Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium facts for kids

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a special place in Fort Myers, Florida. It's a non-profit organization that teaches people about nature and the environment.

This amazing center covers 105 acres, which is a huge area! It has a museum with live animals and exhibits about the plants and animals of Southwest Florida. There's also a big planetarium where you can explore space, plus nature trails, a butterfly house, and a home for birds of prey.

Discover the Calusa Nature Center

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a fantastic spot for learning and fun. It's dedicated to helping people understand and protect the natural world around them. You can spend hours exploring all the different parts of this center.

What You Can Explore

The center has many exciting areas to visit. You can walk through beautiful nature trails and see local plants. There's also a special house just for butterflies. It's a great way to see these colorful insects up close.

Meet the Animals

Inside the natural history museum, you'll find cool exhibits. They teach you about the animals and plants that live in Southwest Florida. You can even see some live native animals! The center also cares for teaching animals.

There's a special place called the raptor aviary. This is home to birds of prey, like eagles and owls. These birds were hurt and can't live in the wild anymore. The center gives them a safe and caring home.

Discover the Planetarium

One of the coolest parts is the planetarium! It's a giant dome that's 44 feet (about 13.4 meters) wide. Up to 90 people can sit inside at once.

Stargazing Adventures

The planetarium shows amazing full-dome movies about space. You can see stars, planets, and galaxies all around you! They have new shows every month, so there's always something new to learn.

You can also see a collection of real meteorites on display. These are pieces of rocks from space! Sometimes, the planetarium even has fun evening laser shows.

Learning and Fun

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is all about education. Their staff also visit local schools and groups. They teach kids and adults about nature and science.

Besides the main attractions, the center has other useful areas. There's a gift shop where you can find souvenirs. You can also use their meeting spaces, classrooms, and picnic areas. It's a perfect spot for a day out with family or friends.