Great places to explore nature on the Treasure Coast
Photo Credit: Anthony Inswasty
Immerse yourself and your family in learning about the areas natural ecosystems.
Take advantage of the remaining summer vacation days by visiting these environmentally conscious destinations. They encourage children and families to explore the wonders that the surrounding natural areas have to offer. Your visits will be spent learning about the preservation of the place you call home or like to visit, the Treasure Coast.
Environmental Learning Center
Located in Vero Beach, Environmental Learning Center’s mission encourages people to take charge of the preservation of our natural environment. From toddler nature courses to family adventures that include survival training, the facility aims to involve you and your children in nature. They host educational programs and adventures that teach visitors about the rich biodiversity of our Indian River Lagoon and empower individuals of all ages to aid in protecting it.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a 57- acre marine life nature center located in Stuart. They prioritize healthy coastal ecosystems through education, research and offer interactive activities for the whole family. There you gain the opportunity to learn about coastal reef preservation, types of sea turtles that nest on the Treasure Coast, you can even attend a “hands-on” experience with a stingray.
Manatee Observation and Education Center
At the heart of Downtown Fort Pierce, the Manatee Observation and Education Center is a 2,000 square-foot environmental education center that contains fresh and saltwater aquaria, along with several interactive living and non-living exhibits. The volunteers of this facility spot hundreds of manatees here each year and prioritize coaching their visitors on the health and well being of manatees along with the ecosystems in which they live.
Photo Credit: St. Lucie County
OxBow Eco-Center
The Oxbow Eco-Center acts as a nature preserve and an environmental learning center in Port St. Lucie, Florida, situated on 225-acres along the St Lucie River. Engage the kids with wildlife encounters and guided hikes. They offer educational and recreational programs for families, children and adults all year round.
St. Lucie County Aquarium
The St. Lucie County Aquarium allows you and your family to get up close and personal with Florida’s marine wildlife and investigate the places they live. Incorporate different self-guided activities into your visit or examine these plants and animals at a microscopic level to better understand why it is essential to preserve the marine ecosystems of the Treasure Coast and beyond. You will find the St. Lucie County Aquarium on South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce.
