Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

The nature center’s sea turtle program, which is executed in collaboration with Miami-​Dade County, is one of their most popular initiatives. On the night we visited, there were 40+ people in attendance including students from UM’s marine science school (Go ‘Canes!) and young professionals like us from the local environmental community.
The program’s success is well deserved. The night’s keynote speaker, a naturalist from Miami-​Dade County who runs the sea turtle program at Crandon Park, was a knowledgeable, charismatic, and accomplished presenter. Unlike most PowerPoint presentations, his had the perfect mix of information and captivating images, of basic information and cool factoids. We know others agreed because the students mobbed him and fan girl-​ed over him when his presentation was over.

This place is amazingly educational and super entertaining. We came for a field trip for my daughter’s school. We had a blast and learn so much.

This nature center is uncrowded clean and full of interesting specimens. All the naturalists who work there are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. These wise staff members are the best thing about an already amazing place. I have been on two turtle releases that start at 9 with an educational talk and end up an hour later with a couple of baby turtles walking back through the seaweed into the sea. Hopefully these turtles are growing bigger as we speak. Be sure to sign up for the sea turtle release the day or the day after it is announced. The list usually opens June 1. The seagrass adventure is also a great program that is unique and worth the 14 clams.

This place is awesome and educational! We’re lucky to have so close by! We went for the Nature center Coastal Ecology Program which was about 2 ½ hours long.
It started with a hands on demonstration of little sea life such as: sea urchins, clams, crabs, sea stars, etc. We got to hold all the animals except the crab of course!
Then we went for a short hike down to the beach where they talked about the different plant life around the sand dunes and then headed over to the beach…
The tour was $ 14, not sure if that’s the regular rate because we were a big group.

If you and your family enjoy nature dont miss this place. The Biscayne Nature Center is a fun place to visit for different activities or to have a unique party for your child. There is a small gift shop, exhibits and a presentation room. Downstairs are open rooms where parties can be held. The downstairs area has one or two refridgerators you can use. Check out the available space, you may need to tote your cooler from the car depending n the amount of food you have and also if there is another party going on. No pinatas allowed. The bldg is designed nice, the bathrooms clean.
The seagrass adventure is guided by a biologist/​naturalist who takes the group to the beach Where they wade Iin knee deep water scooping up sealife in nets to deposit whatever they catch in floating buckets. Afterward all gather on the beach where the biologist passes around the finds in clear containers while Giving a lesson on the marine life. When finished, all sealife are safely returned to their home in the ocean. Small children need assistance. Hats sunscreen and watersocks recommended.
If this is a birthday party the birhday child sits in the center of the group with the biologist and gets to be the first to hold everything. Afterwards all go back to party area and enjoy lunch and festivities.

i first learned of this place when my daughter’s first grade class went there on a field trip for a seagrass adventure and I was hooked. Since then I have had a birthday party for each of my daughter’s there. At each party new people discover this place and also want to have a party there. It is really cool if you like that sort of thing.
The center is located in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. There is 5.00 entrance fee to the park. Check online for pricing for different activities at the center.

A great place to take the kids to see some sea life first hand, without waiting in line at the aquarium. The center sponsors some in exhibits but also leads nature walks, hikes and other adventures.
We took the family on a «sea grass adventure» which was led by a naturalist. After donning sunscreen, hats and old, closed-​toe shoes, we headed out to the beach. Gear was provided for us to collect and examine sea life, including floating buckets and nets. Wading through sea grass beds in knee-​high water, we had a great time exploring and examining our prizes. Our knowledgeable naturalist, Mary, was there at our side to tell us about them and let us know if we needed if we need to put anything back (like conch, which is protected). After an hour or so, we took everything back to the beach to examine it more carefully in mini view tanks with the naturalist. Our catch: one large spider crab, baby puffer fish, balloon fish, baby pipe fish, pea fish, baby parrot fish, shrimp, sea urchins, and a variety of sponges and snails. Great stuff for us nature show junkies. And of course we put everything back in the water in the end.
Logistical stuff: This nature center is in the northern part of Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. The Unilocal map location is slightly off. Check their website instead.