Upcoming Events
Need to Know
- Fees: All programs are free with a valid entrance pass. Learn more about fees on our Visit Us page.
- Reservations: Space may be limited and reservations may be required for some tours, please see the program descriptions for more information.
- Cancellations: Some programs are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
- Come Prepared: Always check the weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately for the day. This might include wearing a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants, and walking shoes. We recommend that you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- A parent or guardian must accompany all youth under the age of 18. All participants must come prepared to be good listeners, pay very close attention to the walk leader, stay with the group, and be respectful of wildlife and other visitors.
- Trails. Trail surfaces are either mowed grass, shell-rock gravel, or a wooden boardwalk. Trails are mostly flat without steep inclines, but some trails have uneven surfaces and exposed roots.
- Note for large groups Please contact refuge staff at least one month in advance to make a reservation for guided tours of groups larger than five (5) individuals. Reservations allow staff to avoid conflicts between other groups and resource management activities, and to arrange logistics for those groups requesting services.
December 2024
VISITOR CENTER CLOSED DECEMBER 25TH. ALL TRAILS OPEN 5:00 AM TO 10:00 PM.
Tram Tours - Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 10:00 am; Fridays at 1:00 pm
We will start taking reservations for January tram tours on Wednesday, December 18. The tram schedule for the following month will always be released on the third Wednesday of the month.
No Tram on Wednesday, December 25th.
Walking and biking are a great way to see the Refuge, but sit back and relax on this educational tour via tram! Each row seats three people, but the middle seat is very small. Unless you have a small person sitting between two people, we will seat you two to a row. The tram also has a running board approximately 6 inches off the ground, hand rails on the side of each bench, and a hand hold at the ceiling of the tram. Seats are not assigned with your reservation and we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Tours are approximately 90 minutes long. Maximum number of passengers is 8 people. Reserve your spot(s) by calling the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.
Sunrise Photo TRAM Tour - Sunday, December 1, 15 minutes after sunrise
This tour will be by tram and will focus on photography for wildlife and scenery. It is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long. Meet at the Marsh Trail Pavilion 15 minutes after sunrise. Space is limited to 8 people and reservations are required - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.
Sunrise Photo WALKING Tour - Sunday, December 1, 8, 15, and 22. Starts 15 minutes after sunrise
Grab your camera and join Peter and Lora Lekos for a guided walking tour to view and photograph wildlife in its natural settings. The walking tour is approximately two hours and participants should expect to walk 1-2 miles. Meet at the Marsh Trail Pavilion 15 minutes after sunrise. Space is limited and reservations are required - Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.
Peaceful Nature Walk - Thursday, December 5, 12, and 19 at 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join two of our naturalists for a slow-paced walk up to 1 mile to explore the beauty of nature. We will be starting at the visitor center butterfly garden and heading to either the boardwalk or the marsh trail. Along the way, let your senses and wonder lead you. Ask questions about plants you've seen on the Refuge and learn their stories, as well as their names. Explore history, animal behavior, and more as you walk in the gift of nature. This walk can be up to 1 mile round trip on a boardwalk or packed gravel. Call the visitor center to make your reservation: 561 734 8303
Forest Bathing for Kids - December 8 at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing, is how the Japanese describe spending time in a forest. This is not just hiking or exercising in a forest, but the simply intentional act of being in the forest and connecting with nature through the five senses. This activity is geared for kids ages 6-11 years old. It will be a one-hour long program starting at the visitor center theater, with a slow-paced walk on the boardwalk, followed by a kid-led discussion about nature. Parents are welcome, but encouraged to let their kids take the lead on making observations about nature. Reservations are required. Max 12 kids. Call the Visitor Center at 561-734-8303.
Philosophy in Nature Classes - December 8 and 15, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Gather in nature for conversations and nature journaling. Register and pay for the class on their website by clicking on the link here.
Moonlight Paddle - December 14 at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Everglades at night on a full moon night. This will be a 1 mile guided paddling trip. Loxahatchee canoeing will be hosting the event and starting at the Lee Road Boat Ramp. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and should bring a flashlight and insect repellant. Reservations are required. Call Loxahatchee Canoeing directly to reserve your boat and your space 561-733-0192.
Loxahatchee Art Collective: Embroider an Alligator Patch - December 14 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Get into the art groove by learning how to embroider an alligator! The finished product will be 3 inches wide. No experience necessary! This program is recommended for ages 13 and up. Reserve your spot today by calling the visitor center 561 - 734 - 8303! Spots and materials are very limited!