We are excited to announce that Milton is gone, and we are back in action starting this Saturday! After the recent challenges, our nature center, planetarium, Haunted Walk, and Mesmerica experiences will still be closed tomorrow but will reopen this Saturday, inviting everyone to join us for a weekend of adventure and fun.

We understand the impact of the hurricane has been tough, but it’s time to shake off the dust and get back outside, or inside at our planetarium if you are looking for some AC and a great show! Our dedicated team and our amazing creatures have made it through safely, and we’re fully powered up and ready to welcome you!

Join us for our Haunted Walk starting this Saturday and discover the wonders waiting for you. We can't wait to see you all again!

Starting October 12, the darkness descends upon the Nature Center every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, beginning at 7:30 PM. Are you brave enough to face the terrors that await?

Do you know how creepy 105 acres of unspoiled Florida preserves can be at night in season? Creepier than a hurricane named Milton! Venture into our haunted trails, where the spirits of nature and ghoulish creatures come alive! This is not just a walk in the park—it's a heart-pounding adventure designed to send chills down your spine while supporting a noble cause. The Haunted Walk serves as a crucial fundraiser, ensuring our beloved animal residents receive the care they need for the upcoming year.

Details of the Haunting:

  • What: 51st Annual Haunted Walk

  • Where: Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905

  • Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Haunted Walk Dates:

  • Saturday, October 12 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Sunday, October 13 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Friday, October 18 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, October 19 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Sunday, October 20 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Friday, October 25 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, October 26 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Sunday, October 27 starting at 7:30 PM

  • Get your tickets at www.calusanature.org or at the door!

We will delight you with fright! Feel the chill of the night air as you encounter ghostly guides, spine-tingling surprises, and the unknown lurking in the shadows.

Secure your tickets now—if you dare! Join us for a hauntingly good time, and remember, every scream helps feed and care for our animal residents.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of thrills, frights, and laughter. Can you handle the fear?

Contact: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium3450 Ortiz AvenueFort Myers, FL 33905

Email: info@calusanature.org

Phone: 239.275.3435

 

Upcoming Events:

• Mesmerica: Be mesmerized by our featured presentation, Mesmerica 360 – an extraordinary 360-degree projection experience offering virtual reality-like visuals combined with soothing and stimulating effects. This immersive show features music by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood and 3D animated art from international artists. Mesmerica 360 tickets are available.  tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased at calusanature.org and Mesmerica Tickets.  (OH and see a great News-Press article about our grand renovation of our planetarium here!)

• Forest Bathing 

Date: Monday, October 14, 2024


Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM


Location: Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers

Tickets available now!

Experience the calming effects of nature in the largest green space in Fort Myers. Join us for a rejuvenating session of forest bathing.

• Homeschool: Cryptozoology (Ages 9-12)


Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024


Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM


Location: Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers

Tickets available now!

Delve into the intriguing world of cryptozoology and discover creatures that exist on the fringes of science.

• Music Under the Stars


Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024


Time: 7:00 PM


Location: Planetarium at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers

Tickets available now!

Enjoy Acoustic Americana music featuring Brian Smalley, Bill Metts, and Roy Schneider in the Planetarium.

• Holiday Lights


Date: Friday, December 6, 2024


Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM


Location: Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers

Tickets available now!

Join us for our annual Holiday Lights event, featuring festive displays and activities for the whole family.

 

Daily Programming:

  • Tuesday - Saturday:

    • 12:15 PM & 2:15 PM: Planetarium Show

    • 1:15 PM: Animal Talk

  • Sunday:

    • 12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, & 3:15 PM: Planetarium Show

    • 1:15 PM: Animal Talk

    •  

Support Our Renovation: 

Help us bring our newly renovated Planetarium to life by donating to our capital campaign here. Explore special sponsorship opportunities, including naming rights for Planetarium seats and other key features here

Follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks into the haunted fun!

Disclaimer: This event may not be suitable for young children or those with a weak heart. Enter at your own risk!

 

A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, and the Fort Myers Film Festival.

 

Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date! 

Stay connected and learn more about our events and programming by visiting www.calusanature.org or following us on social media. For a recent look at our renovation updates, check out the NBC2 story here

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Media Contact: 

Contact: Eric Raddatz

Executive Director

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Avenue

Fort Myers, FL 33905

Email: eraddatz@calusanature.org

Phone: 239.275.3435

Website: www.calusanature.org