Connecticut has many nature and science centers, arboretums, aquariums

For a fairly urbanized state, Connecticut is rich with places to enjoy and learn from the outdoors, including Audubon centers, science and nature centers, aquariums, observatories, and arboretums. Highlights of places where visitors, children, and families can enjoy forests, plant and bird and sea life,
walks, and
family activities include the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield, Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk in Kent, Science Center of Eastern Connecticut in New London, and the Dinosaur Place in Montville.
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT, 06355
Phone: 860-572-5955
Where science and nature meet fun and learning
Get closer to marine life than you ever thought possible at Mystic Aquarium. Travel our indoor and outdoor exhibits to encounter thousands of creatures including beluga whales, African penguins, colorful fish and more. Be thrilled – or chilled – by the funky features of over 30 different species of amphibians. Touch sharks, stingrays and reptiles or gain a deeper appreciation for marine life by participating in an encounter program. Peek into our Animal Rescue Clinic and witness the efforts made to rescue and rehabilitate stranded seals. Learn how you can live sustainably during one of our daily trainer talks to discover how you can help in conservation efforts locally, nationally and even globally. Then, travel back in time to encounter breathing, clawing, roaring dinosaurs in ‘Jurassic Giants.’ Plus, enjoy special events, activities and more throughout the year that make Mystic Aquarium a destination worth revisiting often. SEA more at MysticAquarium.org.
Eli Whitney Museum
915 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT, 06517
Phone: 203-777-1833
Museum focusing on Eli Whitney's life, his inventions and his legacy. In addition to historic exhibits, the museum also holds a water learning lab and outdoor study areas. The barn, built in 1816, is the site of special events throughout the year.
Hours: HOurs change seasonally; call ahead.
Admission: free; charge for programs.
Information: www.eliwhitney.org.
Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail
Cady Lane
Plainfield, CT
Phone:
These one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT
Phone: 860-529-8423
Dinosaur Park features authentic dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old. These are protected under a dome, which also houses exhibits and special programs that are held throughout the year. Visitors with their own materials are permitted to take plaster casts of the tracks.
Hours: Grounds are open year-round, daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. Exhibit Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is wheelchair accessible.
Admission: Admission is charged for the Exhibit Center only. Adults over age 13, $6; youth age 6-12, $2.
325 Cornwall Bridge Road / Route 4
Sharon, CT, 06069
Phone: 860-364-0520
Nature trails meander through gardens, woods and around ponds. Watch for a wide variety of plants, birds, bobcats, beavers, river otters, and deer. Many migratory birds use the property as a lay-over point. The Visitor Center houses the Nature Store, Natural History Museum, and Exhibit Room with live animals and displays and a Children's Adventure Center. Gift shop and book store.
Hours: The Visitors Center and Nature Store are open year round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The building is closed on all major holidays.
Admission: Trails and most programs are $3 for adults; $1.50 for seniors; $1.50 for children
Information: http://sharon.audubon.org/
Boothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main Street
Stratford, CT
Phone:
This organization of astronomy enthusiasts and star gazers welcomes the public to its observatory at Boothe Memorial Park for regularly scheduled star watching through is 16-inch Cassegrain and 4-inch Unitron refractor. Members bring their telescopes and the public is welcome to do so. Viewing is under a dome. Open public observations are usually the first and third Fridays of each month, and at posted times for special events. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
Wethersfield Nature Center
30 Greenfield Street
Wethersfield, CT
Phone: 860-721-2953
Open: Saturdays, 10 am - 1 pm
This nature park features educational and hands-on exhibits, including live animals and scheduled programs. A log cabin on the site has a library and gift shop.
Palmer Neck Road
Pawcatuck, CT
Phone:
This wildlife conservation area is popular for enjoying nature, birdwatching, walking, and deer hunting, in season. It includes several interest ecosystems, including forests, salt marsh, and wetlands, Four miles of trails are available for hikers and walkers. Interpretive signs help educate visitors about the coastal region of Connecticut.
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
Flanders Road
Woodbury, CT, 06798
Phone: 203-263-3711
This nature center offers many recreational and educational programs for children and adults, including nature trails, seasonal festivities, kids’ programs, and a community garden. Families can roam the trails with a guide, take classes about flora and fauna, and join seasonal events like maple sugaring. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.
