Inspiring People to Connect with Nature
Hours of Operation
Nature Center and Trails:
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 11:00 - 4:00
Planetarium Lobby:
Mon - Sat 12:00 - 3:00 Sunday 12:00 - 4:00
Tickets:
Adults $10 | Children $5 | Members FREE
Daily Programming
(included with admission)
Monday - Saturday
10:15 Guided Hike (Tues, Thur, Sat)
11 AM Animal Talk
12:15 PM Planetarium Show
1:15 PM Animal Show
2:15 PM Planetarium Show
Sunday
11:15 AM Animal Talk
12:15 PM Planetarium Show
1:15 PM Animal Show
2:15 PM Planetarium Show
3:30 PM Planetarium Show
Special Programs
Holiday Lights Nature Hike
and Campfire
Join us for an Illuminated 1/3 Mile
Nature Trail Hike and Campfire!
December 10-12, 17-19, 22-24, 28-30
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Adults $7 ea • Children 3-12 $5 ea • Members FREE
Special Planetarium Presentations
All of our special educational presentations, astronomy talks, meteorite talks, educational movies or full-dome, full-surround events, etc. fall into this category!
Winter Solstice Talk
December 21 • 7 pm
Tickets $10 each
Presented by Todd Sherman, Planetarium Educator
This is considered a special time of year because it is the shortest day of the year. It is a time of reflection, of casting out old worries and beginning anew.
The winter solstice occurs when the Earth's pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. The winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky. Astronomically, the winter solstice marks the end of fall and the beginning of winter, and solstice traditions were created to celebrate the “birth of the sun.” It’s literally a celebration of the imminent return of the sun. We will look at the sun’s path from earlier in the year to the solstice and talk about solstice traditions from around the world and through time.
The Star of Bethlehem
December 22 • 7 pm
Tickets $10 each
Presented by Todd Sherman, Planetarium Educator
What is the Star of Bethlehem? Is it real? Can we tell what happened and when it occurred?
Register now today to visit a 44 foot, 360 degrees surround sound Planetarium dome while we discuss and see what the Magi were looking for; when they were looking; and what they might have seen over 2000 years ago. We will go back in time and see the sky that the Magi saw and what Herod's astrologers could not find.
Family Yoga
10 am Thursdays
In this class we explore yoga poses through stories and songs, connect with nature and have some fun with partner poses with your family. Also, we will learn mindfulness and meditation activities. Held outdoors in the Pine Pavilion. Bring yoga mat or towel, water and bug spray if you wish. Led by Shelly Sager, certified Kidding Around Yoga Teacher and RYT200.
Laser Shows
at the Planetarium
Enjoy a Holiday Laser Show with your Holiday Lights Walk. We also have a daily kid's laser show and our classic late-night rock and roll laser shows.
There is something for everyone!
Holiday Laser Show
December 10-12, 17-19, 22-24, 28-30
Time: 6 pm, 7 pm or 8 pm
Each show is about 40 minutes.
Adults $10 each • Children 3-12 $5 each
Kid's Laser Show
December 10-19 • Time: 3:30 pm
Each show is about 25 minutes.
Children 3-12 $5 each
Late Night Rock and Roll Laser Show
December 10-12, 17-19
Time: 9 pm or 10 pm
Featured Music Line Up for Each Show:
Dec.10th: 9 pm: Rush / 10 pm: Laser Vinyl
Dec. 11th: 9 pm: Grateful Dead / 10 pm: Hypnotica
Dec. 12th: 9 pm: Pink Floyd - The Wall
10 pm: Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Dec. 17th: 9 pm: Zepplin / 10 pm: Genesis
Dec. 18th: 9 pm: The Beatles / 10 pm: Queen
Dec. 19th: 9 pm: Rocketman / 10 pm: Electropop
Each show is about 45 minutes.
Adults $10 each
School's Out Camps
December 20-23: Winter Astronomy
The sky is our focus this week as we design new constellations, learn about star stories from all over the world, and build tools to study the night sky!
December 27-31: Junior Naturalists
What is it like to work at a nature center? Learn how to catch insects for our butterfly garden, design new enclosures for our animals, and more!
Internships and Employment Opportunities
Internships In:
Animal Care / Wildlife Management
Environmental Education
Marketing and Public Relations
Non-Profit Management
Astronomy / Astrophysics
Employment Opportunities:
Click HERE to view available positions
Donation Wish List
As a non-profit organization, CNCP is powered by donations! Currently we're looking for:
Christmas Lights and Decorations
Electric Tools for Maintenance
Animal Kennels (for transporting animals)
Towels and Pillowcases
Paper Products (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper)
Printer Paper
Cutting Boards
Cleaning Supplies
Dog or Cat Toys
Reptile Terrarium Decorations
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Wild Birthday Package
Schedule your next birthday party here!
With a 3.5 hour rental of our Iona House, a custom animal show, a private planetarium show, and access to our exhibits and trails, your child's next birthday party will be an out of this world experience!
Add on a guided trail walk, nature games and activities, or a science craft for even more fun!
For more details, contact Natalia by calling (239)-275-3435 or sending an email!
Birthday Party for 20 Kids and 10 Adults - Starting at $425
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, bird aviary, butterfly garden, and meeting areas.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 4:00 Monday - Saturday | 11:00 - 4:00 Sunday
3450 Ortiz Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33905 | 239.275.3435