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: September 2026

WEDNESDAY 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd - 9:30 AM “SEA TURTLES, SEASHELLS OH MY!” - Walk with a ranger along the seashore and see what treasures wash up. Look for seashells, turtle tracks, and other signs of life on the beach. Meet at parking lot 2. (30 minutes)

THURSDAY 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - 9:30 AM “LAGOON EXPLORERS” - Join a ranger for this activity-based exploration of the Mosquito Lagoon. Registration is required. Call [phone] to pre-register beginning at 9:30am EST the Thursday prior to the program. Meet at the visitor center. (1 hour)

FRIDAY 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - 9:30 AM “ELDORA TALK” - Join a ranger at the Eldora dock. Talk about life on Mosquito Lagoon during the Eldora era. Explore the Eldora home after. (30 minutes)

MONDAY 14th - 10:00 AM “ENDANGERED SPECIES” - Learn about the endangered animals who call Canaveral National Seashore home. The diversity includes mice, birds, reptiles, and aquatic mammals. Explore why this barrier island is vital to their survival and how you can help. Meet at the visitor information center. (1 hour)

SATURDAY 19th – 8:00AM- 12:00 PM “INTERNATIOAL COASTAL CLEANUP” - This is an annual event to help clean up marine debris that washes ashore with the tides. Fees are waived for volunteers participating in the cleanup. The first 100 visitors will receive a T-Shirt, bring water in a reusable container, work gloves, sunscreen, and a hat for protection from the sun. Meet at the Visitor Information Center at the address provided in the top portion of this page. (4 hours)

MONDAY 21st – 1:00 PM “SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON 2026” - Join us for a discussion on nesting sea turtles in general and specifically how the 2026 nesting season is progressing. Meet at the visitor information center. (1 hour)

SATURDAY 26th – 10:00 AM-12:00 PM “HOOK, LINE AND SINKER” - Try your hand at fishing Mosquito Lagoon. All fishing gear and bait are provided. Ages 8 and older welcome. Meet at the visitor center. (2 hours)

SATURDAY 5th, 12th AND 26th - 2:00 PM - “YOUNG SOUND SEEKERS DOCUMENTARY” - View the Postcards from Canaveral documentary. This film was funded by a grant from the National Park Service to Atlantic Center for the Arts, in collaboration with community partners Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired and Stetson University. Meet at the visitor center. (25 minutes)

SUNDAY 27th – 11:00 AM “THE TIMUCUA OF TURTLE MOUND” - We will gather at the visitor center, one of the largest shell middens in the nation, to discuss what life was like for the people who called this place home for thousands of years. We will review how the mounds of the area were used, examine selected artifacts, and discuss the science of studying the people of the past. (30 min.)

 

Playalinda District (Titusville Entrance) Ranger Programs: Septemeber 2026

TUESDAY 1st, SATURDAY 5th, FRIDAY 18th -9:00 AM to 10:30 AM- “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. Meet at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District. (1.5 hours)

SATURDAY 5th and SUNDAY 27th - 9:00 AM to 10:30 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. Meet at the Eddy Creek dock in the Playalinda District. (1.5 hours)

SATURDAY 12th 1:00 PM-2:00 PM- “TURTLE TIDBITS”- Explore and learn about the sea turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Join park staff at the “Turtle Tidbits” table to learn about these fascinating coastal reptiles, their life cycle, nesting habits, and the challenges they face. Explore hands-on educational materials, discover how sea turtles use the seashore’s beaches and waters, and find out what you can do to help protect them. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet beachside at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District. (1 hour)

SATURDAY 12th- "POP-UP BEACHSIDE CHATS"- Stop by for a quick, informal chat with park staff and discover something new about Canaveral National Seashore. Topics and times vary; please see the program descriptions below for specific times. Meet beachside at Parking Lot #1.

· Seashore Glimpse: 2:00 PM Get a glimpse into the unique species, hidden habitats, and coastal forces found in and around Canaveral National Seashore. (15 minutes)

· Coastal Creatures: 2:30 PM Discover some of Canaveral’s unique wildlife and learn how these animals survive along sandy shores, shifting tides, and a constantly changing coastal environment. (15 minutes)

· Tidal Tales: 3:00 PM Explore the fascinating history and people who helped shape Canaveral National Seashore into the place we know today. (15 minutes)

· Shoreline Bites: 3:30 PM Relax by the shore as park staff shares short, fascinating stories about the natural and cultural wonders of Canaveral National Seashore. (15 minutes)

SATURDAY 19th – “PLAYALINDA INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP”- 8:00 AM -12:00 PM- Canaveral National Seashore invites the public to join the International Coastal Cleanup. Once a year, all over the world, millions of volunteers, who love the ocean and want to protect it, take this day to really make a difference. Come join Canaveral National Seashore and its many visitors in the annual international event to help clean up marine debris that washes ashore with the tides. The first 100 visitors will receive a T-shirt. Bring water in a reusable container, work gloves, sunscreen, and a hat for protection from the sun. Meet at parking lot #1 in the Playalinda District to retrieve supplies during the listed hours. Fees are waived for volunteers participating in the cleanup.(4 hours)

SATURDAY 26th- “PUBLIC LANDS DAY AT PLAYLINDA BEACH” 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM- Join us as we celebrate National Public Lands Day! Participate in learning and discovering the wildlife, habitats and history that make Canaveral National Seashore such a special place. All activities are free entrance fee still applies. Program locations are subject to change and/or cancellation. (4 hours)

Here is the schedule of events: All Talks and Stations will be set up at Eddy Creek.

• Beach Walk- 8:30 AM– Join Park staff on a walk through the unique ecosystems of the seashore. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Be

prepared to walk up to a mile on the beach.

• Manatee Mania Station 8-12 – Learn about Florida's gentle giants through hands-on activities and displays. Discover manatee adaptations, habitat, and conservation efforts.

• Manatee Talk – 9:30 AM – Join us for a closer look at the life and challenges of the Florida manatee. Program lasts approximately 20 minutes.

• Discover Your Seashore & Cleanup Station 8-12 – Explore the diverse habitats of Canaveral National Seashore while helping protect them through a stewardship and cleanup activity.

• Shark Talk – 10:30 AM – Join us for a closer look at the fascinating world of sharks. Program lasts approximately 20 minutes.

•Turtle Tidbits Station 8-12– Learn about sea turtle nesting, hatchlings, and conservation through exhibits.

• Sea Turtles of the Seashore Talk – 11:30 AM – Explore the incredible journey of a sea turtle from nest to ocean and learn how visitors can help protect these remarkable animals. Program lasts approximately 20 minutes.

 

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

SUNDAY 13th - 10:00 AM- “SEA TURTLE 101”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet inside the main house at 10:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

TUESDAY 15th and 22nd – 10:00 AM- 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 10:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

SATURDAY 19th and 26th- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM “SEMINOLE REST CLEAN-UP” – Join a park ranger and help keep the park trash free. Bring gloves, water, and sunscreen. Meet on the porch of the main house between 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM to get supplies. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (1 hour)