Granger Lane off Route 177 (Unionville Avenue)
Plainville, CT
Phone: 860-747-6022
This park was established in 1989 as a wetland conservation area, when plants, animals, and soil were moved here for protection from nearby construction. Wildlife you can see here includes various species of turtles, reptiles, and amphibians; a wide variety of bird species; and mammals such as raccoons, white-tail deer, and the muskrat. Native flora includes alder, maple, cattails, umbrella sedge, pickerelweed, ferns, blue and sweet flags, yellow pond lily, and arrowhead. Information: http://bit.ly/1b6nVBb
Season & Hours: Dawn to dusk, March 15 - November 15
Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield
2325 Burr Street
Fairfield, CT
Phone: 203-259-6305
On this site visitors will find exhibits, a library and a gift shop. In addition, there is an injured bird compound where visitors can observe the treatment and recuperation of birds that have been harmed in the wild. The 160 acre Larsen Sanctuary has many trails that wind through the woods and around ponds, including walks for the blind, elderly and disabled.
Hours: Year round, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information: www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield/
Dennis Farm
Dennis Road
Pomfret, CT
Phone: 203-568-6270
Dennis Farm
Dennis Road
Pomfret, CT
The Nature Conservancy maintains this two-mile trail, which is an old farm road, through former farm property. It is now mainly a forest of oaks, The Route passes a beaver pond and returns by way of Old Kings Highway, a grass-covered walk. Also a good site for cross-country skiing and bird watching.
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Information: http://bit.ly/XjksXI
Copernican Space Science Center
Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT
Phone: 860-832-3399
Open: Call for show times, also by appointment
This planetarium and observatory is home to one of the biggest telescopes in the country. Programs and events for children and adults are held there throughout the year. Admission: $3.50 adults, $2.50 seniors and children.
H.O.R.S.E of Connecticut
43 Wilbur Road
Washington, CT
Phone: 860-868-1960
Open: Year-round, Friday - Sunday, 8am - 4pm
This equine rescue organization houses horses it has saved, holds information events, treats injured animals and even offers animals for adoption. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and feed horses. Trail rides can be arranged with advance reservations.
Center at Pomfret (Audubon Bird Conservation area)
218 Day Road
Pomfret Center, CT
Phone: 860-928-4948
Maintained by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Designated trails run throughout the property. The Audobon Society hosts frequent guided birdwalks and workshops on gardening and area wildlife. The Center at Pomfret manages the 168-acre Trail Wood Sanctuary. See Santuary Map on Center's website
Hours: Trail Wood Sanctuary, year-round, daily, dawn to dusk
Information: www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret/
Flanders Nature Center
Flanders Road
Woodbury, CT
Phone: 203-263-3711
Many special programs are scheduled here. Visitors can enjoy nature walks that feature wildflowers (seasonal), a bog and an arboretum made up of nut trees. The Center's trail house features nature exhibits and a gift shop.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Information: www.flandersnaturecenter.org/
H.C. Barnes Nature Center
175 Shrub Road
Bristol, CT
Phone: 860-589-6082
This nature center features a variety of self-guiding trails, as well as interpretive exhibits and a nature library. The 70 acre sanctuary is home to a variety of species.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 2-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Information: www.elcct.org/
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area
Route 69
Burlington, CT
Phone: 860-675-8130
Visitors to this natural preserve are treated to a beaver marsh, an observation tower, and a waterfall. Walking and hiking trails feature information signs and demonstrations of wildlife management practices.
Hours: Year-round, dawn to dusk.
Information: http://1.usa.gov/Yy9JxS
Ledyard Glacial Park and Avery Preserve
Entrances at Avery Hill Road, Avery Hill Extension, Whalehead Road
Ledyard, CT
Phone:
Hiking trails dot the landscape of this nature conservancy. Great for bird watching.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Road
Mystic, CT, 06355
Phone: 860-536-1216
Open: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter, Christmas
Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theatre, hike up to 8 miles of trails on beautiful 300-acre sanctuary, and view birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures. Excellent birding; picnic areas; wildflowers; gift shop. Open daily. Adults $6, Children 4.
off of Route 6 at 23 Potter Road
Hampton, CT
Phone:
Great for hiking on short or long trails; enjoying nature; a boat ramp is available
The vast trail system on this property -- which includes some managed forest areas -- includes trails with printed brochures that explain the plant life along the trail. Great place for enjoying nature and observing wildlife.
