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A six-week, hands-on series that mixes marine science with art for kids ages 6–10 at the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach. Children explore shoreline habitats each week and display finished pieces at a Family & Friends Art Show.
A six-week, hands-on series that mixes marine science with art for kids ages 6–10 at the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach. Children explore shoreline habitats each week and display finished pieces at a Family & Friends Art Show.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Environmental Learning Center · Vero Beach, Florida
Art of the Ocean is a hands-on, six-week children’s program held at the Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Dr Building A, Vero Beach, FL 32963, USA. Designed for curious 6–10 year olds, this late‑season series blends marine science, outdoor exploration, and studio art across weekly two‑hour sessions. Each Saturday from September 26 to October 24, instructors lead small groups through an evolving curriculum that pairs a new ocean theme with creative projects: printmaking inspired by shell patterns, watercolor studies of shorebirds, and sculptures that echo seagrass and driftwood textures. The series culminates in a Family & Friends Art Show on November 1 where children display their work, practice presenting ideas, and celebrate conservation through creativity. The setting is as much a teacher as the lesson plan. Sessions use nearby shoreline, shallow tide pools, and estuarine edges to introduce young learners to the local marine tableau: oyster beds, seagrass meadows, small crabs and hermit crabs, and migratory shorebirds common to the Vero Beach coast. Those natural features—sand flats that reveal shells at low tide and dense seagrass beds that support juvenile fish—are perfect living examples for hands‑on observation and art interpretation. What makes this program special is the blend of studio technique and place-based science. Rather than an indoor craft class, Art of the Ocean connects pigment, paste, and play to real coastal systems, teaching stewardship as a creative practice. For families visiting or living in Vero Beach, it’s a kid-friendly way to introduce local ecology and a meaningful complement to other outdoor recreation in the area, from beachcombing to kayaking through estuarine channels. Practical details are straightforward: the drop‑off program runs 1:00–3:00 PM each Saturday, is priced at $150 per child for all six sessions (materials included), and requires no prior art experience. Parents appreciate the balance of guided instruction and free exploration—children gain observational skills, basic conservation habits, and a tangible art portfolio at the end. If you’re planning a fall visit to Vero Beach, reserve a spot early; small class sizes mean sessions fill. Bring sun protection and closed‑toe shoes for shoreline time, and expect a mix of studio warmup exercises and outdoor sketching. For young families seeking an engaging, educational escape, Art of the Ocean offers a chance to see coastal Florida through a child’s hands and eyes—curiosity, craft, and care rolled into two hours each week. The Environmental Learning Center has long served local families and school groups as a gateway to coastal science education; through programs like this it fosters early stewardship and strengthens connection to Vero Beach’s shoreline. Expect educators to introduce simple conservation actions—cleaning up litter, identifying native plants, and reducing plastics—that children can easily practice at home and on beach trips.
easy.
2 hours per session (6 sessions total).
Appropriate for children ages 6–10 with basic stamina for short walks on sand and standing during crafts
The program is for children ages 6–10.
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Dr Building A, Vero Beach; sessions run Saturdays, September 26–October 24, 1:00–3:00 PM.
This is a drop-off program; instructors supervise children during the two-hour session.
Yes—materials are included in the $150 fee that covers all six sessions and the final art show.
No prior experience is required; activities are designed for beginners and encourage exploration.
Dress for the beach: sun protection, closed-toe shoes for shoreline time, and a smock or old shirt for studio work.
The Environmental Learning Center has served as a local hub for coastal education, offering school programs and community outreach that connect residents to Vero Beach’s shoreline.
The curriculum emphasizes simple stewardship—litter pickup, species identification, and plastic reduction—to build lifelong conservation habits in children.
The Environmental Learning Center operates hands-on outdoor programs and guided tours focused on the coastal ecosystems of Pelican Island, the Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet. The organization offers a variety of experiences including pontoon tours to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, kayak and paddleboard rentals, guided kayak excursions, SUP yoga, nature workshops, and family- and youth-focused programs. Programs are designed for small groups and varied age ranges: Little Wonders serves children 18 months to 4 years with caregiver-led nature enrichment and early literacy activities; guided kayak excursions welcome participants aged 8 and up; several tours and classes encourage pre-registration to reserve spots. Pontoon tours emphasize wildlife viewing in an intimate setting and recommend that guests bring binoculars and snacks; the Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Tour seats up to 16 guests for a two-hour evening experience. The Feathers & Fins Sebastian Inlet Tour highlights local birdlife and marine species during a 2.5-hour outing. The Environmental Learning Center combines outdoor education, wellness classes such as yoga and chair yoga, and seasonal events like full moon kayak trips and holiday break camps that include pontoon rides. By focusing on place-based experiences and small-group settings, the center creates opportunities for wildlife observation, creative expression, family learning, and outdoor recreation rooted in the region’s natural habitats.
Book with Environmental Learning Center