Special Events for John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

• COUNTRY MUSIC
  Date: July 19, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
  
  Description: Come on down to the park and listen to classic country music from Gene Cassady and old standards by Jack Jacobs. Just sit back and enjoy the music in Palm Beach County’s most beautiful setting. The concert is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
  Fees: Free with park admission
  Contact: (561) 624-6952
  
• BLUEGRASS MUSIC JAM
  Date: August 16, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
  
  Description: Come on down to the park and listen to a bluegrass music jam. Join in if you are musically inclined or just sit back and enjoy the music in Palm Beach County’s most beautiful setting. The concert is free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Fees: Free with park admission
  Contact: (561) 624-6952
  

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Ranger Programs

• GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
  Daily at High Tide
  Tour fee. Single kayak, $20; double kayak, $35. This ranger-led, two-hour program provides an informative exploration of the estuary, Lake Worth Lagoon and Munyon Island. Daily tours take place at high tide. Please call the Ranger Station for scheduled times. Tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
• NATURE WALKS
  Daily, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  Join one of the staff naturalists for a one-mile Nature Walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park's four distinct habitats, and learn about the park's ecosystems and history. Walk is free with Park admission of $5.00 per carload and reservations are not required. Meet at the Nature Center.
  Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
• NATURE RIDES
  Daily, Reservation Required
  Reservation only. Please call the Nature Center at least one week in advance. Offered as an alternative to our nature walks for those who may have difficulty walking long distances. Visitors ride in an open-air tram for a close-up view of the plants and wildlife. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
  Call for more details.
• WILLIAM T. KIRBY NATURE CENTER
  Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  15 minute - "Island in Time" video is shown throughout the day upon request. Professionally produced video introduction to the diverse ecology of the park. Also offers detailed overviews of the Park's habitats: the rock reef, dune, hammock, and estuary. Two large aquariums, live animals, and a gift shop round out the Nature Center.
  Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
• BIRDING AT MACARTHUR PARK
  July 19, 1:00 PM; August 16, Noon
  Bird lovers can join a Ranger-led educational walk identifying many species of birds that make their home in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Reservations recommended. Visitors should bring binoculars or rent them at the park’s Nature Center. Walking tour is free with park admission of $5.00 per carload. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
  Call for more details.
• INTRODUCTION TO KAYAK FISHING
  August 8; 1:00 PM
  Ranger Bill Wilson instructs kids and adults of all ages on the basics of kayak fishing. Lessons will be on land. Come and learn what equipment, tackle and gear are necessary to catch the big one! For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• KAYAK RENTALS
  Daily, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  Rent one of our single or double kayaks and explore the estuary. Manatees, Great Blue Herons and Osprey are some of the wildlife you will see. Hourly, half-day and full-day rates are available.
  Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
• CASTNETTING INSTRUCTION
  August 23; Noon
  Learn how to throw a castnet, tie the right knots and catch the big one! Great for kids or adults. The program is free with park admission of $5.00 per carload. Reservations recommended. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
  Call for more details.
• GUIDED REEF TOUR
  Saturdays; July, August; 10:00 AM - Noon
  Take a guided snorkeling tour of the park’s spectacular near-shore reefs. Learn about the species that inhabit MacArthur’s reefs and waters. Bring your own snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel and fins. Must be an experienced swimmer and snorkeler and at least 10 years of age. No lifeguard on duty. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• BUTTERFLY WALK
  July 4; August 8; 11:00 AM
  Join a Park Ranger on a walking tour through one of South Florida’s last remaining hardwood hammocks. There will be several species of butterflies to identify and observe. Also, learn which plants attract these winged wonders to your backyard. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• ANIMAL FEEDING
  Weekends, 11:00 AM
  Come down to the Nature Center and watch a baby loggerhead sea turtle, French angelfish and a Florida King snake eat their breakfast!
  At 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, come see a live rat snake and Florida Kingsnake in person and listen to a staff naturalist give a snake talk.
  Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
• LEARN TO KAYAK!
  July 5; August 2; 2:00 PM
  Representatives from Adventure Times Kayaks will teach a land-based course that gives beginners the skills necessary for kayaking. Reservations are recommended. The program is free with park admission of $5.00 per carload. For information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
  Call for more details.
• ALL ABOUT BUGS!
  July 5; 2:00 - 3:00 PM
  Join park staff and learn all about the insects at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. There will be activities, games and microscope examination. Great for the family! For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• SCAVENGER HUNT ON THE BEACH
  July 11; 11:00 AM
  Join a Park Ranger and look for sea beans, shells, native plants and more. Learn all about the beachside community and join in a scavenger hunt. Great for the whole family! For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• INTRODUCTION TO SURFING
  August 2; 1:00 - 3:00 PM
  Ranger Rob Matriscino instructs kids and adults on the basics of surfing. Lessons will be on land and in the water. Bring your surfboard if you have one. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $5.00 per carload.
  Call for more details.
• READING WITH A RANGER
  July 26; August 30; Noon - 1:00 PM
  Join a park volunteer and listen to a reading of an environmental children's story. Great for children and families. Participate in activities and meet all the animals in our nature center. Reservations recommended. The program is free with park admission of $5.00 per carload. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
  Call for more details.