Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to get outside and enjoy nature. When you need a break from the heat, you can enjoy the great outdoors, indoors, at nature centers throughout NJ. These interactive centers let visitors explore, play, and learn about the Garden State’s varied habitats and wildlife.
Plus, many locations offer nature workshops, story times, after-school classes and camps. Take the whole family for an educational day trip to these great New Jersey spots.
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Trailside Nature & Science Center
Location: 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
Details: The sprawling Watchung Reservation is home to hiking trails, playgrounds, a deserted village and this hidden gem. Inside the facility, you’ll find multiple levels featuring live animals, a life-size wigwam, a mini theater and tons of hands-on science exhibits. Plus, little ones will love the Discovery Room, filled with games, puzzles and a sand table. Trailside hosts free weekly story times, summer camp and seasonal festivals.
More info: Trailside Nature & Science Center or call 908-789-3670
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Location: 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham
Details: With 2 miles of hiking trails and boardwalks, Great Swamp surrounds visitors with New Jersey’s natural habitats, including swamps, meadows, ponds, forest and wildlife. The indoor education center offers a nice break for hikers who want to learn more about nature and wildlife through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Workshops for children of all ages take place throughout the year, including the popular maple sugaring demonstrations.
More info: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center or call 973-635-6629
Rancocas Nature Center
Location: 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton
Details: Tucked away in Rancocas State Park, this 19th century farmhouse-turned-nature center features a wildlife viewing area, historical displays and live reptiles. Free story times and other children’s programs are provided almost daily. The vast park itself includes 3 miles of trails throughout various habitats with plenty of wildlife to view along the way.
More info: Rancocas Nature Center or call 609-261-2495
Nature Center of Cape May
Location: 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May
Details: If you’re vacationing down the shore, stop by this scenic nature center, located on Cape May Harbor. The indoor Trucksess Welcome Center features a three-story observation tower and exhibits with live snakes, turtles, crabs and other small creatures. Enjoy views of the harbor and bird watching from the observation tower and visit the children’s garden and neighboring beach for further exploration.
More info: Nature Center of Cape May or call 609-427-3045
Huber Woods Environmental Center
Location: 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust
Details: Little ones love to touch and explore the many hands-on exhibits at Huber Woods. Stop by the Junior Naturalist Station, visit the Reptile House or put on a show in the puppet theater. Pick up one of the center’s Safari backpacks or Tree Challenge backpacks for a self-guided nature walk along the Discovery Path.
More info: Huber Woods Environmental Center or call 732-872-2670
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
Location: 443 Van Nostrand Avenue, Englewood
Details: Among the hustle and bustle of Northern New Jersey, you’ll find this peaceful nature preserve, offering scenic hiking trails through wetlands, meadows, forests and streams. Explore more of Flat Rock Brook’s habitats at the nature center’s “A Walk in the Woods” exhibit, featuring interactive puzzles, a 15-foot Northern Red Oak tree replica and live turtles.
More info: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center or call 201-567-1265
Tenafly Nature Center
Location: 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
Details: Take a hike through nature at its best with 7 miles of trails, streams, a pond and wildlife throughout this preserve. And while you’re there, check out the indoor nature museum, including live animals, a library and interactive exhibits. The center offers educational nature programs, such as story times, camps and explorer workshops for children of various age groups.
More info: Tenafly Nature Center or call 201-568-6093
Plainsboro Preserve
Location: 80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury
Details: Immerse yourself in nature inside the Environmental Education Center at Plainsboro Preserve. The center features an indoor tree house, the “under the pond” room and a deck with lake views. Events at the center include nature walks, preschool programs and summer camp.
More info: Plainsboro Preserve or call 609-897-9400
Essex County Environmental Center
Location: 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland
Details: Built from natural and recycled materials, this environmental facility hosts year-round events for all ages. Check out the Little Explorer Nature Program for toddlers, nature-themed after-school classes and summer camps. Head outside the center to find small hiking trails, a seasonal butterfly garden and a wigwam.
More info: Essex County Environmental Center or call 973-228-8776
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