Activities

Walk The Panther Mile

 - Reservations Required -
 
Join Big Cypress National Preserve Rangers Saturday at the Festival for a leisurely one mile walk on the trail at North Collier Regional Park.  Along the way, you’ll discover interesting facts about Florida panthers, learn about their habitat, and look for tracks and other signs. You’ll also meet one of the Preserve’s panther biologists for a special demonstration and hear about the research they’re doing in the Preserve.

Tours begin at 9:00am and 9:30am and will be approximately 2 hours in length. Meet at the boardwalk trail-head behind the Exhibit Hall. Registration is limited to 15 participants per tour. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. There are no restrooms along the trail, however there are restrooms available in the Exhibit Hall.

What to bring:  Water, camera, and binoculars
What to wear:  Cool and comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

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How to Be A Nature Detective

Guests can join The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ Randy Sarton, a certified Florida Master Naturalist, on two nature walks in the afternoon. Ranger Randy will be leading the 30-minute activity with an emphasis on "Learning how to observe nature and take in all its wonders” or in other words, “How to become a Nature Detective."

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Kid's Activity Room

Stocked full of tons of fun activities, the Kid's Activity Room will provide an area where kids and parents can come relax and spend some time indoors. Watch a puppet theater production, build a panther puppet, color-in pictures of Florida wildlife, or just enjoy the air conditioning. Nature on Wheels is hosting the Kid's Activity Room.

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Kids' Games

Lunch for a Florida Panther
Just like all animals, in order for a Florida panther to survive it needs to have all its basic needs met by their habitat.  They require large areas with a variety of prey to hunt.  They also need a river, lake, or  other sources of water for drinking.  While playing Lunch for a Florida  panther participants will learn about the Florida panther’s diet and how changes to its habitat can affect its survival. (Max 15 kids at a time)

Panther Prowl
There are many influences in the life of a Florida panther.  If these influences exceed the limit of tolerance for the Florida panther it becomes a limiting factor.  In this fast paced and active activity, participants will move across the field like a Florida panther on the prowl.
As a Florida panther, participants will learn how different limiting factors in the Florida panthers habitat can influence its survival. (Max 15 kids at a time)

Florida Panther Neighbors
The Florida panther is an umbrella species.  By protecting its habitat, other animals and plants are also protected.  Participants will learn more about the plants and animals that are under the Florida panther’s Umbrella. (Max 15 kids at a time)