Ranger Programs

Come join a ranger program during your visit to the seashore!

 

Please Note:

All programs are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling due to staff limitations, weather conditions, or other factors. Some programs require reservations, a minimum age, or a cost-recovery fee. Call 386-428-3384 for program information during operating hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), www.nps.gov/cana. Entrance fees apply to all interpretive program participants. All programs meet the requirements for the Canaveral National Seashore Junior Ranger program.

Please scroll down to view the programs offered in each district throughout the park. This page is updated monthly. You can also click the calendar tab at the top of the page to explore upcoming programs.

 

Apollo District (New Smyrna Entrance) Ranger Programs: April 2026

WEDNESDAY 1st, 8th, 15th AND 22nd – 10:00 AM - “PLANT WALKS” - Join us every Wednesday for a walk to identify the plants of Canaveral National Seashore and find out how they have been utilized over the years. Each walk is led by an experienced volunteer and covers a different part of the park. Please bring water for hydration and wear shoes for trail walking. (2 hours). The walks in April will be as follows:

1. April 1st - Turtle Mound. Meet at 10:00 am. Use the Turtle Mound parking area or boat ramp parking lot and walk down.

2. April 8th - Eldora. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 7.

3. April 15th - Hammock Loop Trail. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 8.

4. April 22nd - Meet at 10:00 am at Turtle Mound Parking lot.

THURSDAY 2nd, 9th, 16th AND 23rd - 10:00 AM - “TURTLE MOUND TALK” - Meet a ranger and discuss the history of the Timucua who once called this place home. Learn about what life was like for the Timucua over 2,000 years ago. Meet at the Turtle Mound parking area. (30 minutes)

TUESDAY 7th, 14th , 21st AND 28th - 9:00 AM - “BEACH CLEANUP STROLL” - Join park staff for a guided walk through the unique ecosystems of the seashore while helping to keep our beaches clean. As we explore up to a mile of shoreline, visitors will learn about the coastal environment and assist with a light beach cleanup along the way. Trash bags are provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water in a reusable container. Meet at the Visitor Center, (1 hour)

FRIDAY 10th AND 24th - 10:00 AM - “HISTORICAL PLACES OF THE SEASHORE” - Learn about the places to visit and what to look for within Canaveral National Seashore. Meet at the Apollo Visitor Center auditorium, 7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Bch FL 32169. (30 minutes)

SUNDAY 12th - 10:00 AM - “MANATEE TALK"- Observe manatees in their natural environment and learn about their unique characteristics from a park ranger. Meet at the Visitor Center. (30 minutes)

SUNDAY 12th - 1:00 PM - “SEA TURTLES OF THE SEASHORE”- Explore and learn about the sea turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet at the Visitor Center in the Apollo District. (30 minutes)

TUESDAY 14th AND MONDAY 27th - “CANOE MOSQUITO LAGOON” - 9:30 AM - Reservations will be accepted a week before the canoe date. Join a guide as you explore this rich and diverse estuary up close. Some experience is preferred. You must be at least 8 years old and able to paddle. You must wear completely enclosed shoes (no sandals or flip-flops). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Dress to get wet. There is a $25 canoe rental fee. Call [phone] ext. 0 (2 hours)

 

Seminole Rest District (Oak Hill) Ranger Programs: April 2026

FRIDAY 3rd, SUNDAY 5th and MONDAY 6th- 10:00 AM- “SEASHORE GLIMPSE”- Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk highlighting the wildlife, history, and natural beauty that make Canaveral National Seashore truly special. Meet inside the main house at 10:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th- 1:00 PM- “SEMINOLE REST WALK”- Explore the history and nature of Seminole Rest on a walk with park staff through the historic site. Bring a hat, insect repellent, and water. Be prepared to walk up to a half mile on a paved/wood surface. Meet at the Seminole Rest Parking Lot. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (45 minutes)

FRIDAY 3rd, SATURDAY 4th, SUNDAY 5th and MONDAY 6th- 2:00 PM- “SEA TURTLE 101”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet inside the main house at 2:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 3rd and MONDAY 6th - 3:00 PM- “MANATEE 101” – Observe manatee in their natural environment and learn about their unique characteristics from park staff. Please note visitors can walk with staff to the dock to observe manatees after the talk. Meet inside the main house at 3:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