See
full description of James L. Goodwin Forest.
Connecticut Audobon Coastal Center
1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-878-7440
Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children under 13.
80 Whitehall Road (off Route 202)
Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860-567-0857
This wildlife sanctuary and museum is on 4,000 acres of diverse habitats and 35 miles of trails. The Little Pond trail is a one-mile wooden boardwalk weaving through wetland areas and around a pond. The Nature Museum features beautiful dioramas and experiential exhibits including a cave filled with glowing minerals, working honey bee colony, life size beaver lodge, digital microscope, and a children’s corner. Enjoy family and adult programs, including guided walks.
Open: Grounds open year-round, daily. Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8019
Lighthouse tours, water sports, marine biology programs, paddling tours
Along with the usual water sports, this marvelous park jutting into Long Island Sound is centered upon a historic lighthouse. The East Shore Rangers offer tours to the lighthouse and lots of programs for adults and kids in marine biology, sailing, and history of the park. The Rangers have a salt-water touch tank and other aquariums for amateur marine biologists to enjoy.
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-5272
This 285-acre nature sanctuary in the back country of Greenwich has 7 miles of walking trails, nature exhibit displays, a children's learning center, a nature gift shop and nature arts gallery. Nature programs year round for all ages.
Hours: Open daily; year-round.
33 Pent Road
Weston, CT
Phone: 203-226-4991
Protected area is popular for bird and wildlife observation. See
full description of Devils Den Preserve.
462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7)
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238
Cascading waterfall, covered bridge, hiking trails. Great for picnics, walking
Visitors enjoy the beautiful series of cascading waterfalls that descend into the Housatonic River. HIking nad fishing are done here; no swimming. Great for picnics.
See
full description of Kent Falls State Park
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT, 06103
Phone: 860-724-3623
A visit to the Center is a high-impact learning experience in a green, clean, bright, and stimulating environment. Adults and children alike will find entertainment and educational value in hands-on, engaging, and exciting exhibits and programs that emphasize current science and science you can use every day. Open year-round.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $21.95; seniors above age 65, $19.95; youth ages 3 to 17, $14.95.
Information: www.ctsciencecenter.org
Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk
Bull's Bridge Road
Kent, CT
Phone:
A scenic part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy the Bull's Bridge Scenic Trail loop, featuring views of waterfalls and gorges down below on the Housatonic River. The covered bridge was built in 1842. The trail follows the Housatonic River to Ten Mile River Gorge, and then up to the top of Ten Mile Hill.
Directions: At the intersection of routes 341 and 7 in Kent, follow Route 7 south for three miles; turn right onto Bull's Bridge Road; cross the first bridge; go through the covered bridge; cross a third bridge, and park on the left White blazes mark the entrance to the Appalachian Trail. The entrance to Bull's Bridge Scenic Loop is between the covered bridge and the first parking area and is not blazed. Moderate difficulty.
Information: http://bit.ly/12G3VC6
Saugatuck Reservoir Trails
Route 53
Redding, CT
Phone: 203-452-3511
Saugatuck Reservoir is part of a big land preserve in southwestern Connecticut. It is surrounded by 65 miles of hiking trails wending through Redding, Easton, and Weston through woodlands and fields, along shorelines, up rocky mountain sides with great views, and along interesting wetlands. These trails are part of the blue-blazed trail system managed by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. To hike here, you must contact Aquarion Water Company and ask for a free map of the trail system, which serves as your hiking permit. Contact www.aquarion.com or call 203-452-3511. Information: http://bit.ly/12ENfyP
Rolnick Observatory
182 Bayberry Lane
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-227-0925
Open: Year-round, Wednesday and Thursday evenings
Sponsored by the Westport Astronomical Society. Call ahead, no admission charge.
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-322-6971
Visitors will find woodland and swamp environments and a pond on 63 acres. There are several ecology trails, a swamp walk, library and greenhouse.
Trail map.
