Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Our indoor and outdoor settings and customizable activities make our nature center the perfect place for any special event. We will work with you to create the perfect experience, whether it’s a big wedding, company retreat, kids’ birthday party, or anything your imagination can think up.
ELC has so many different types of activities, programs, and nature space to offer that we customize just about anything! Whatever you’re looking for, chances are we can make it happen. We can accommodate a baby shower, an activity packed kids’ birthday party, a casual business meeting, an elegant wedding, or a private celebration on our pontoon boat. Large or small, the choices are endless!
The Pavilion is ideal for all types of events with a capacity to host 1500 guests or more. The pavilion offers shade, cooling overhead fans, a catering kitchen, restrooms, a private lounge/dressing area, and two bar set-up/serving areas. The Oval is a large lawn area ringed by native plants and can be tented or serve as a space for guests to sit, play outdoor games, or watch entertainment happening on stage.
Reservations required.
The Lagoon Gallery is an air-conditioned indoor space perfect for celebrations, meetings, and group gatherings. Windows are throughout most of the room, giving natural light and overlooking a vast mangrove forest. The room can accommodate up to 100 people. The walls display local nature-themed artwork. The Discovery Station next door can also be rented to provide additional space for guests, food stations or a beverage bar. Rental includes the use of a small catering kitchen, cocktail high-top tables, round and rectangle tables, chairs, glassware, and silverware. AV equipment and black linens are available for an additional charge.
Reservations required.
The Discovery Station is an air-conditioned indoor space that has a Touch Tank, several aquariums, and interactive exhibits. It’s perfect for birthday parties, especially when you book a Touch Tank Experience and Nature Scavenger Hunt with our Education Team for added fun. The space is flexible enough to be set up for an elegant dinner party too.
Reservations required.
The Tidal Gallery is filled with natural light and local nature-themed artwork. It is perfect for a small reception, gathering, or bridal shower. If you are renting other spaces at the ELC, this room can be a nice addition for a lounge, indoor bar set-up or staged photos. Event planners love the possibilities for this beautiful little space.
Reservations required.
Fort Mangrove is an elevated nature space located on the boardwalk leading to the Canoe Dock. Book this space for happy hour, a family picnic, or before and/or after your paddle excursion. It is a quiet space up in the treetops and might be the perfect place for “the proposal” or even a small wedding ceremony surrounded by mangrove forest. This location is a favorite for yoga and meditation.
Reservations required.
Imagination Station is outside next to the Welcome Center and has natural playscape features. Act out on stage, pretend to row your own canoe, collect water from the rain barrel, and get dirty in the mud kitchen. Perfect for toddlers with a wild imagination!
The outdoor lawn in front of the Pavilion is large enough to accommodate wedding ceremonies, family reunions, festivals, community fundraisers, company picnics, and kids’ birthday parties. ELC staff can coordinate activities like team building exercises and games to entertain all ages. Other lawn areas available to use for activities or parking.
Reservations required.
Have you always wanted to roast marshmallows by the fire but didn’t want to deal with the work and mess? Let ELC make this experience happen for you.
Reservations required.
Located near the boat dock, this shaded area has several picnic tables and a view of the water. Plus tons of shade under the trees.
Named after the Ais Indian Chiefs, this covered picnic area and outdoor classroom is close to the Exploration Pond and has 4 picnic tables. 2 additional picnic tables are close by.
Reservations required.
Located under the Discovery Station building with 17 picnic tables. Great for large groups. This area is close to the Paddle Launch Dock and bathrooms.
Take a private pontoon boat trip with up to sixteen people for your next event or special gathering. ELC will provide the Captain and a Nature Guide, you bring your food and beverages. Enjoy one of the award-winning two-hour Indian River Lagoon tours that ELC is known for. If you have a large group, plan for a few 45-minute quick trips so everyone can enjoy time on the water. Reach out to us to plan this part of your agenda well in advance. This is one of ELC’s most popular activities.
Reservations required.
Our Exploration Pond is a popular spot for dip-netting to get a closer look at the living organisms found there. The Pond may also be utilized for games and team building exercises such as canoe tug-of-war and paddle training. We offer customizable experiences catering to all interests and age levels. Give us a call and let us create your next amazing experience.
Monday - Friday | 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday | 8 AM - 4 PM
Sunday | 8 AM - 4 PM
