What age group is the Little Naturalist Program designed for?

The program is designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5.

How long does the program last?

Each session runs approximately one hour.

Is the program outdoors?

Yes, most activities take place outdoors on the Juno Dunes Trail, with some storytime in nearby shaded areas.

Do parents need to participate or can children attend alone?

Parents or guardians are expected to accompany their children during the program.

Is there a cost for attending the program?

The Little Naturalist Program is currently offered free of charge thanks to community support.

What should we bring to the program?

Bring sunscreen, hats, filled water bottles, and appropriate footwear for the trail.

Little Naturalists at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, offers a unique gateway for families to introduce young children to the natural world through its Little Naturalist Program. Designed specifically for kids ages 2-5, this thoughtfully crafted experience combines playful learning with the raw beauty of coastal dune ecosystems, creating an ideal early adventure that is both educational and engaging.

Set against the backdrop of the Juno Dunes Trail, participants engage with nature across a series of interactive stations. Each stop is built around hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity about local wildlife, plants, and natural processes. The offering includes story time, inviting the little ones to hear tales that link them emotionally to the environment and deepen their connection to the landscape.

What sets this program apart in the crowded outdoor education space is its integration with Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a cornerstone conservation institution in Southeast Florida dedicated to marine turtle protection and environmental awareness. The surrounding dunes and native vegetation provide a rich, living classroom where kids can observe coastal habitats and the creatures that depend on them — from gopher tortoises to migratory birds.

Parents and caregivers appreciate the manageable one-hour format that encourages children to discover at their own pace in a safe, guided setting. The trail’s gentle terrain is perfect for little feet, and educators focus on sensory experiences to fuel wonder, such as listening for bird calls or feeling different leaf textures. Arriving prepared with sun protection and water is essential given Florida’s subtropical climate.

The Little Naturalist Program makes an outstanding introduction to outdoor adventure for families new to the region’s unique ecosystems. By nurturing a child’s early connection to nature here, the center supports lifelong stewardship and appreciation for Florida’s coastal environments. This program is a standout opportunity for locals and visitors seeking meaningful, age-appropriate outdoor education in Juno Beach.

About Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, operates a sea turtle hospital, rescue, and rehabilitation facility focused on sea turtle conservation. The center offers a range of visitor experiences including private and public guided tours, early-access tours of the outdoor hospital, audio self-guided tours, evening guided tours, and interactive Ocean Discovery Shows led by teaching scientists. Visitors can purchase One Day Passes to access exhibits and live sea turtles, join Guided Turtle Walks to learn about nesting, attend Hatchling Release events, or book the WILD in the Palm Beaches half-day wildlife tour.

Each program provides educational interpretation about rescue, rehabilitation, and release processes, with guides and staff sharing patient stories and conservation context. The outdoor sea turtle hospital allows guests to observe current patients and learn about veterinary care and recovery milestones during guided visits. Discovery Shows and hands-on presentations highlight local sea turtles, sharks, and coral reefs to connect audiences with coastal ecosystems.

Tours are available in multiple formats to suit different schedules and interests, from self-guided audio tours to intimate private guided experiences. Evening programs add the opportunity to observe nocturnal turtle behaviors like nesting and hatchling release. Every visit supports conservation efforts through admission and donations. Loggerhead Marinelife Center combines public education, animal care, and coastal conservation outreach to create meaningful marine wildlife experiences for visitors of all ages. Programs accommodate families, school groups, and individual visitors, offering accessible learning opportunities, scheduled tours, special events, and community outreach initiatives that support regional conservation education and engagement programs.