Florida

4 Fun Ways to Teach Kids About The Environment On Your Next Beach Trip

Last updated 26th July 2022

Yes, it’s possible to relax and look out for Mother Earth.

Conscious vacationing is more important than ever these days, but getting your kids on board can feel like a chore. While they’re dreaming about cannonballs and room service, you’re worried about food waste and ocean pollution.

So how to choose the right destination? Allow us to recommend Martin County, Florida, the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. Thanks to the St. Lucie Inlet, which serves as a conduit between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, Martin County is home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including a handful of rare, endangered species.

At this one-stop eco-paradise you’ll find clear waters, white sand beaches and an array of environmental learning opportunities that are far from boring.

Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Located on 3.5 miles of undeveloped beach, the refuge is a sanctuary to almost 40 endangered species. It’s also the most productive sea turtle nesting area in the Southeastern U.S. Start at the Visitor Center where you can check out live animals and grab a map. The refuge has tons of trails through sand pine scrub forest, where you can observe animals in their natural habitat, as well as access to fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Make sure to stop at Peck Lake Beach, where you’ll have a good chance of seeing a manatee, dolphins, blue herons, and sea turtles.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Outdoorsy types, budding wildlife photographers, and history buffs unite—this state park has all sorts of cool things to explore. Hike and bike a number of trails, including an 8.7 mile lake-to-ocean trail ideal for mountain bikers, or hop on a boat tour of the Loxahatchee River, where you’ll see tons of birds nesting in centuries-old cypress trees as well as the 1930s pioneer homestead of local legend Trapper Nelson, the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee.” Visit a top secret WWII training camp before taking a horse ride on the beach. After a day of exploring consider staying the night at one of multiple camp sites or park it for a scenic picnic before heading back to your hotel.

Florida Oceanographic Society

Head out to Hutchinson Island to see this sprawling 57-acre nature center for marine life. Here, your crew can learn about the ocean with plenty of hands on opportunities. Help conservationists document trends in seagrass health by snorkeling through their habitats. Take a yoga class on the beach with sea turtles. And don’t forget to stop by the stingray program, where you can interact with live stingrays.

Zeke’s Surf and Paddle Tours

Choose your own adventure with a stand up paddle boarding or kayaking tour led by two Florida natives. You’ll spot wildlife, learn about local plants, chill out at sand bars, and hunt for live sand dollars. One close encounter with a dolphin or manatee and your family will never be the same!

Start planning your family vacation to Martin County, Florida by visiting DiscoverMartin.com.