Environmental Learning Center

Environmental Learning Center

Wild Lagoon Field Trips

Plan Your ELC Field Trip

Customize An Immersive Field Trip at ELC for a Day of Fun Eco-Adventures

We offer customizable Ecological Field Trips for youth and adults! For information and to request a field trip for your school, group, team, class, staff, family, etc., email Education@DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.

In-season: Jan, Feb, March, April, June, July, Oct, Nov, Dec
Off-season: Aug, Sept, May for Indian River County Schools only

We have designed a few programs for specific grade levels with teachers in mind, but any of these may be customized for any age, grade, or group. If you have an organized group and would like to create a special itinerary of activities for your field trip, please let us know, and we will work to make it happen. Additional charges may apply. Scholarship opportunities available.

Pic for website 665 x 445 (4)

Young Explorers

PreK – 1st Grade | 2-Hour Program (10 AM – 12 PM)
Cost: $15 per student (in-season) / $10 per student (off-season)

Choose three of the experiences below:

  • The Living Lagoon
  • Pond Lab
  • Florida Reptiles
  • Sea Turtle Trek
  • Powerful Pollinators
  • Florida’s Bird Safari
  • Turtles, Tortoises, & Terrapins
  • Wildlife Themed Craft

Splash

2nd – 3rd Grade | 3-Hour Program (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Cost: $20 per student (in-season) / $15 per student (off-season)

Experience Includes:

  • Pond Lab – Go dip-netting in the pond
  • Plankton Lab – discover the plankton of the Indian River Lagoon
  • Explore the Living Lagoon aquariums, touch tank, and interactive exhibits
Boys With Dip Nets
Pic for website 665 x 445 (2)

Lagoon Days

4th – 12th Grade | 3-Hour Program (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Cost: $30 per student (in-season) / $25 per student (off-season)

Rotate through three interactive stations exploring the diverse Indian River Lagoon ecosystem

  • Seine netting to discover local marine life
  • Mangrove Marsh Walk: Learn about the three types of mangroves, red, black, and white, and the unique adaptations that help them thrive in coastal habitats.
  • Canoeing introduction to canoeing while learning about the Indian River Lagoon

Sea to Shore, Florida’s Great Outdoors

All Ages | 3-Hour Program (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Cost: $25 per student (in-season) / $20 per student (off-season)
Additional Cost: +$5 per person for canoeing

Experience Includes:

  • Explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon
  • Learn about the diverse wildlife and habitats that thrive in these environments
  • Choose three activities from the list below

Activity Options:

  • Canoeing (ages 8+ / additional $5/per student)
  • Seine Netting (ages 8+)
  • Squid Dissection (ages 8+)
  • Sea Turtle Trek
  • Pond Lab
  • Turtles, Tortoises & Terrapins
  • Plankton Lab
  • Florida’s Reptiles
  • The Living Lagoon
  • Archery (ages 8+)
  • Mangrove Marsh Walk
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Powerful Pollinators
  • Electro-Lab
  • Florida’s Feathered Friends
  • Florida Fishing Fun
  • Sea Turtles Tracks & Facts
Pic for website 665 x
Pic for website 665 x 445 (1)

Fins Up for Dolphin Lab

All Ages | 3-Hour Program (9:30-12:30 PM)
Cost: $750
Duration: 3 hours
Maximum Capacity: Up to 19 participants, including students, teachers, and chaperones

Experience Includes:

  • Explore Dolphin History & Science: Learn about the past, present, and future of these fascinating creatures and discover the unique adaptations that help them thrive in this special ecosystem.
  • Pontoon Boat Ride on the ELC Discover: Cruise the Indian River Lagoon on our pontoon boat as we search for dolphins in their natural habitat!
  • Hands-On Learning at the Living Lagoon: Explore our touch tank and visit the beautiful aquariums at the ELC.

Self-Guided Activities

All Ages | 1 & 2-Hour Self-Guided Program
Cost: $10 per adult / $5 per child / Free for children under 2
Additional Cost: Equipment rental fee for dip-netting, binoculars, and other gear

Experience Includes:

  • Explore the Environmental Learning Center at your own pace
  • Access self-guided lesson plans available at the front desk
  • Engage with interactive exhibits, nature trails, and hands-on learning activities
Little Boy With Net
Field Trip Pics For Website 2

Outreach

Bring the ELC Experience to You!

Host an ELC educator at your location for an engaging and interactive learning experience.

All Ages | 1-Hour Program
Cost: $250 total
Additional Travel Fee: $50 for locations outside the county

Mobile Touch Tank
Cost: $350 total
Additional Travel Fee: $50 for locations outside the county

Perfect for schools, community groups, and special events looking to bring hands-on environmental education directly to their audience.