Exciting 2025 Events at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: Celebrate Nature, Science, and Magic!
Fort Myers, FL – Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is kicking off 2025 with a vibrant lineup of events—from romance in the wild this Valentine’s Day to a magical wizarding adventure in March. We’re also offering sponsorship opportunities for all upcoming events, giving the community a chance to support and connect with CNCP’s mission to preserve and celebrate nature.
As we dive into 2025, we’re reminded of the incredible ways Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium continues to inspire and educate visitors about the natural world. These experiences wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community supporters. As we work toward building a brighter future, we invite you to join us in preserving this sanctuary and ensuring it remains a place for generations to come.
“One month into 2025, we’re excited for the year ahead and the chance to connect even more deeply with nature. Whether it’s through engaging educational programs or fun community events, CNCP is a place where we all come together to learn, explore, and make a lasting impact. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for our wonderful visitors and supporters!”– Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Nature Explorers: Experiments
February 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Start February with some hands-on science experiments that will amaze kids and adults alike! Ever wondered if you can set metal on fire, or how to make ice cream without a freezer? Join us for an interactive session of discovery and fun!
Travel with Calusa: St. Pete Day Trip
February 1, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Take a motor coach day trip to St. Petersburg with stops at the St. Pete Pier, a boat tour of Tampa Bay, and visits to the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a perfect way to spend the day soaking in art, nature, and local culture!
Valentine’s Day: Romance in the Wild
February 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a wild way at CNCP! Explore the mating rituals in the animal kingdom with Executive Director Eric Raddatz, enjoy a variety of craft activities, and win exciting raffle prizes. Plus, BOGO tickets for couples!
Event Highlights:
Mating & Pairing in the Wild with Executive Director Eric Raddatz
BOGO Tickets for Couples
Craft Stations: Make Your Own Valentine’s Cards
Self-Guided Animal Talks
Cupcakes & Cookies for Select Couples
Creepy Crawly Day
February 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Get up close and personal with the creepy crawlies of the world! From bats and bugs to snakes and spiders, this fun-filled day includes live animal shows, educational talks, and hands-on activities that are sure to intrigue all ages. Kids can make their own creepy critter crafts, and there will be special Planetarium shows on the fascinating world of arachnids and reptiles.
Event Highlights:
Live Animal Shows and Educational Talks
Crafts and Activities for Kids
Planetarium Shows Featuring Creepy Creatures
Meet Local Vendors Specializing in Arachnids and Reptiles
Night Hikes
January 31, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30 (Times Vary)
Join us for an immersive night hike through our preserve, where you can listen for owls, search the sky for bats, and discover constellations. Learn how animals adapt to the darkness, all while exploring the nighttime world.
Planetarium Premiere: Mysteries of Your Brain
February 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Journey through the human brain in this immersive animated show at the planetarium. Discover how our brains shape us, and explore the fascinating science of neuroplasticity—how we can change our own brains. Don’t miss this captivating experience!
Ticket Info:
Price: $15 + $0.38 service fee
Sale ends: February 19 at 5:00 PM
Earth Day Birthday Celebration
April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day at CNCP with a full day of fun for all ages! Featuring guided hikes, live animal presentations, arts and crafts, and an array of local vendors, it’s the perfect family event to learn about environmental stewardship.
Wizarding World Adventure
March 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wizards, witches, and muggles alike are invited to experience the magic at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Enjoy a magic trail, create a potion in the potions lab, sip on a butterbeer, and participate in a costume contest. There will be spell demonstrations, magical crafts, and more!
Stay tuned for official event details and ticket information!
Nature Speaker Series – Underwater Archaeology
February 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Take a deep dive into the world of underwater archaeology and discover how archaeologists uncover ancient wrecks and submerged sites. Learn why it’s crucial to protect underwater cultural heritage and how the environment is impacting these sites.
Music Under the Stars
May 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live music with Doug Sheminski opening for Andy Wahlberg at CNCP’s Music Under the Stars concert. It’s the perfect way to spend a night under the sky with great music and great company!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Learn more about rentals and book today!
Mesmerica: A Visual Music Journey
Mesmerica is a one-of-a-kind visual music experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our new sponsor Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
Media Contact:
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.
Phone: (239) 275-3435
Website: calusanature.org
#HolidayLights #SantaMeetAndGreet #HolidayLaserShows #SupportWildlife #NatureLovers #ExploreNature #CalusaNature #NurtureNature
Comments