The Nature’s Wonders program provides hands-on, interactive learning and fun in an assortment of nature-themed activities. Sample programs include:
Celebrate Nature
Nature inspires creativity in many ways. In this activity we will explore these expressions in both visual arts and music. Look and listen to nature, as well as create your own art, music and dance as we explore the natural world around us through games and discovery.
Feeding Frenzy
Assist the Nature’s Wonders counselors as they feed the many different critters throughout the tanks in the center. Learn about the eating habits of fish, shrimp, crabs and turtles, and view different marine environments like tropical reefs, estuaries and the open ocean.
Marine Encounter
Explore the beach and work closely with our naturalists as they beach comb, net for fish, dig for clams and other beach inhabitants. This popular program increases awareness of the abundant life forms occupying the surf. Bring your swimsuit and have a ball getting wet and being a junior marine biologist!
Mangroves
Have you ever heard of a mangrove? Mangroves may be one of the most mysterious places on earth, but they are also one of the most important in the world. Play games to reveal all the different critters that call mangroves home and have a blast as we discover what makes mangroves and their residents so very special.
Nature Detectives
Investigate the lush resort property for fascinating fauna including alligators, lizards, egrets, herons and turtles to name a few. Fine-tune your observational skills and identify animals that some hotel guests may never see.
Sea Turtle Survivor
Learn about the amazing journey of the endangered Loggerhead sea turtles that visit Florida’s beaches. Hold a turtle skull and play the fun Sea Turtle Survivor Game!
Sharks
Whether you are fascinated by or scared of the world of sharks, this activity is for you. Through a variety of games, activities and videos, we learn about different kinds of sharks, why sharks are so misunderstood and how sharks are important to us and to the ocean.
Shell and Tell
Accompany the Nature’s Wonders team on this discovery beach walk. Search the shoreline for sea shells and other mysteries of the deep. Sift the sand for some surprising finds, then collect your own treasures and identify them.
Trails of Adventure
Search for and talk about some of the most colorful critters found in Southwest Florida, including dolphins, manatees, reptiles and birds. Find out what mangrove swamps have to do with what is on your dinner plate and learn the story behind a number of interesting plants.
Trash Bash
When we throw something away, where is away? What really happens to our trash? Is all trash created equal? Find out the answers to these questions and more as we learn how to help save our planet through art, games and you guessed it, TRASH! Find out how our trash does affect the world around us and what we can do to help.
What Good is a Tree
Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein guide this activity by helping explain the value of the tree through their heart-warming and inspiring stories. Young guests will expand upon the lessons through a variety of games and activities that will remind us just how important trees are and why they are so special.