Nature Centers

If your family has yet to visit a local nature center, spring is the perfect time to do so. In addition to being an area of preserved environmental space perfect for exploring native wildlife, nature centers are a rich source of education, history, and (most importantly) fun!

Nature centers usually offer a number of public programs and exhibits for children as well as adults, making visits an inexpensive activity that’s enjoyable for the whole family. They often feature guided trail walks, too,

You can view a complete listing of nature centers in the United States here, or consider checking out one of the following.

Select Region: Northeast | Southeast | Midwest | Southwest | Pacific Northwest

Northeast

Cayuga Nature Center
With over five miles of trails, as well as indoor exhibits and a kids’ activity center, Cayuga Nature Center in seeks to spread awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world. The center also boasts a seasonal butterfly exhibit as well as a six-story tree house, making it just one of the many natural wonders in Ithaca, NY. Learn more at cayuganaturecenter.org.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is a natural haven for Philadelphia, PA urbanites craving some green time. The center seeks to promote appreciation and responsible use of the ecosystem, and features a series of hiking trails and programs for children and teens, including a summer camp and after school program. Green roofs and solar panels demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Visit schuylkillcenter.org for more.

Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Located in the heart of the Berkshires, the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation made the transition from dairy farm to nature center in 2000.  Open year round, the center features wildlife tours, lectures and films, and festivals in an effort to preserve Williamstown’s rural New England character. Additionally, the WRLF hosts a number of environmental and cultural education programs for both children and adults. See for yourself at wrlf.org.

Southeast

Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium
Learn about air, water, and land at the Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium in Richmond, VA. The center seeks to enhance the quality of life for local citizens through nature preservation, through means including cultural art, self-guided tours, and therapeutic recreation. Additionally, they’re especially kid-friendly, with a Nature Explorer Series for children ages 8-10, Masked Rascals for six and seven year olds, and Wee Wonder Wednesdays for 4-5 year old set. Visit online at http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/current_programs/three_lakes.html.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
The Oatland Island Wildlife Center invites visitors to discover the wild side of Savannah, GA. Dedicated to animal conservation, the center houses exhibits featuring wolves, alligators, birds of prey, and Georgia farm animals. They also feature a number of children’s programs, including Toddler Tuesdays and special events like Nature’s Pantry, which teaches students about the medicinal properties of wild plants. To learn more, visit sccpss.com.

Bluebonnet Swamp
Learn the ways of the bayou at Bluebonnet Swamp in Baton Rouge, LA. The organization includes an extensive number of opportunities to connect with the environment through beaches, zoos, observatories, gardens, and camping facilities. Bluebonnet Swamp also features children’s programs such as treasure hunts, an IronKid Triathalon, and fall and winter activities that guarantee to keep your little ones active all year long. Check them out at brec.org.

Midwest

Havenwoods State Forest
An area of preserved green space, Havenwoods State Forest seeks to provide environmental education and recreation opportunities for those in and around Milwaukee, WI. Follow nature trails in the spring and summer to seek out native species of wildflowers and birds, or go cross-country skiing when the temperature dips. For little ones, there’s a children’s discovery area as well as preschooler story times. Visit http://dnir.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/havenwoods/.

Cave Spring Historic Site and Nature Center
Visit caves, a wildlife pond habitat, hiking trails, or a butterfly garden at the Cave Spring Historic Site and Nature Center in Kansas City, MO. The center is currently undertaking a water garden project, as well as a park watch program that aims to protect and preserve the local environment. They also feature a number of programs for girl and boy scouts, including overnight trips and self-guided hikes. Visit cavespring.org for more.

The Outdoor Campus
The Outdoor Campus is an outdoor skills learning and nature center in Sioux Falls, SD. In addition to promoting wildlife and aquatic diversity, the Outdoor Campus offers to teach visitors the ins and outs of hunting, fishing, trapping, and dog training. They also feature a number of educational children’s programs, with fun names like “O” Is for Owl, Bodacious Black Tailed Prairie Dog, and Frolicking Frogs.  Read all about it at www.sdgfp.info.

Southwest

Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Come to Flagstaff, AZ for a series of public nature programs at the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center. They offer free family science activities, including a tour of the city recycling center, and hold a number of festivals like the Northern Arizona Sustainable Living Fair and the Festival of Science. Even better is Willow Bend’s commitment to preserve the wonder of the natural world through green practices such as low-water native gardens, solar energy, and composting. Learn more at http://www.willowbendcenter.org/.

Audubon Center at Debs Park
Located in Los Angeles, the Audubon Center at Debs Park seeks to bring people together through the wonders of nature. The center’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems through direct conservation, policy and advocacy, and education and outreach. While their nature sanctuaries are open to the public, the Audubon Center invites people to become members of Audubon California in an effort to help contribute to the center’s work. Visit http://www.ca.audubon.org/index.php for more.

Animal Ark
Reno, NV’s Animal Ark bills itself as a sanctuary for life. Generating the majority of their energy through solar and wind power, this nature center makes it clear that their eco priorities are in order. Animal Ark is home to a number of different species, including mountain lions, wolves, desert turtles, and peregrine falcons, and features special children’s programs and a science center. To find out more, as well as how to make a donation, visit http://www.animalark.org/index.html.

Pacific Northwest

North Mountain Park Nature Center
Visit the North Mountain Park Nature Center in Ashland, OR for beautiful trails, demonstration gardens, bird watching, and playgrounds. The center encourages families to spend time together in nature, and offers kid-friendly programs like a puppet theater, a special bird day, as well as free discovery kits to foster outdoor learning. North Mountain Park also prides itself on a number of sustainable practices, including organic gardening, solar energy, water conservation, and green building. Read all about it at http://www.northmountainpark.org/.

Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Olympia, WA’s Nisqually Reach Nature Center specializes in estuarine environmental education, offering hands-on opportunities for families to get in touch with their inner nature-lovers. The center offers programs for all ages such as Amazing Wetland Animals, Homing Instincts for Salmon, and numerous beach walks. Learn more about this Puget Beach nature haven at http://www.nisquallyestuary.org/.

MK Nature Center
MK Nature Center is located in Boise, and serves as the sole nature center in the state of Idaho. A friend to schools, MK Nature Center publishes a wildlife-centered newspaper for students in elementary and middle school, and hosts workshops for Project WILD, an education program that aims to spread environmental knowledge and awareness. Helping children and families experience Idaho’s fish and wildlife, the center joins the rank of Zoo Boise, numerous state parks, and the Idaho Botanical Gardens as part of Boise’s City of Trees. For more information, visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/education/mknc/.