PALM BEACH COUNTY ZOO’S, NATURE CENTERS & GARDENS

Palm Beach Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Nature Centers
Discover the best animal attractions and nature centers across Palm Beach County. From marine life rescue to safari adventures, these destinations are perfect for homeschool families looking for real-life applications of marine biology, botany, geology, entomology, and many other sciences. Homeschooling outdoors is rich with adventure in Palm Beach County, Florida.
North County
Explore marine life and coastal ecosystems in the northern part of Palm Beach County. Both are perfect locations to explore marine biology in a fun and interesting way.
Fun fact: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Nature Center has camping accommodations. This could be a dynamic learning experience incorporating science and survival/life skills.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center — 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408 — 561-627-8280
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Nature Center — 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 — 561-624-6950
Central County
Home to some of Palm Beach’s most famous wildlife attractions, from safaris to big cat conservation. These are a mix of paid and donation-based fun. Official links are provided below for further research and exploration by learning families. Please verify hours and fees before heading out.
- Lion Country Safari — 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 — 561-793-1084
- Panther Ridge Conservation Center — 2143 D Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 — 561-795-8914
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary — 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter, FL 33478 — 561-575-3399
- McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary — 12943 61st Street N, West Palm Beach, FL 33412 — 561-790-2116
- Loxahatchee River Center — 805 U.S. 1, Jupiter, FL 33477 — 561-743-7123
South County
Nature education, wetlands, and oceanfront centers highlight southern Palm Beach County. These are some of the most favored educational stops for homeschoolers in the South Florida area. All of these locations are free but rely in part on the generous donations of their guests. They also offer paid programming to small groups and homeschoolers, but you must reach out to coordinate.
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center — 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 — 561-544-8605
- Sandoway Discovery Center — 142 South Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483 — 561-274-7263
- Wakodahatchee Wetlands — 13270 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL — no phone listed
- Manatee Lagoon — 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 — 561-626-2833
Regional Wildlife Refuge
Preserving the Everglades ecosystem and offering trails, birdwatching, and educational programs. They may be willing to offer homeschool-specific programs depending on group size, so you must reach out to coordinate.
- Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge — Boynton Beach, FL — 561-734-8303

Palm Beach Botanical Gardens & Plant-Focused Parks
Palm Beach County is also home to world-class botanical gardens and peaceful green spaces for a day of nature schooling or a science class focused on botany, entomology, or biology.
- Mounts Botanical Garden — 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 — 561-233-1757
- Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens — 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 — 561-495-0233
- The Society of the Four Arts – Botanical Gardens — 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480 — 561-655-7227
- Pan’s Garden (Preservation Foundation) — Palm Beach, FL 33480 — 561-832-0731