Inspiring People to Connect with Nature
We are excited to announce that the Pine Loop and Wildlands Trail are now open following Ian. Both trails do have ankle-deep water in some areas, but they are drying up fast. Come join us today and reconnect 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
Daily Programming
(included with admission)
Tuesday - Saturday
11:15 am Educational Talk
12:15 pm Planetarium Show
1:15 pm Animal Talk
2:15 pm Planetarium Show
Sunday
11:15 am Educational Talk
12:15 pm Planetarium Show
1:15 pm Animal Talk
2:15 pm Planetarium Show
3:30 pm Planetarium Show
Events and Happenings!
SENSORY SUNDAYS
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Aurora Holiday Lights
December 4, 2022
All Ages • 10:00 am • $5 Per Person
Enjoy a Holiday themed show with soft, shimmering aurora lights and calming music of the season. The show is 25 minutes long, 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 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.
These shows will run with the lights up and dimmed, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. Guests are welcome to “chill out” in our lobby. All shows include a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night. We will include a short break between the main show and star talk.
Space is limited, please register today!
PRESCHOOL WEDNESDAYS
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Terrific Trees!
December 7, 2022
Ages 3-5 • 10:00 am to 11:00 am
CNCP Members: $7 • Non-Members: $10
Where do trees live? How do trees grow? Come learn all about the lives and types of trees we have at the Nature Center. This program will include a story, exploration stations, and a tree hike on our trail.
Space is limited, please register today!
Celebrate the Holidays
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Holiday Lights
December 9th-11th, 16th-18th,
21st-24th and 26th-30th, 2022
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
CNCP Members: FREE
Non-Members: Adult $10 • Child 3-12 $5
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in nature’s wonderland, brimming with holiday cheer! Our 1/3-mile trail will be illuminated with twinkling lights. After walking the trail, cozy up to the fire or catch our special Holiday Laser Show in the Planetarium.
Get your tickets online today, or at the door during the event.
NATURE EXPLORERS
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Simple Machines
December 3, 2022
Ages 5-11 • 9:00 am to 11:00 am
$10 Per Person
Our Nature Explorers drop-off program will be exploring the world of simple machines. We will be experimenting with levers, pulleys, wedges, inclined planes, wheels, and axles to see how they work, how they make our lives easier, and what we can make by combining them. Please bring a water bottle and a snack.
Space is limited, please register today!
NATURE SPEAKER SERIES
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Our Corridor of Life: The Florida Natural Scenic Trail
December 14th, 2022
7:00 pm
CNCP Members: FREE • Non-Members: $15
Did you know that a group of volunteers helps the Florida Trail Association maintain our state’s 1,500-mile-long National Scenic Trail - one of 11 in the nation? What is this non-profit, and who are the ‘Alligator Amblers’? Ambler Debra Taylor has thru-hiked the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. She will talk about what drew her to get involved in stewarding our Florida Trail network and what makes these trails a vital part of Our Corridor of Life. You, too, may be inspired to follow the ‘orange blaze.’
Space is limited, please register today!
Educational Presentation
at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
The Star of Bethlehem
December 21st, 2022
Starting at 7:00 pm • $10 per person
What is the Star of Bethlehem? Is it real? Can we tell what happened and when it occurred? We will show and discuss what the Magi were looking for, when they were looking, and what they might have seen over 2000 years ago.
Travel back in time with us to see the sky that the Magi saw and what Herod’s astrologers could not find.
Get your tickets online today or at the door during the event.
Internships Opportunities Available In:
Animal Care / Wildlife Management
Environmental Education
Marketing and Public Relations
Non-Profit Management
Astronomy / Astrophysics
Employment Opportunities: There are no positions available at this time.
Please click HERE to submit your resume for future opportunities.
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
