At the Leslie Science and Nature Center, kids can explore and learn while having fun with nature and science. The area is surrounded by trails such as the Black Pond Woods Trail, which is a 1-mile loop trail. There are picnic areas, gardens and open space to play, and a large natural playscape structure is also in the works.

Kids will love to check out the outdoor “raptor” enclosures where they can see the different types of birds of prey that live on the property. These non-releasable wild birds cannot survive in the wild due to injury or circumstance so they are cared for and trained to help educate the public hre. Kids will love to see the owls, turkey vultures, hawks, eagles or the Peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on the planet, getting up to 240 mph!

The indoor Critter House, open on select days and times, is home to even more cool creatures like spiders, turtles, frogs, snakes and more. Kids can gain an appreciation for these more unique animals while being educated about the local native species. The center is always offering activities, events and camps for all ages throughout the year. Families could spend an hour or two here.

Hours
It’s open dawn to dusk daily. Critter House is open on select days and times.

Things to Know/Bring
Admission is free.

Parking
Free parking is available in a parking lot.