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    Daggerwing Nature Center

    4.4 (16 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 4:30 PM

    Daggerwing Nature Center Photos

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    Lucia D.

    Beautiful nature center with butterfly garden and indoor kids section. This is a great way to learn about the wildlife before walking the outside section. Be sure to meet the owl.

    Beginning of the boardwalk
    Jeff S.

    We checked out the nature trail today which is actually a very nice boardwalk. The nature center itself was closed, not sure if due to Covid-19 or some other reason. When we first arrived there was literally no other people there. I was surprised since in the online photos, Daggerwing appears to be a very nice looking facility. When we first entered the boardwalk, we crossed a pretty lake and there were butterflies zooming around our heads and some pretty flowers on either side. Once we got deeper into the trail, the trees started to look dried out and worse, dying. I can only guess but it seems as if the area was once wet and lush and that water source is now gone. Either that or there's some fungus or disease affecting the area. Everything was extremely dry and decaying. I was surprised, it looks really tragic. Anyway, the walk itself is nice but we saw absolutely no wildlife aside from the butterflies. There's also an observation tower at the end of one of the paths where you can get a good look at the surrounding area, but it wasn't that special. As of January 2021, I would pass on visiting due to the poor state of the area. Maybe it'll recover when the rain starts.

    Ariel W.

    Daggerwing Nature Center is located inside of Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. Just follow the signs in the park, you can't miss it. The nature center is named for the S Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly. The 39 acre nature center has a 3,000 foot exhibit center built in 2007 when the nature center underwent 2 million dollar expansion. The exhibit hall has live animals, displays, laboratories, classrooms, and a butterfly garden out front. Many educational programs are put on by the staff here throughout the year. One of the programs they offer is night hikes. I used to take my daughter to the Earth Day program and ladybug release. This year the Earth Day celebration is on April 27th from 10 to 2 PM. The center has limited hours and even when it is closed you can still visit the nature trail elevated boardwalk. The .6 mile boardwalk trail starts off behind the nature center. It crosses over wetlands where I saw turtles swimming. In the past I have seen alligators here. The boardwalk then enters into a tropical hammock. Here you will see pond apple, strangler figs, and myrsine. If you take the trail to the left you end at an observation tower where at the top I found some teenagers smoking pot. The trail to the right takes you over the forest floor covered in giant ferns. The trail dead ends and you have to turn around to go back. Animals that have been spotted at the nature center include Osprey, woodpeckers, butterflies, turtles, and alligators. The purpose of the nature center is to provide environmental education and recreation. There is no cost to visit. It's perfect for kids or anyone who loves nature. If you are lucky and look closely you may spot the centers namesake butterfly among the flowers out front.

    Coral honeysuckle vine
    Tanja N.

    This is such a gem. Located within South County Park, it provides perfect piece and quiet to contrast all the activities offered in a County Park. A real oasis. We visited middle of the week in the late afternoon hours and it was completely empty, felt like a private tour. On the entrance we were greeted by playful butterflies that frequent butterfly garden. As soon as we reached the small bridge above the pond, dozen of turtles rushed to greet us, and soon after we had another companion-a friendly squirrel. Must be super fun for little ones.

    Dave H.

    Sports friendly park, stretching from Glades to Yamato at westernmost side of Boca, with some nicely laid out ponds and a boardwalk nature trail through stands of cypress and swamp apples. Seems very well maintained. Public golf, baseball, volleyball, water-park, jogging paths, etc.

    Judy L.

    Nice place for a walk on top of a board walk and a tower at the right end. If you make it to the animal feeding, it is very informational. The nature center is well done too. If the weather is nice, butterfly garden has pretty flowers too.

    Tiffany E.

    Cool place in west Boca to go on a nature walk. There's an indoor area with animals as well. Saw a gator, tons of turtles, fish, tree frog. Nice boardwalk for a nature trail.

    Turtles swimming and trying to catch fish

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    8 years ago

    Nice walk and interesting learning center for kids. Took 2 hours and that was with numerous stops for photos.

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    Review Highlights - Daggerwing Nature Center

    It's not very big but going down the boardwalk and back adds a 20 minute walk to my day.

