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Fall Thrills, Chills & Family Fun Await at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium! 

  • eraddatz7
  • Sep 10, 2025
  • 5 min read

Contact: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

📍 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905

📞 (239) 275-3435


🎃 This October, prepare for unforgettable experiences at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium — where fun meets fright in the heart of nature!



đŸ‘» HAUNTED WALK: TERROR IN THE WOODS

Fridays–Sundays, October 3–26 | 7:30–10:30 PM

Ready to scream your way through the scariest haunted trail in Southwest Florida?

Dare to enter the woods — and survive the terror lurking around every corner. This is not your average haunt. This is TERROR IN THE WOODS — and it’s back and more intense than ever.



💀 LIMITED-TIME VIP PASS OFFER!đŸ”„

We’re releasing just 100 VIP Passes for $100 each!Your pass includes:

  • Unlimited Haunted Walk entry all season long

  • Skip the line every night – go straight to the fear!

  • Bragging rights for surviving again and again...

đŸŽŸïž VIP Passes are available NOW — but not for long.👉 Get yours before they vanish: www.calusanature.org

đŸŽ« Regular Tickets:$20 online | $25 at the door

(Tickets support the care of our rescued animal residents 🩉🩎🐱)



🍂 FRIENDLY FOREST FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 | 10 AM–4 PM

Kick off fall with the whole family!Enjoy a weekend of pumpkin patches, animal talks, games, scavenger hunts, food trucks, crafts, and planetarium shows – all in a safe, beautiful outdoor setting.

đŸŽŸïž Admission: $13 Adults | $7 ChildrenFamily fun, fall vibes, and unforgettable memories!

Whether you're here for the fear or the fun, there's something for everyone this season at Calusa Nature Center.

đŸ’» Learn more & get tickets: www.calusanature.org


The Most Awe-Inspiring Planetarium Shows Are Now Playing at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium


Prepare to be transported! The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is now offering one of the most exciting planetarium lineups in the region, with daily shows and immersive evening experiences that spark wonder and ignite curiosity in audiences of all ages.

Following a full renovation and technology upgrade, the Calusa planetarium dome now delivers unparalleled visual and audio experiences — from high-definition journeys through deep space to artistic, sensory-rich meditations beneath the stars.


🌞 DAILY PLANETARIUM SHOWS

🎟 Included with general admission

🔁 Alternating Schedule:

Even-Numbered Days

  • 12:15 PM – Distant Worlds (42 min)Imagine alien ecosystems and the science behind life's potential beyond Earth.

  • 2:15 PM – Exoplanets (30 min)Discover how astronomers search for planets outside our solar system.

Odd-Numbered Days

  • 12:15 PM – Wildest Weather (Approx. 35 min)Witness storms across the solar system — bigger than anything on Earth.

  • 2:15 PM – Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (28 min)Explore how galaxies and cosmic structures evolve through time.


🌌 SPECIAL EVENING EVENTS

🕖 Showtime: 7:00 PM🎟 Tickets:



✹ WEEKLY FEATURED EXPERIENCES

🌊 Sounds of the Ocean

An award-winning, immersive ocean odyssey with real whale and dolphin sounds, ambient music, and stunning visuals.🌐 soundsoftheocean.com


📍 Plan Your Visit

Location:

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Ave,

Fort Myers, FL 33905

📍 Google Maps

Hours:

🕘 Open Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

🕖 Evening events: Begin at 7 PM (check website for weekly schedule)

Website:🌐 www.calusanature.org


🌠 Where Science Meets Wonder

“Our mission is to connect people with nature, and our planetarium is doing that in the most imaginative, inspiring way possible,” said Executive Director Eric Raddatz. “You don’t just learn something — you feel something here.”

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.

For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.




Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary

We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.


Host Your Event at CNCP

Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.


Become a Member Today

When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:

  • Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks

  • Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events

  • 10% off at the gift shop

  • Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide


About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:

Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.


‱ A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE,  Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.


‱ Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date! 




 
 
 

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Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners

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SWFL Produce
Vulcan Materials Company
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Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation
Aux Delices
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R4 Roofing
Calusa Waterkeeper
Advance Solar & Spa
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
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Fort Myers Film Festival
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Famous Daves
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3450 Ortiz Ave.

Fort Myers, FL 33905

(239) 275-3435

 

Open Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

​

Pricing:

Adults $13 

Children $7

Members Free

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© 2026 by CNCP

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CALUSA NATURE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH661) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. EIN #23-7090889

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