Hours: Open year-round, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Hungerford Park
191 Farmington Avenue
Kensington, CT
Phone: 860-827-9064
This park is home to a farm, a collection of exotic animals, a system of trails, science exhibits and programs led by the New Britain Youth Museum. Open year-round, Tuesday-Friday, 1-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $4; seniors, $3; children ages 2-17, $2
Information: www.newbritainyouthmuseum.org
Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary
314 Unquowa Road
Fairfield, CT, 06824
Phone: 203-259-0416
Historic museum highlights natural history of the state with dioramas, wildlife exhibits, and dinosaur footprints. Adjacent 6-acre sanctuary with trails.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The six-acre Birdcraft Sanctuary is open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk.
Information: www.ctaudubon.org/birdcraft-museum.
Trail Wood
Kenyon Road
Hampton, CT
Phone:
This farm was owned by naturalist and author Edwin Way Teale. There are many nature programs held at the site, as well as three miles of trails for walking.
Kellogg Environmental Center
Hawthorne Avenue
Derby, CT
Phone: 203-734-2513
Center offers workshops, exhibits, nature activities, and lectures for the general public. Through hands-on programs, families and kids can enjoy learning about nature and the environment. Throughout the year, the center offers special weekend programs, nature walks, and family workshops.
Enders State Forest
Route 219
West Granby, CT
Phone: 860-379-2469
Open: Year round.
This wildlife sanctuary features a walking trail that leads to beautiful, scenic waterfalls.
New Canaan Nature Center
144 Oenoke Ridge
New Canaan, CT, 06840
Phone: 203-966-9577
Take a fascinating look into the science and nature in the area. Set on 40 acres, the nature center features gardens and a solar-heated greenhouse, as well as many trails, exhibits, an arboretum, live animals, and a maple sugar shed.
Hours: Grounds open dawn to dusk daily; buildings and officer open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation requested.
Information: www.newcanaannature.org/
Pudding Hill Wildlife Area
Route 97
Scotland, CT
Phone:
Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.
Roaring Brook Nature Center
70 Gracey Road
Canton, CT
Phone: 860-693-0263
This nature center features walking trails, live animals and an Indian longhouse. Classes and special programs are also scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Hours for the Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; closed Mondays except July and August. Trails open dawn to dusk.
Admission: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children, $4
Information: www.roaringbrook.org
The Pratt Center
163 Papermill Road
New Milford, CT
Phone: 860-355-3137
Nature preserve with hiking trails and river walks. There are also special programs scheduled throughout the year, and live farm animals on the premises in the spring, summer and fall.
Oak Grove Nature Center
Oak Grove Street
Manchester, CT
Phone: 860-643-0949
This 52-acre nature preserve and nature center is operated by the nearby Lutz Children's Museum. The property has a pond, a covered bridge, and two easy walking trails totaling about 3 miles of walking distance on dirt paths.
Hours: Trails are open dawn to dusk. Center open for museum activities and by arrangement.
Information: www.lutzmuseum.org/naturecenter.cfm
Metacomet Trail
Route 20
East Granby, CT
Phone: 860-346-2372
Open: Year round
This trail is blue-blazed and extremely popular with hikers.
on the grounds of Julian Curtis School, intersection of Milbank Avenue & East Elm Street
Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-0376
Bowman Observatory of the Astronomical Society of Greenwich is open for public use on second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, weather permitting. General hours are winter, 7-9 p.m.; spring and autumn, 8-10 p.m.; summer, 9-11 p.m. Admission is free.
See Astronomical Society of Greenwich
newsletter.
Viewing conditions.
Wintergreen Avenue
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-6559
This center sits at the foot of West Rock Ridge and includes 40 acres of woods and fields, and hundreds of different plant species located along interpretive trails that have been strategically located. Wintergreen Brook, with a waterfall, gorge, and pool, moves through the property Good place for bird watching. Picnic grove. Open sunrise to sunset.
Map.
Earthplace
10 Woodside Lane
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-227-7253
Interactive natural history museum, hands-on exhibits for children, live animals, trails, playground and a gift shop are all part of this 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.
Admission: Adults and children older than 12, $7; children and seniors, $5. Grounds and outdoor bird enclosures free.
Hours: Open: Year-round, daily except major holidays
Information: www.earthplace.org
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center
10 Deerfield Lane
Ansonia, CT, 06401
Phone: 203-736-1053
Once a small family-owned dairy farm, the park is laced with two and one-half miles of nature trails. The land encompasses 104 acres of wooded hills and grassy fields bisected by streams, a two acre pond, wet meadows, and an upland swamp. A butterfly/hummingbird garden and a woodland wildflower and fern garden grace the visitor center. Also, soccer, baseball, and softball fields; several acres reserved for community gardening; and a large playscape for younger children.
