Free, in-person festival with activities for all ages to celebrate and learn about Florida manatees
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025) — Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is hosting its ninth annual ManateeFest on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ManateeFest 2025 attendees can enjoy free, family-friendly activities that celebrate Florida’s iconic manatees and local waterways.
“For the ninth year in a row, ManateeFest will bring together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the beloved Florida manatee,” said Rachel Shanker, manager of education and conservation for Manatee Lagoon. “FPL constructed Manatee Lagoon nine years ago to inspire communities to preserve and protect Florida’s wildlife for future generations. We hope ManateeFest 2025 plays a key role in doing just that by raising awareness around manatees.”
During the event, guests can visit the Conservation Pledge Station and make a pledge to help protect manatees and their habitat. Guests are also welcome to interact with environmental exhibitors, help Mia the Manatee complete her conservation challenge by participating in “Mia’s Conservation Mission,” and listen to educational presentations throughout the day.
ManateeFest 2025 Activities
Family Fun for All Ages:
Manatee enthusiasts can dive into a world of excitement with:
- Outdoor games like cornhole
- Beach cleanup activity
- Passport activity
- Face painting
- Giant sea-life puzzles
- Selfie station with Mia
Local Shops and Eats:
- Visitors can explore and support a variety of small local businesses
- Enjoy a delicious array of food options along your journey through ManateeFest
Relaxation Stations:
Find tranquility and comfort at ManateeFest’s special relaxation spots – located at the large, clear tent – featuring:
- Tropical ambiance and comfortable Adirondack chair seating
- Picturesque views of the Lake Worth Lagoon
To stay informed and learn more about ManateeFest, please visit www.VisitManateeLagoon.com/ManateeFest.
About Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®
Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area to view manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about the unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. During the colder winter months, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatees basking in the clean, warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Manatee Lagoon also offers digital resources and educational virtual content for manatee fans near and far on its website: VisitManateeLagoon.com.
The center is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for major holidays, through manatee season, which runs Nov. 15 through March 31, 2025. Manatee Lagoon is open the rest of the year Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.