SATURDAY 4th - 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM- “SEMINOLE REST CLEAN-UP” – Join park staff and help keep the park trash free. Bring gloves, water, and sunscreen. Meet on the porch of the main house between 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM to get supplies. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (45 minutes)

SATURDAY 4th -10:00 AM-12:00 PM- “CASTNETTING & FISHING 101” -Learn the basics of cast netting and beginner fishing in one hands-on program. Try throwing a cast net, practice knot tying, learn local regulations, and use provided rods and reels to fish along the lagoon. Bring water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Seminole Rest Dock. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (2 hours)

SATURDAY 4th and SUNDAY 5th – 1:00 PM- “HISTORICAL PLACES OF THE SEASHORE” - Learn about the places to visit and what to look for within Canaveral National Seashore. Meet inside the main house at 1:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

SUNDAY 5th-11:00 AM- “LAGOON NATURE WALK”- Explore the nature of Seminole Rest on a walk with park staff through the historic site. Bring a hat, insect repellent, and water. Be prepared to walk up to a half mile on a paved/wood surface. Meet at the Seminole Rest parking lot. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (45 minutes)

 

Playalinda District (Titusville Entrance) Ranger Programs: April 2026

FRIDAY 10th and 17th -9:00 AM- “SEASHORE 101”- Join park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore special. Meet at the Eddy Creek Parking Lot in the Playalinda District at 9:00 AM. (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 10th & 17th, SUNDAY 19th & 26th and MONDAY 13th & 20th – 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM- “MANATEE MANIA” – Observe manatee in their natural environment and learn about their unique characteristics from park staff. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at the Eddy Creek dock in the Playalinda District. (1.5 hours)

FRIDAY 10th& 17th and MONDAY 13th & 20th- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM- “DISCOVER YOUR SEASHORE”- Join park staff at the “Discover Your Seashore” table to learn what makes Canaveral National Seashore special. Explore hands-on materials, learn about the park’s wildlife, habitats, and history, and find out how you can help protect this incredible place. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. For details on the location, please check in at the Playalinda Fee Booth. (2 hours)

SATURDAY 11th – 8:00 AM -12:00 PM “TRASH BASH BEACH CLEANUP AT PLAYALINDA” - In partnership with Keep Brevard Beautiful and Canaveral National Seashore help keep our seas trash free. Pick up supplies and sign in as a volunteer. Trash bags are provided. Bring water in a reusable container, work gloves, sunscreen, a picker and a hat for protection from the sun. For details on clean up location inside the Playalinda District please ask the ranger at the Playalinda Fee for details (4 hours)

SATURDAY 11th and FRIDAY 24th -10:00 AM “GUIDED NATURE WALK” – Join park staff on a guided walk to explore the wide range of plants and wildlife of Canaveral National Seashore. Bring your camera, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Meet at the William Bartrum Trailhead located near the Eddy Creek Dock in the Playalinda District.(45 minutes)

SATURDAY 11th - 11:00 AM- “SHARK TALK”- Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover the fascinating world of sharks. Meet at the Eddy Creek Pavilion in the Playalinda District at 11:00 AM. (30 minutes)

SUNDAY 19th- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM “PLAYALINDA BEACH CLEANUP”- Canaveral National Seashore invites the public to join us to help keep our seashore clean. Trash bags are provided. Bring water in a reusable container, work gloves, sunscreen, and a hat for protection from the sun. For details on clean up location inside the Playalinda District please ask the ranger at the Playalinda Fee for details (2 hours)

TUESDAY 21st and MONDAY 27th -9:00 AM- “SEA TURTLES OF THE SEASHORE”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet at the Pavillion at Eddy Creek in the Playalinda District at 9:00 AM. (30 minutes)

SUNDAY 26th - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM- “INTRO TO FISHING” - This beginner fishing class is for anyone ages 8 and up. You’ll learn about conservation, fishing rules, licenses, identifying fish, tying knots, and how to use basic equipment. Rods and reels are provided. After the lesson, you can stay and practice fishing with the group. Be sure to bring water, sun protection, and closed-toed shoes. Meet at the Eddy Creek Dock in the Playalinda District. (2 hours)