Calusa Nature Center & Planetarum

Category: Parks & Wildlife Refuges

Nature lovers will get a fun and educational look at southwest Florida's natural history and more at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Calusa offers nature trails through forest and wetlands, a replica of a Seminole village, and an aviary for permanently injured native birds-of-prey. In the nature center visitors can watch live animals -- tarantulas, snakes, and alligators, to name a few -- and learn about their native habitats. Additionally, the center has a planetarium with a special exhibit on the Hubble telescope and frequent laser light shows. Call ahead to find out the times of the excellent educational walks and animal lectures.

Chris says: Planetarium is great, especially the SW Florida skies show. Wonderful to hear the gasps from the kids in the audience. Personally, thought the nature part of the site is a little dated, although I have seen good reviews elsewhere, but especially so, if you dont like to see animals locked up in relatively small cages.