I had a fantastic getaway with my kids to #DiscoverMartin on Hutchinson Island. During our visit we explored the area and my kids really enjoyed the time we spent at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, so I wanted to share all the details of this great little Florida attraction hidden in this beautiful beach town.
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Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
I love any opportunity to teach my kids in a fun way, especially if it has to do with being more eco-friendly. So our visit to the Florida Oceanographic Society was awesome in so many ways. This local attraction is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 with the mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education, research and advocacy. This 57-acre marine life nature center is located on Hutchinson Island; making it a perfect addition to a vacation when near in Stuart, FL.
KIDS CAN FEED STINGRAYS
You get to get up close to discover the fascinating marine creatures that call our coastal environment home. The stingray tank was my son’s favorite part because he was able to hand feed the stingrays all by himself. Be sure to look at the daily schedule before you go so that you plan to attend this feeding.
HIDDEN TRAILS TO WALK ON HUTCHINSON ISLAND
At the back of the Coastal Center there are some trails that are fun to walk. On these trails, you can get to the Indian River Lagoon or take a loop around the mangrove swamp. The full length of the Nature Trail is one mile. However, there is a short trail path that is 1/3 of a mile in length.
HANDS ON OUTDOOR LEARNING
Throughout the facility, there are a number of fun hands-on activities where kids learn in a play-like setting from pretending fishing to stamping animal tracks in the sand. They offer daily educational programs that provide the background on the issues facing our oceans.
EDUCATION CENTER
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Education Center is located on Hutchinson Island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. The center educated thousands of kids yearly through the on-site programs. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove swamp communities, the natural site is perfect for education and research giving visitors’ new knowledge about these unique coastal environments.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
890 NE Ocean Blvd. | Stuart, Fl 34996
772-225-0505
ADMISSION:
Adults $16
Children (3-12) $8
Children under 3 FREE
Members FREE
website: www.floridaocean.org
***hour and price updates last made April 2023