How can I describe the Green Cay Nature Center???
It’s a walk… Okay, it’s a long walk.
But, this place is a Nature Lover’s Dream!!
There are few places in South Florida that give me the feeling that I’m completely off the grid, without the off-the-grid travel time.
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If you are looking to tire out the kids with a wonderful walk, THIS is the place for you!
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When you are looking for a space to clear your head, THIS is the place for you!
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If you’re just looking for a beautiful backdrop for some pictures while learning a little about nature, then THIS is also the place for you!
The Green Cay Nature Center has something to please everyone. This gem overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland, it features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk.
Along the boardwalk there are interpretive educational signs about the habitat to help make this a learning experience
If you have boys like I do, then you are going to LOVE the open space. They felt free to roam (safely) ahead of me.
That is, until this city slicker (me) realized there were actual gators in the water…
“Off the rails!”
Seriously, if I so much as hear a lizard rustling in a bush my NY heart skips a beat! Needless to say, we kept them close the rest of the way. I’m still learning!
There’s no shortage of spectacular views here, its a photographer’s dream…
Now, we did brave this place on a hot summer day. So about a gallon of sunblock was required!
I would recommend waiting to go until summer is over at least, you know like February?? Good job Florida!
The boys loved stopping at all of the signs and learning about what wildlife lived in that region, then searching high and low on a scavenger hunt of sorts to try and spot them.
There was even a little spot for us to stop and have a snack and get hydrated.
“No, you cannot feed the gators!” Gulp!
The Nature Center inside is a welcome air conditioned break with lots of cool and informative exhibits. We hit this on the way back for a well deserved break.
Although the Green Cay Nature Center exhibits are closed Sunday – Tuesday (Open from 9AM-3PM Wed – Sat), the boardwalk is open daily from 7AM – sunset. Awesome sunsets in the summertime!
Overall, the Green Cay Nature Center was a total score for our family. Any time that we can slow things down and take time to just enjoy the simple things like a walk with your family, is time well spent. In these busy times, where it seems social demands have a larger stake in our everyday lives, it’s great to just “disconnect” in order to “reconnect” with what really matters.
Being out in nature at the Green Cay Nature Center without any (wait for it, wait for it…) battery-operated devices gives you the opportunity to truly reflect on what is important to you (you folks know me so well). Plus, research proves it’s great at relieving stress and good for the “crunchy” mind/body & soul!
Until next time…
Essentially Yours,
Modern Boca Crunchy Mom
