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: May 2026

TUESDAY 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - 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. (30 minutes)

WEDNESDAY 6th, 13th and 20th AND THURSDAY 7th, 14th and 21st – “EXPLORE TURTLE MOUND” – 10:AM Meet a ranger at the base of Turtle Mound for an intro talk about the Timucua people who once called this area home. Discover what life was like over 2,000 years ago and explore history beneath your feet. After the talk, visitors are invited to walk up the mound. Meet at Turtle Mound. (30 minutes)

TUESDAY 12th AND SATURDAY 30th - 9:30 AM - “CANOE MOSQUITO LAGOON” - 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] (2 hours)

FRIDAY 15th - “TURTLE WATCH RESERVATIONS” - Starting Friday May 15th, we will begin taking reservations for this year’s June and July Turtle Watch programs. Use this link to make your reservations, https://www.friendsofcanaveral.com/. Programs are open to all persons eight (8) years of age and older. Reservations have a maximum of six (6) people per reservation. The fee for this program is $25.00 per person ages 16 and above; 15 and under $10.00. The programs will be presented in both Apollo and Playalinda Districts and run from 8:00 PM until midnight on most Friday and Saturday nights in June and July. Turtle Watch programs give park visitors a unique opportunity to see a live mother sea turtle nesting.

SUNDAY 17th and 24th - 2:00 PM - “SEA TURTLES OF THE SEASHORE”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 PM. (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 29th - 10:00 AM- "MANATEE TALK" -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 at the Visitor Center. (30 minutes)

SATURDAY 30th - 10:00 AM- “SEASHORE 101"- Join park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore special. Meet at the visitor center. (30 minutes)

 

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

FRIDAY 1st and 29th - 11:00 AM- “SEMINOLE REST 101”- Join park staff for a 30-minute talk introducing Seminole Rest and the stories that make this place unique. Discover the rich cultural history of the site, from early Native American inhabitants to the historic house atop Snyder Mound. This talk provides an overview of the people, landscapes, and history that have shaped Meet inside the main house at 11:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

MONDAY 18th and SUNDAY 31st- 11:00 AM- “SEA TURTLE 101”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet inside the main house at 11:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

MONDAY 18th and SUNDAY 31st- 1:00 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 1:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minute)

 

Playalinda District (Titusville Entrance) Ranger Programs: May 2026

FRIDAY 1st and 22nd- 8:30 AM- “SEASHORE 101- Join park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore special. Meet at the top of the boardwalk at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District at 8:30 AM. (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 15th - “TURTLE WATCH RESERVATIONS” - Starting Friday May 15th, we will begin taking reservations for this year’s Turtle Watch programs. You will go on to https://www.friendsofcanaveral.com/ to make turtle watch reservations. The programs are open to all persons eight (8) years of age and older. Reservations have a maximum of six (6) persons per reservation. The fee for this program is $25.00 per person ages 16 and above; 15 and under $10.00. The programs will be presented in both Apollo and Playalinda Districts and run from 8:00 PM until midnight on most Fridays and Saturdays in June and July. Turtle Watch programs give park visitors a unique opportunity to see a live sea turtle nesting.

TUESDAY 19th and 26th -8:30 AM- “SEA TURTLES OF THE SEASHORE”- Explore and learn about the Sea Turtles that call Canaveral National Seashore home. Meet at the top of the boardwalk at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District at 8:30 AM. (30 minutes)

SATURDAY 23rd and MONDAY 25th -8:30 AM- "MANATEE TALK”- 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 at the Eddy Creek Pavilion in the Playalinda District at 8:30 AM. (30 minutes)

FRIDAY 8th and MONDAY 25th – 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)

FRIDAY 1st & 22nd, SUNDAY 17th, SATURDAY 23rd and MONDAY 25th– 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)

TUESDAY 19th & 26th and MONDAY 25th – 9:00 AM to 10:30 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 at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District. (1.5 hours)

MONDAY 25th - 8:00 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 Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District at 8:00 AM. (45 minutes)