KIDS & FAMILIES

FAMILY FUN

All Year

Family Fun

Adults and children of all ages will discover the wonders of our coastal environment, engaging in a wide array of educational activities and events offered throughout the year.

Get your hands on virtual resources to help your kids continue their education about Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Content includes worksheets, quizzes, videos and more. Your adventure awaits.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Saturdays
Saturdays - Year Round

Birthday Parties

Celebrate your next BIRTHDAY with us! With 5 different party crafts to choose from, you and 19 other guests can enjoy the exciting activities we offer at the Environmental Learning Center.

Party package includes:

  • Designated onsite guide
  • Classroom equipped with tables and chairs (kids and adult sizes)
  • 30 minutes at the Estuary Encounter- hands-on experience
  • 30 minutes themed craft activity in the classroom
  • 30 minutes exploration of exhibit hall & trail
  • 30 minutes for cake
  • $10 nature store gift coupon for birthday child

Price: $300

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Birthday Party Information

Where: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
300 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113

When: Saturdays from 1:30 – 3:30pm

Themes: Manatees, Dolphins, Birds, Sharks, & Turtles

Guests: Up to 20 guests, includes kids (8-12) & adults

Reservations:  (239) 530-5972

Party guest is responsible for cake, drinks, and decorations. *No balloons, confetti, glitter, piñatas, or bubbles. Decorations may not be affixed to the walls, lights, ceiling or doors. Cancellation policy: Prior to 30 business days – full refund; 15-30 business days – 50% refund; Less than 15 business days – no refund, however the balance can be credited to a future event

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

November 2023
Saturday, November 18th 2023

Annual Classic Car Show

Attention car enthusiasts! LOCATION: Join us at Florida SouthWestern State College for this annual event, coordinated by Island Automotive in support of Friends of Rookery Bay. Building on the success of our prior car shows featuring more than 100 antique, muscle, and classic cars, this year’s event includes food trucks and family-friendly activities for all ages.

Cash-only admission.
$10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12. Children 3 & under are free.

Location:
Florida SouthWestern State College
7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples 34113

Date
November 18, 2023

Time
9:00am – 1:00pm

Location
Florida Southwestern State College
7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples, FL

Register Your Car Today!
Call Island Automotive at 239-394-1887. Island Automotive has the right to turn away submissions that do not meet the restrictions for this show.

Mailing a check for Car Registration
PLEASE INCLUDE REGISTRATION FORM
Make payment out to Friends of Rookery Bay
Mail to: 801 E Elkcam Cir. Marco Island, FL 34145

NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY

May 2024

National Estuaries Day

Rediscover Rookery Bay Research Reserve on National Estuaries Day. The annual FREE event held at the country’s 30 national estuarine research reserves will feature family fun for everyone!

Check back for more details!

SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR MARINE SCIENCE

Summer

Summer Institute for Marine Science
(SIMS)

The Student Institute for Marine Science (SIMS) is the ideal half-day camp for rising 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade students interested in marine sciences and marine biology.

Participants will explore the coastal ecology of Southwest Florida through excursions within the 110,000 acres of the Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

Each half-day program will look at the mission and conservation efforts of Rookery Bay, experience in the field, exposure to research and monitoring of wildlife and connections to partner agencies. SIMS offers students the flexibility to attend one, two or three days of camp.

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SIMS Information

SIMS offers students an in depth look at the mission and efforts of the Reserve, visits to surrounding areas of the Western Everglades and exposure to research and monitoring of local wildlife.

The Student Institute for Marine Science is for students entering 8th, 9th or 10th grade. Registration is required. For questions, email Jeannine or call 239-530-5989.

This program was made possible with funding support from the Friends of Rookery Bay!

HOMESCHOOL

Grade 3 - 12

Homeschool

Field Trip Information

We offer a seining experience for mixed aged groups, 3rd – 12th grade, focused on active investigation of our coastal environment. Maximum of 20 students. If your group includes students younger we recommend to bring them to our learning center for self-guided experience HERE: VISIT PAGE

Duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Fees: Varies based on number of participants
Activities: Take place outside in/near water
Schedule Request Window: All year

National Estuaries Day | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Make a Difference

80% of polled 2019 National Estuaries Day attendees rated the educational programming as Excellent and 70% said they learned something that they will apply to a future action.

Support the Reserve’s Education Program

Donate to support amazing programs that educate our future community leaders.