Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center

About

Hiking trails wind through this Jupiter preserve with exhibits, educational videos, and ranger-led programs inside the center. Park rangers host engaging activities that bring local wildlife and natural history to life, and your kids can spot JD the Florida Pine Snake during visits. Best for families looking to explore outdoors without heavy structure. Your kids can hike trails, do a scavenger hunt inside the center, or try crafts at the coloring table. The junior ranger program works well if you're planning a longer visit or camping trip.

Florida State Parks is a company that provides recreational opportunities at over 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites in Florida. They offer a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. With more than 100 mil

Programs (3)

• Junior Ranger Program

  Camp
  · Monday, Thursday, Saturday· Evening· Paid

  Your kids can explore the beautiful natural spaces at Jonathan Dickinson State Park as Junior Rangers, learning about Florida's wildlife, habitats, and outdoor skills while working toward achievements in the park. The program runs on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, so it's perfect for families who need after-school or weekend flexibility. It's designed for kids and is super accessible at just $4 per person, making it an affordable way to get your family outside and engaged with nature. The center itself is right there in the park with lots of trails to explore—from the easy 2-mile paved path to longer routes—plus you'll get to see over 150 bird species, kayak the river, and maybe even take the pontoon boat tour to Trapper Nelson's historic camp if you want to extend your visit.

• Manatee Educational Program

  Camp
  · Monday, Thursday, Saturday· Evening· Paid

  Your kids will get up close and personal with Florida's most fascinating marine mammal at the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center's Manatee Educational Program—think hands-on learning about these gentle giants and their habitat right here in our state parks. The program welcomes kids and adults alike, making it a cool outing whether you're bringing your family or want to join in yourself. You can catch evening sessions on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so it's pretty flexible for most schedules. It's just $4 per person, which is an incredible deal for this kind of educational experience. This is a real gem if your family loves wildlife and wants to learn something meaningful about protecting Florida's ecosystem.

• Featured Programs

  Camp
  · Monday, Thursday, Saturday· Evening· Paid

  The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center offers featured programs that get kids and adults out exploring Florida's natural world through hands-on experiences like birding, boat tours, and trail adventures. Programs run on select evenings (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday), making it easier to fit into your family's schedule. It's a great way to introduce your child to wildlife and the outdoors without needing any prior experience. At just $4 per person, it's an affordable way to spend time together while learning about Florida's ecosystems. What really sets this apart is that you're exploring one of Florida's premier locations—Jonathan Dickinson State Park has over 150 bird species and historic sites like Trapper Nelson's restored 1930s camp, so there's genuinely cool stuff to see and discover.