Polk’s Nature Discovery Center Educational Programs

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center Educational Programs include activities such as the Agents of Discovery Mobile App, Nature Bingo, Scavenger Hunt, and a QR Code Hike. The programs also offer Water, Wildlife, and Wilderness (Grades 3–5) field study visits, activities on seasonal changes in Florida plants and animals and their impacts on the environment, Life Cycles and the Flow of Energy (Food Chains), and a Characteristics of Animals/Plants and the Nature of Science Program. Additional resources include Traveling Trunks with hands-on activities and supplies, use of computers and reference books in the Resource Room, and instructor workshops that provide one-day training on resources available at the Center.

• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Price: All educational programs are always free.

Exploring connections in nature is the stated focus of the programs and resources available. Traveling Trunks were created in partnership with Lakes Education Action Drive (LEAD) with funding from Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and Southwest Florida Water Management District. Self-guided programs are described as giving a teacher or group leader the confidence to inform their students of science content with accurate, relevant onsite activities. The Agents of Discovery Mobile App is described as a revolutionary, fun, gaming experience that requires players to walk a two-mile hike to solve challenges related to the environment and the plants and animals that live at Circle B Bar Reserve. The QR Code Hike uses an electronic device along a two-mile trail loop to share information about the history of the Environmental Lands Program and details about animals that live at Circle B Bar Reserve, and electronic devices are required and not provided. The Resource Room is described as an excellent resource for students searching for science fair projects or researching nature-related projects. Instructor workshops are typically one-day trainings on what resources are available at the Center and are intended to help visitors get the most out of visits, including hiking trails, exploring the exhibit hall, using facilities, or using Traveling Trunks or educational publications. Registration is required to come on-site with a group of children, visitors planning to bring a group of 10 participants or more are requested to schedule their visit with the office, and it is strongly recommended that reservations or requests are made well in advance.

Last updated June 2, 2026.