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From Spiders to Sweethearts: Celebrate Valentine’s Day & Creepy Crawly Day at Calusa!

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Bats, Bugs, Snakes & Spiders, Oh My! Creepy Crawly Day at Calusa Nature Center This Saturday!

February 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fort Myers, FL – Calling all nature lovers and thrill-seekers! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of creepy crawlies at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium's Creepy Crawly Day on February 8, 2025. From slithering snakes to buzzing bugs, this fun-filled day is perfect for all ages, offering a hands-on adventure that brings you up close to some of nature's most intriguing creatures.


Event Highlights Include:

  • Special Talks: Learn from expert speakers about the incredible lives of bats, bugs, snakes, and spiders.

  • Bugs-For-Lunch: Take a bold step and try some edible bugs during lunch – a true test of your adventurous spirit! YES WE ARE EATING BUGS!

  • Guest Vendors: Meet local vendors specializing in arachnids, reptiles, and more.

  • Slithery Snake Interactions: Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating snakes.

  • Planetarium Shows: Enjoy special shows featuring creepy critters like arachnids and reptiles.

  • Creepy Critter Crafts: Let your creativity run wild with crafts that you can take home, inspired by the world of creepy crawlies.

Whether you're a bug enthusiast, snake lover, or just curious about nature's more unusual creatures, Creepy Crawly Day promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.


Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or call (239) 275-3435.



Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Wild Twist at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

February 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fort Myers, FL – This Valentine’s Day, step away from the ordinary and explore the wild side of love at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium! Join us for a unique and educational experience as we dive into the fascinating mating rituals of the animal kingdom with Executive Director Eric Raddatz. Whether you’re a nature lover or looking for something truly special this February 14th, this event promises a day filled with fun, learning, and romance.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Mating & Pairing in the Wild: Learn all about the surprising ways animals form relationships, led by our expert Executive Director, Eric Raddatz.

  • BOGO Tickets for Couples: Celebrate with a special offer—buy one ticket, get one free for couples!

  • Craft Stations: Tap into your creative side with Valentine’s Day-themed craft stations, including making your own personalized Valentine’s cards.

  • Self-Guided Animal Talks: Explore the nature center and discover interesting facts about our resident animals with self-guided informational talks.

  • Cupcakes & Cookies: Select couples will enjoy complimentary sweet treats throughout the day.

  • Documentary Filming: We’re filming a documentary about the Calusa Nature Center and its mission. Share what you love most about the center, and you may be featured in the film!

This exciting and unique celebration offers something for everyone—from fascinating animal talks to arts and crafts, and sweet treats, this Valentine's Day event is perfect for nature enthusiasts and couples alike.

Get your tickets today and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a wild celebration of love at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or call (239) 275-3435.


Coming UP:

Night Hikes

February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30 (Times Vary)

Join us for an immersive night hike through our preserve, where you can listen for owls, search the sky for bats, and discover constellations. Learn how animals adapt to the darkness, all while exploring the nighttime world.


Planetarium Premiere: Mysteries of Your Brain

February 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Journey through the human brain in this immersive animated show at the planetarium. Discover how our brains shape us, and explore the fascinating science of neuroplasticity—how we can change our own brains. Don’t miss this captivating experience!

Ticket Info:

  • Price: $15 + $0.38 service fee

  • Sale ends: February 19 at 5:00 PM


Earth Day Birthday Celebration

April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Celebrate Earth Day at CNCP with a full day of fun for all ages! Featuring guided hikes, live animal presentations, arts and crafts, and an array of local vendors, it’s the perfect family event to learn about environmental stewardship.




Wizarding World Adventure

March 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Wizards, witches, and muggles alike are invited to experience the magic at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Enjoy a magic trail, create a potion in the potions lab, sip on a butterbeer, and participate in a costume contest. There will be spell demonstrations, magical crafts, and more!

Stay tuned for official event details and ticket information!


Nature Speaker Series – Underwater Archaeology

February 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Take a deep dive into the world of underwater archaeology and discover how archaeologists uncover ancient wrecks and submerged sites. Learn why it’s crucial to protect underwater cultural heritage and how the environment is impacting these sites.


Music Under the Stars

May 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of live music with Doug Sheminski opening for Andy Wahlberg at CNCP’s Music Under the Stars concert. It’s the perfect way to spend a night under the sky with great music and great company!


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.

Learn more today!


Mesmerica: A Visual Music Journey

Mesmerica is a one-of-a-kind visual music experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.


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 our new sponsor 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, and the Fort Myers Film Festival.


• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! 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! 


Media Contact:

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.

Phone: (239) 275-3435



 
 
 

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Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners

SWFL Produce
City of Fort Myers
Vulcan Materials Company
R4 Roofing
Fort Myers Film Festival
Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation
City of Fort Myers
Famous Daves
Aux Delices
Calusa Waterkeeper
Advance Solar & Spa
shoreline lumber logo grb.bmp
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
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Open Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Pricing:

Adults $13 

Children $7

Members Free

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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© 2024 by CNCP

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