Hours: Daily sunup to sundown; interpretive center open 9 a.m. t o 5 p.m. daily except holidays.
Admission: Free.
Information: ansonianaturecenter.org
145 Lang Road
Windsor, CT
Phone: 860-285-1886
This park has 473 acres of land and recreational facilities, including an interpretive nature center, 12 miles of trails, and seasonal maple sugaring. This park is a birdwatcher's paradise: Recent bird sightings include Grasshopper Sparrows in Long Field, a Merlin Falcon near the windmill; an Eastern Phoebe in the woods behind the Organic Garden; a Turkey Vulture above the picnic site; and an American Bald Eagle on Pond Trail. A Red-headed Woodpecker has been spotted by the ravine; this bird is endangered in Connecticut.
Mianus River Preserve & Park / Cary Road Nature Preserve / Mianus Pond
Cary Road
Greenwich/Stamford border, CT
Phone: 203-977-4692
This preserve begins 1,000 feet north of the Post Road on the eastern side of Mianus Pond. It is a haven for hikers, with undisturbed woods and a steep shoreline and lovely views. Foot access is from the northern ends of Westview Place and Cary Road.
To get there: Take U.S. 1 toward Stamford; after leaving Cos Cob and crossing the Mianus Bridge turn left onto Cary Road. Mianus Park is on Cary Road.
Hours: Year-round, daily, daylight hours.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT, 06903
Phone: 203-322-1646
Experience nature, science and the outdoors at this 118-acre site. Includes New England working farm, hiking trails, picnic area, nature's playground, boardwalk (accessible to wheelchairs), galleries for interactive exhibitions with hands-on area for children, two stores, special events, planetarium. Observatory Friday evenings (weather permitting). Check website for hours and admission fees. Information: www.stamfordmuseum.org.
Darien Nature Center
120 Brookside Road
Darien, CT
Phone: 203-655-7459
Open: Year-round, Monday - Saturday
This center has a natural walking trail and exhibits featuring live animals. Childrens programs are held year round.
Free admission.
Information: dariennaturecenter.org/
Albert E. Moss Forest
Junction of Routes 195 and 275
Mansfield, CT
Phone:
This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.
Shenipsit Trail
Route 190
Somers, CT
Phone: 860-346-2372
Open: Year round.
Several blazed hiking trails are situated on this site.
Yale Forest
Route 197
Union, CT
Phone:
Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.
Woodcock Nature Center
56 Deer Run Road
Ridgefield, CT
Phone: 203-762-7280
Set on 146 acres, the nature center has numerous walking and hiking trails. The area offers great opportunities for birdwatching and observation of geology. Regular walks and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Gift shop on the premises.
Located on 149 acres of state-protected land, the Woodcock Nature Preserve includes a pond, wetlands and three miles of trails through woods. The center keeps many living local and exotic creatures including snakes, frogs and lizards. A few injured birds of prey live at the center.
Trail map.
Hours: Monday-Friday and most Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; summers, Monday-Friday only. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Admission: Free.
Information: woodcocknaturecenter.org.
Connecticut Audubon Center
1361 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT
Phone: 860-633-8402
Open: Tues-Fri, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm; Closed the last week in December.
Maintained by the Audubon Society of CT, this science and nature center features exhibits on area wildlife and plants, and a hands-on area for children. A gift shop and programs are available year-round. The center is located next to Earle Park, a 48-acre outdoor setting with numerous walking trails.
Science Center of Eastern Connecticut
33 Gallows Lane
New London, CT, 06320
Phone: 860-442-0391
Can light be bent? Can sound waves be seen? Young and old can explore hands-on exhibits that will answer these questions... and more. Even have a birthday party or bring a group. Located in Connecticut Collage Arboretum with hiking trails and picnic tables. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Members FREE. Non-members: Adults $6, children under 12 and senior citizens $4.
McLean Game Refuge
Route 10, Salmon Brook Road
Granby, CT
Phone: 860-653-7869
Open: Year round.
Enjoy a hiking and cross-country skiing on refuge trails. The area provides ample observation areas for both general nature study and birding in particular.