MarineLab Family Day

Join us for a bayside birding adventure! Learn all about the “pirates of the sky”, birds that have mastered the art of fishing underwater, vibrant pink birds that are not to be confused with flamingos, and so much more! For this Family Day, participants will hop on our boats and enjoy a relaxing boat ride in Florida Bay. On our way out to Nest Key (a mangrove island that birds happen to love), we’ll make some stops to point out, identify, and talk about the birds we see along the way! Then, we’ll explore the island, encounter some lovely spa grade mud, and pull out our seine net to do some fishing. If we’re really good, we may even find some seahorses! We will not be snorkeling (brrrrr!) but we will be wading in waist deep water.

Please do not arrive before 12:45!  

1 PM: Arrive and check in

 

1:15 - 2 PM: Let’s talk birds! Before we can learn about how important they are to the marine ecosystem, we have to learn how to identify them. We’ll get you warmed with a bird ID game so that we’re all thinking like scientists before we get on the boat.

 

2 PM - 5 PM: Board a MarineLab vessel and enjoy a 45 minute boat ride out to Nest Key! We will make plenty of stops along the way to identify and talk about all of the birds we see. Then, our marine biologist staff will guide you into the center of a mangrove island, teach you all about what there is to see, and we’ll do some fishing with our seine net!

 

 

**sequence of events and snorkel site locations subject to change due to weather conditions

Admission: There will be a $10 REFUNDABLE deposit for all participants. 

**if the refundable deposit poses a financial burden for your family, please contact our Outreach Coordinator directly to register

 

Please consider that these are high demand events with waitlists - if you sign up and are no longer able to attend, please reach out to Anne at outreach@marinelab.org in advance so that another family can fill your spot!

 

Waiver Required! Find the waiver here (If you have already attended a family day in 2024, there is no need to fill out another waiver.)

 

Age: Limited to ages 7 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

Snorkel gear: Don’t have your own? We’ve got you covered! We are happy to provide snorkel gear in any size you need.

 

What to bring: A swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and something warm for the boat ride back (sweater/windbreaker)

 

For more information, email our Outreach Coordinator, Anne den Otter, at anne.denotter@marinelab.org