats.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Grades: 1 - 8
Grab our clipboards and activity sheets, and embark on an outdoor scavenger hunt through the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. As you journey through our beautiful outdoor spaces, keep your eyes open for signs of wildlife, native plants, and other natural features, like gopher tortoise burrows, animal tracks, and more!
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!
COMING SOON…
Manatee CSI (Creature Scar Investigation)
Hunted Hunters: Shark Tagging and Conservation
Wildlife Medicine Lab
Marine World Magnified (Plankton ID)
Hook, Line, and Thinker (Mini Fishing Clinic)
INDOOR EXPLORATION PROGRAMS
Cost: $5 per student*
Duration: Each program is approximately 45-60 minutes.
*We scale our pricing based on Title I funding (including free programming) and may also be able to provide transportation support for schools in need.
Radical Reefs: Rainforests of the Sea
Grades: K - 12
Get ready to dive beneath the waves and explore the dazzling world of coral reefs! In this hands-on, action-packed class, students will uncover the secrets of these vibrant underwater ecosystems, meet the colorful cast of creatures that call them home, and learn why coral reefs are known as the "rainforests of the sea." We’ll investigate the real-world threats facing reefs today and discover what it takes to protect them with a next-level, totally awesome group project!
Critter Care Crew
Grades: K - 12
In this engaging and interactive class, students embark on a journey to explore the fascinating habitats, adaptations, and behaviors of creatures big and small and how this information translates into the highest level of care and well-being for non-releasable wildlife. More than just a study of animals, this class will instill a sense of responsibility and love for all creatures, teaching students the basics of animal care through critical thinking and a deep sense of empathy.
Expedition Walking Trees
Grades: K - 12
Get ready to wade into the wild world of Florida’s mangrove forests! Through hands-on experiments and exciting activities, students will explore these strange and spectacular “walking trees” and the important role they play in preventing shoreline erosion. From storm-busting roots to baby fish hideouts, discover why mangroves are some of the coolest, most important ecosystems on the planet!
Inky Business
Grades: 5 - 12
Get ready to dive deep into the world of cephalopods! In this hands-on, slimy-yet-fascinating class, students will explore squid anatomy up close through a guided dissection. Along the way, we’ll uncover the secrets of how squids move, hunt, and survive in the ocean’s depths, while learning all about their unique adaptations, from jet propulsion to ink defense. It’s science, it’s squishy, and it’s seriously cool!
Whoo’s for Dinner?: Owl Pellet Investigation
Grades: 2 - 8
In this hands-on class, students will explore the amazing adaptations that make owls expert nighttime hunters, from silent flight to superpowered 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 disover.
NOTE: Two weeks notice is required for ordering pellets.
Buggin’ Out: Edible Insects & The Future of Food
Grades: 1 - 12
In this eye-opening (and tastebud-tingling) class, students will explore how bugs (yes, bugs!) are becoming a sustainable source of protein around the world. Through hands-on activities and fascinating facts, we’ll dive into the science, culture, and environmental benefits of eating insects. Then, for the brave and curious, it’s time for a taste test! Are you ready to try a crispy cricket or a chocolate mealworm snack? Come hungry for knowledge… and maybe something a little crunchy!
Build Your Field Trip!
Select your preferred date and time block on the calendar below.