We offer three field trip packages at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium:
1. Planetarium Only: Choose between a number of educational astronomy shows geared toward the age-level of your group.

2. Museum and Trails: This entitles your group access to our Living Natural History
Museum, either a self-guided or Naturalist-led walk on our trails, and a private live animal presentation. You can add Butterfly Exploration for a small additional fee.

3. Full Access Package: This package includes access to the Museum, trails, Planetarium, and a live animal presentation. You can add Butterfly Exploration for a small additional fee.

Each on-site program can accommodate up to 30 students. Larger groups can be divided.

Animal Presentation Offerings
If you choose either of the Museum packages above, you are entitled to a 30 minutes live-
animal presentation. You can choose from the following list of programs or you can select any two animals (excluding butterflies) that are available at the Nature Center. All programs can be adapted for any age group and are appropriate for adults as well as children. The grades listed are those that most closely match Sunshine State Standards.

Hoppin’ Along (K –2nd grade)
What is the difference between a frog and a toad? Why are frogs important to Florida’s ecosystem? Can you really get a wart from a toad? This program will teach about the
metamorphosis of frogs and toads.

Extinction is Forever (3rd—5th grade)
How does something become endangered? We’ll look at some of Florida’s endangered
species, examine the reasons their populations are declining, and learn what we can all do to help them survive. Two live animals will be featured.

Creatures of the Night (3rd grade and above)
Experience night during the day at the Nature Center! Learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals through hands-on exercises in this program. Two live nocturnal animals will be part of this program. The Planetarium show “Bear Tales” is a great complement to this
program!

Winged Wonders (3rd grade and above)
What is the difference between an owl and a hawk? How much does an eagle weigh? We’ll look at the unique adaptations of owls, hawks, and vultures to learn the answers to these and other questions. A live bird of prey will be a part of this program.

Butterfly Exploration (all grade levels)

Spend a half-hour learning about the life cycle of a butterfly and the important relationship butterflies have with certain plants.  If you wish to enter the Butterfly Aviary, you must choose Butterfly Exploration as one of your programs.

What a Field Trip Involves

A field trip to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium requires a minimum of two and a half hours to visit the Natural History Living Museum, hike a trail, participate in an on-site program, and have lunch.  Planetarium shows require an additional hour.

Whenever possible, trails are guided by a trail docent.  You can choose either the Pine Loop Trail or Cypress Boardwalk for your hike.  Both trails are half-mile in length and begin at our Audubon Aviary, which houses permanently injured birds of prey.

The Museum is home to a wide variety of reptiles and other animals commonly encountered in Southwest Florida.  The Museum also houses a gift shop.  An adult must accompany students in the gift shop at all times.

Each program can accommodate up to 30 children.  Larger groups can be divided.

Group* Fees

*To receive the group rate, you must have 15 or more paying participants

-Museum, Trails, and Planetarium

$6.00 for adults $3.50 for children (ages 3-12)

-Museum and Trails (without Planetarium)

$5.00 for adults $2.50 for children (ages 3-12)

-Planetarium show only (no Museum and Trails)

$3.00 for adults $2.00 for children (ages 3-12)

          All Planetarium shows have a $75.00 minimum fee.

To Schedule

Call the Nature Center at (239) 275-3435 a minimum of two weeks prior to the date you wish to visit.  You will need the following to schedule your trip:

          -Date you wish to visit and an alternative date

          -Time of arrival (please be sure this time is in accord with bus schedules)

          -Time of departure

          -Number of children and adults attending the field trip

          -Age/grade of children

-Name of on-site program you wish to schedule, along with Trail you wish to have guided and the Planetarium show you would like to see

-Do you plan on eating lunch here?

-Name of contact person, fax number, and phone number

If you cannot plan a trip to the Nature Center, we can always come to you!  We offer a wide variety of outreach programs, and we will always develop new programs to meet the needs of local schools.