Discover Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
If you’re ready to press pause on your usual routine and dive into something fresh, green, and a little bit wild, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Vero Beach is calling your name. Nestled on a 64-acre lagoon-island nature campus sitting in the heart of the gorgeous and ecologically rich Indian River Lagoon, this is your chance to mix nature, wellness, and a touch of adventure. It’s all in one spot. (discoverelc.org)
What makes it stand out
Immersive Nature Encounters: Think 2,000 gallons of aquariums, touch tanks (yes, you may gently meet a sea creature), and live animal exhibits paired with boardwalk trails — you’re literally being walked through an indoor-outdoor nature movie set.
Adventures on the Water: Paddleboards. Kayaks. Pontoon boat eco-tours. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could see nature from floating gliding mode,” you’re in for a treat.
Wellness + Education for All Ages: From yoga on the water (yes, downward dog with a lagoon view) to homeschooler programs, adult “wellness + nature” classes, and family-friendly outings. No one gets left behind.
Mission-Driven with Heart: Their mission— “educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being” —rings true across every program.
What you can do (spoiler: it's more fun than your average outing)
Take the pontoon boat eco-tour across the lagoon and learn all about mangroves, birds, and maybe even spot dolphins. Join a paddleboard yoga class, where the only thing more relaxing than the pose is the view. Bring the crew (kids too!) for the “Little Wonders” program (ages 18 months–4) for storytelling, pond explorations and muddy-boots kind of fun. Unplug on a weekend: no gadgets required, boardwalks, nature trails, maybe a snack from the on-site food truck. Check out one of the upcoming art exhibits. Culture meets nature, naturally.
Open daily: Monday–Friday from 8 am–5 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am–4 pm. Admission: Free for members and under-2s (already making it family-friendly). For non-members: reasonable pricing for the full experience. They’re serious about the environment: It’s a pet-free, smoke/vape-free, and single-use-plastic-free campus. Glitter and Styrofoam? Also gone. (Yes, eco-friendly does mean fewer sparkles.)
Nuts & bolts
Location: 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes for trails + boardwalks, water-friendly clothes if you’re kayaking or paddleboarding, a sense of curiosity (and maybe a camera—because yep, it’s photo-worthy).
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