Inspiring People to Connect with Nature
Hours of Operation
Planetarium Lobby and Nature Center and Trails
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tickets: Adults $10 | Children $5 | Members FREE
TRAILS MAY BE WET DURING THE SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS.
PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY WITH YOUR SHOE SELECTION WHEN JOINING US FOR A HIKE.
(We always recommend having a pair of water shoes for a backup, just in case)
Daily Programming
(included with admission)
Tuesday - Saturday
11:15 am Butterfly Talk
12:15 pm Planetarium Show
1:15 pm Animal Talk
2:15 pm Planetarium Show
Sunday
11:15 am Butterfly Talk
12:15 pm Planetarium Show
1:15 pm Animal Talk
2:15 pm Planetarium Show
3:30 pm Planetarium Show
Events and Happenings!
IT’S TIME TO JAM OUT!
FOUR DIFFERENT LASER SHOWS EACH NIGHT OVER TWO WEEKENDS!
ROCK 'N ROLL LASER SHOWS
September 30, 2022
October 1-2, 2022
Ages: 16 to Adult • 6:00 - 10:00 pm
$10 per Person
Join us in our Planetarium for our four different laser shows each night over two weekends, and immerse yourself in a rock and roll experience unlike any you’ve ever had!
Shows include The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and many more!
Jam along with the 5.1 surround sound paired with the synchronized laser show on our 44’ Planetarium Dome that brings the music to life! Each show is approximately 45 minutes long. Concessions and Laser Glasses will be available for purchase in the lobby of the Planetarium!
Click HERE to View All Show Titles and Times
Space is limited, please register today!
PRESCHOOL WEDNESDAYS
NOCTURNAL NATURE!
at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
October 5, 2022
Ages: 3-5 • 10 am - 11 am
CNCP Members: $7 | Non-Members: $10
(Price includes one adult per child. Does not include museum admission.)
Why do bats come out at night? Are owls really silent flyers? Did you know that while we sleep there is a whole world of animals that are awake and active? Come learn all about nocturnal animals and plants. This program will include a craft, exploration stations, and a live animal encounter.
Back by popular demand! Join us on the first Wednesday of every month from 10-11 am for our Preschool Program! Designed to capture a preschooler’s sense of curiosity and cultivate a connection to the natural world, each program will include a story, craft, & either a short hike or live animal encounter. This program is for children ages 3-5 and includes one adult per child. This program costs $10 for non-members and $7 for members and does not include museum admission.
Space is limited, please register today!
SENSORY SUNDAYS IN THE PLANETARIUM
LIFE A Cosmic Story
at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
October 2, 2022
All Ages Welcome • 10:30 am
$5 Per Person
Sensory Sundays are being created and hosted in partnership with Autism Services of FL. Our sensory-friendly planetarium shows are for guests with Autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t have sensory needs.
Life: A Cosmic Story – Begin your journey by shrinking down to enter a single redwood leaf, and then travel through time to witness the formation of the solar system—that set the stage for life. Narrated by Academy Award winner Jodie Foster. The show is 25 minutes in length and guests are welcome to come in and out of the planetarium as they wish. Sensory items will be available to use in the planetarium lobby.
Sensory Sensitive Planetarium shows are being presented on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 am.
Upcoming Shows:
Nov. 6th - Perfect Little Planet • Dec. 4th - Auroras: Nature's Holiday Lights!
Space is limited, please register today!
FIRST TIME EVER!
KAYAK AT CALUSA!
at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Hiking Trails
Every Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday*
Ages: 10+ • 10:15 am | 12:15 pm | 2:15 pm
Adults: $20 | Child: $10 (ages 10+)
(Price includes general museum admission and kayak use.)
Come Kayak on Calusa Nature Center’s walking trails!
You read that right, KAYAK!
For the first time in our history, we are offering guided kayaking tours on our walking trails. With the incredible amount of rainfall we have received at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, you can experience the first-ever experience with us. PLAN TO GET WET while paddling through our Southwest Florida swamp, you will need to plan for a wet day. SPACE IS LIMITED to groups of 1-3 people.
Space is limited, please register today!
SCHOOL'S OUT CAMP
INSECT DETECTIVES
at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
October 5, 2022
Ages: 7-14 • 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Members: $35 | Non-Members: $45
Get up close and personal with some creepy crawly critters today! Learn all about the insects (and arachnids) of Florida as you track them down in the forests and swamps!
Space is limited, please register today!
NATURE SPEAKER SERIES
CAT TALE:
The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther
at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
October 12, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Members: FREE | Non-Members: $15
Learn about the fight to save the Florida panther from extinction from one of the state’s best-loved storytellers. Research studies, government bureaucracy, and data are not often combined into an engaging story, but Mr. Pittman did so with his book, Cat Tale. For fans of the book, this is a great chance to hear directly from the author. For those who haven’t read the book, you’ll be entertained and informed, coming away with a greater understanding of the history of Florida’s state animals. Mr. Pittman will sell and sign books after his talk.
SEATING IS LIMITED!
Please purchase or register for your seat today.
Internships Opportunities Available In:
Animal Care / Wildlife Management
Environmental Education
Marketing and Public Relations
Non-Profit Management
Astronomy / Astrophysics
Employment Opportunities: Click HERE to view available positions
Wild Birthday Package
Schedule your next birthday party here!
Celebrate your child’s birthday by getting WILD in the Iona House! The package includes 2.5 hours of party time and two choices from the following activities: private planetarium show, private animal show, guided environmental arts and crafts activity, nature bingo with prizes, or a guided nature hike! Your child's next birthday party will be a wild adventure! Madison by calling (239)-275-3435 or sending an email!
Birthday Party for 20 Kids and 10 Adults - Starting at $500
ABOUT CNCP
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and preservation. Our 105-acre site is home to many rescue animals, two nature trails, a planetarium theater, a bird aviary, a butterfly garden, and meeting areas.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - Sunday
3450 Ortiz Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33905 | 239.275.3435
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium (CNCP) is preparing our property for possible hurricane conditions. We will be closed to the public on Monday, September 26, Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28. We are scheduled to re-open on Thursday, September 29, weather permitting.
Our 105-acre site is home to many rescue animals, butterfly and bird aviaries, two nature trails, and SWFL's only Planetarium theater. We are taking care to protect and minimize property and wildlife damage in our care before the storm. If the hurricane hits Fort Myers, CNCP guests are advised to call 239-275-3435 before arriving on Thursday to ensure that we are open.