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    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - UF contribution

    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

    4.6(260 reviews)
    9.7 mi

    This place is so great! Completely free. We did donate some money because we had a great time…read more Mostly shaded which was great for my mom who can't stay out in the sun for long. The nature walks are short too. And it's very accessible. Even a ramp all the way up to the look out point so people in wheel chairs can view too. It's shaded from all the mangroves and palms. And the tree that it's named after gumbo limbo! Which is a red tree that peels We attended the free 10:00 am tour which lasted an hour. It was mostly the tour guide talking who is a volunteer and very nice. Very enthusiastic. It was a little drawn out and we stoped every 10 steps but worth it. I took the stopping moments to take everything in and even spotted huge spiders. I forgot what they are called but there are the biggest ones I have seen and they are all over. He said they can bite but it's like a bee sting and not poisonous. And they stay off the path anyway. There are huge tanks of really big fish. The barracuda is huge and has the cleanest teeth. These fish are fed well. The place is kept very clean, there are a lot of staff to answer your questions. And there is someone even cleaning the outside of the tanks. They also have a sea horse tank. The butterfly garden is small, saw some zebra butterflies and I think a cardinal bird. You can walk towards the inlet and there is a small peaceful beach and picnic area that is covered. Parking lot is small but plenty of parking on a Tuesday morning at 9:30, but the time we left at 11:30 it was filled and there was a school bus. Figure 1.5 to 2 hours here. They also have a fish feeding at 12:30 but we were done before then. Would come back again!

    I'm not sure how I've never been here before but leave it to social media to hype up the new…read moreJacob's Overlook and prompt a visit. This small but mighty facility rescues and researches turtles and other marine life but turtles mainly. Staff/volunteers are very friendly, informative, and eager to help. They have fish feeding and turtle talks not sure if daily or just weekends but check their website for schedule. Also check the weather because if there is lightning, they will close. This spot is free but you can make a donation in the main building to help support the education and research provided here. There is free parking but it gets full quick. However the place is not that large and it may take only a couple loops to line up with someone leaving. If not there is paid beach parking across the street along the road there. There isn't a food or beverage but maybe bring a water bottle if you plan on doing the overlook (especially as it gets hotter). They have a butterfly garden but we only saw one butterfly at the time. They have two tall tanks where they do the feedings that have fish, rays, and a couple turtles. They also have two smaller tanks, one with really large fish and another with smaller. There are some outdoor tortoises as well as a college Marine research area where you can watch them being studied and ask questions of the students there. The overlook is beautiful and provides a nice view of the intracoastal and a slight view of the ocean. There are a few interactive educational boards along the walk up the ramp. If you want a more direct route up or down, they also have stairs. The path also extends into the mangroves and along the way back to the main building.

    Photos
    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - Various sea life tanks

    Various sea life tanks

    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - Info guide on new overlook

    Info guide on new overlook

    Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - Large fish tanks

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    Large fish tanks

    Patch Reef Park

    Patch Reef Park

    4.6(43 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    This park truly had a glow-up -- and I mean a serious one…read more About a year ago, I wasn't the biggest fan of Patch Reef Park. The playground used to feel a bit unsafe, especially for younger kids. There were tall play structures (including a ship-style area) with spots lacking proper railings, and some slides ended too high off the ground, which made landings uncomfortable and even risky. The splash area was a fun idea, but the flooring was worn out, and the restrooms definitely needed an upgrade. Fast forward to now -- everything has changed. The renovation completely transformed this space into one of our favorite family spots, especially during hot Florida days. The playground is now fully enclosed with a fence and has a single entrance, which makes it much easier to keep an eye on kids The layout is circular, so visibility is great from almost any angle There's a shaded splash pad area (huge plus in the summer!) A separate, safe toddler zone -- thoughtfully designed and much more secure Soft ground (similar to artificial turf) -- very comfortable for kids The splash area has rubber flooring, and the play structures for older kids are still fun but noticeably safer now. There are also two swing areas and a basketball court. Small note: I personally think the basketball area should be fenced off -- balls can occasionally fly into the playground (we've experienced that ourselves). There are benches and picnic tables, but they fill up quickly on weekends. Pro tip: bring a picnic blanket and lunch -- it turns into the perfect cozy family setup. Other great features: * Clean, spacious restrooms (with very large changing stations) * Drinking water fountain * Easy parking * A cute little free book box -- bring a book, take a book * Walking trails with lots of greenery -- perfect for scooters and relaxed strolls One tiny aesthetic note -- some of the flooring colors (bright red/blue) feel a bit intense visually, but the green areas look beautiful and natural. Overall: an amazing upgrade. Safe, clean, well-designed, and very family-friendly. We come here often now, and the kids absolutely love it.

