Animal Encounters

One of the most unique aquariums around and the oldest attraction on the island. The Key West Aquarium has engaged visitors since 1934. Come join us and see for yourself the beautiful indigenous sea-creatures of Key West and the Florida Keys.

Loggerhead Marine Life Center is located in within a 70 acres beachfront county park of the same name.  This Marine Life Center is a crucial place for education and preservation of sea turtles.   The park features fishing, nature trails, guarded beach front, and playgrounds.  The Marine Life Center is home to a sea turtle hospital and offers many educational opportunities.  They host guided tours and even can be a birthday party venue.

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium contains 50 interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a Science Trail outdoors, miniature golf, multiple fresh & salt water aquariums, a stargazing observatory, natural history exhibits, and numerous educational programs.  The center was recently renovated in 2013 and now includes a Subway and an aquarium.  The South Florida Scence Center is a member of the ASTC and recognizes memberships for admission from participating science centers.

Palm Beach Zoo is a 23 acres attraction located in the northern end of Dreher Park just east of I-95.   The Palm Beach Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

 Green Cay Wetlands in western Boynton Beach is the perfect spot to view Florida native plants and animals.  It is a photogrpahers dream and they come in droves to photograph some spectacular scenes.  The boardwalk takes you from the nature center in a couple of different length loops.  There are pavillions for seating and shade as well as a few canopy walks that are covered.  The only restrooms and drinking fountains are at the nature center so be sure to take advantage of them before heading out, especially with little ones.

Arthur R. Marshall  Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is run by the US Department of Fish & Wildlife located in western Boynton Beach off Lee Rd.  It is adjacent to the Bedners Farmer Fresh Market on State Road 441.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located in southeast Boca Raton.  It is a 20 acres protected barrier island area that provides refuge to many varieties of plants and animals - some rare or endangered.  Guests can enjoy a boardwalk trail that features coastal Mangroves and a wooden observation tower as well as live aquatic exhibits and interactive nature center exhibits.

Okeeheelee Nature Center features 2.5 miles of trails winding through 90 acres of pine flatwoods and wetlands. Highlights of the center include hands-on exhibits, animal encounters and a nature related gift shop. Marvel at birds of prey, touch a live snake or prowl for owls during one of the many programs scheduled throughout the year for families, youth and adults. Exhibits: ECOSYSTEMS of PALM BEACH COUNTY Leaves seem to crunch underfoot as you walk by Clyde Butcher's life-size image of a hardwood hammock.

Daggerwing Nature Center in western Boca Raton is a beautiful nature center with trails and observation tower behind. Become acquainted with the fauna and wildlife of South Florida while taking a walk along the boardwalk. Bring sun protection as the majority of the trail is not shaded at all. The observation tower is a fun climb but, like all wooden towers, can sway a bit in a breeze so if you're at all afraid of heights, skip it.

The Sandoway House Nature Center is located in a historic 1936 beachfront home in Delray Beach, Florida. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and preserved as a unique Nature Center now home to native plants, live animals, and a world class shell collection upstairs. The Center offers a glimpse into South Florida's fragile marine and freshwater environments through educational exhibits and programs.