    A beautiful public park with a community center, ballfields, playgrounds, basketball courts,…read morepickleball courts tennis courts,, picnic areas, and lots of free parking. A huge new indoor Pickleball center is being constructed. They have a practice wall, which I absolutely love. I checked in at the pro shop and was assigned with my team three courts. They are beautifully maintained and in fabulous shape. There are lots of clean well stopped restrooms. There were benches, tables and water fountains on each court.

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    Patch Reef Park
    Patch Reef Park
    Patch Reef Park

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    Lake Wyman Park

    Lake Wyman Park

    4.6(8 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    I was recently in the Boca Raton area and I drove past this park and decided to check it out and go…read morefor a stroll. The park is big (over 8 acres) and it has a lot of amenities for locals and visitors, here you can enjoy Baseball / Softball, Basketball Courts, Volleyball, Tennis Courts, Soccer Fields, walking tracks (almost half a mile with nice exercise stations), and several playgrounds... For those not so much into active life and sports, you can still enjoy the park by using their grills, pavilion, picnic areas, picnic shelters. There is plenty of parking and nice clean restrooms. The park is open from 8 a.m to Sunset, every day of the week. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park.Pets are not permitted in the park, either. Come by and enjoy this nice green space !

    Cute, little well maintained park in Boca Raton. The parks contains balls fields, a basketball…read morecourt, and volleyball court. In addition there are several playgrounds and pavilions. Everything was open. I enjoyed the running/fitness track which circles the park. The track is made of a squishy like material which at first I felt like I was sinking into, but by the second day I got used to. There were plenty of people using the park but it did not seem over crowded, it looked like parking may be an issue if there was a game or too many visitors. it was a pleasant place to spend some time while my son was practicing!

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    Lake Wyman Park - Some times just get on the swing and relax

    Some times just get on the swing and relax

    Lake Wyman Park
    Lake Wyman Park

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    Wakodahatchee Wetlands - Tri colored heron with the blue eggs

    Wakodahatchee Wetlands

    4.8(331 reviews)
    8.4 mi

    This place is such a hidden gem in Delray Beach! Wakodahatchee Wetlands is packed with wildlife,…read moreand the boardwalk trail makes it easy to soak it all in without disturbing the natural habitat. On my recent visit, there were so many wood storks nesting!! I spotted babies peeking out of nests, along with adults perched on eggs. It felt like stepping into a real-life nature documentary. Beyond the storks, I also saw a marsh rabbit, anhingas, several types of ducks, and even a Great Blue Heron just casually doing its thing. What makes this spot even cooler is that the wetlands are man-made, but they've become a thriving ecosystem--proof that nature finds a way when given the chance. It's free to visit, and there's plenty of parking. Even when it looks full, just be patient--spots open up quickly with people coming and going. The full loop is about ¾ of a mile, with a few covered seating areas along the way if you want to pause and take it all in. Definitely wear a hat, bring water, and don't forget your camera--you'll want it. If you live in or are visiting Palm Beach County, this is 100% worth checking out. Peaceful, scenic, and full of surprises!

    Beautiful park. It's about 4000 steps to walk around. Two plus around and you can get your daily…read morenumber ! While we didn't see any alligators, we did see beautiful iguanas, birds and vegetation! Very well kept park. Many benches and stops for shade if needed. PS it's free! I'm sure a donation would be welcomed https://www.wildsouthflorida.com/wakodahatchee.wetlands.html

    Photos
    Wakodahatchee Wetlands - Wood stork

    Wood stork

    Wakodahatchee Wetlands - Great Blue Heron at Wakodahatchee Boardwalk

    Great Blue Heron at Wakodahatchee Boardwalk

    Wakodahatchee Wetlands - Blue eggs

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    Blue eggs

    Daggerwing Nature Center - parks - Updated May 2026

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