Connecticut has many nature and science centers, arboretums, aquariums

Connecticut > State > Families and Kids > Science and Nature

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.

Beardsley Zoo

1875 Noble Avenue Bridgeport, CT, 06610 Phone: 203-394-6565

More than 300 animals, and lots of activities, waiting for you at this terrific zoo

If variety is the spice of life, things are really heating up at the Beardsley Zoo, where visitors can see and learn about more than 300 animals, from newts and desert scorpions and boa constrictors to pygmy goats, bison, red pandas, leopards and two-toed sloths. Many endangered and threatened species are featured, including the Siberian tiger, ocelot, red wolf and giant anteater. Programs for children, from tots to teenagers, are offered, as well as scavenger hunts with special themes like animal habitats, and hikes. You can grab a bite to eat at the Peacock Cafe or enjoy your lunch outdoors in the Picnic Grove. The zoo also offers strollers for rent and fun rides on a colorful carousel.

Bruce Museum

One Museum Drive Greenwich, CT, 06830 Phone: 203-869-0376

Museum offers an up-close glimpse of the wonders of science, nature

Advance reservation, with timed ticketing, is required. Masks are required, but must not have an exhalation valve or vent.
At the Bruce Museum, visitors can experience science and nature up close and personal. The museum’s collections include a vast variety of minerals and fossils, and mounted wildlife exhibits range from seasonal butterflies to mammals from around the world. Check out dinosaur tracks from the Connecticut River, a 7-inch-high aquamarine crystal from Brazil, an ostrich skeleton and extinct species including the heath hen, passenger pigeon and Carolina parakeet. From rare corals to meteorites and a local wild turkey from the 1800s, the museum’s collections are astonishing. A current exhibit shows a dozen recent discoveries (a dinosaur bone section, the insides of a snake with prey) through various forms of imagery, from CT scans to infrared cameras.

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955

Science and the natural world are at the heart of this educational and fun-to-visit aquarium

Science is at the heart of the Mystic Aquarium, where visitors can learn about everything from the latest marine conservation efforts to how to protect Beluga whales. Visitors can observe the whales in the Arctic Coast, the country’s largest outdoor beluga whale habitat. They can also watch seals and sea lions, feel stingrays and sharks in touch habitats and get up close and personal with an African penguin in a scheduled animal encounter. The Covanta Cove game shows how marine debris can be converted into clean energy, and the interactive Discover Long Island Sound exhibit includes a touch experience with horseshoe crabs. Nature’s most fascinating creatures like the Giant Pacific Octopus and Giant Japanese Spider Crabs are highlighted in the Weird and Wonderful exhibit.

Bartlett Arboretum

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.

Audubon Center of Greenwich

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. - Trail Map
Hours: Center is open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Admission: $6 suggested donation.

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 through the woods , galleries for interactive exhibitions, two stores, special events, planetarium. Observatory is open at designated days and times (weather permitting).
Read a detailed description, including information on hours and admission, at our Connecticut museums page.

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.
Hours: Open: Year-round, daily except major holidays
Admission: Adults and children older than 12, $7; children and seniors, $5. Grounds and outdoor bird enclosures free.

Westport Observatory

182 Bayberry Lane Westport, CT Phone: 203-227-0925

Westport Astronomical Society opens this observatory for public nights, scout groups, private star parties and our monthly Free Westport Astronomical Society Science Lectures. See website for schedule of events.

Eli Whitney Museum

915 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT Phone: 203-777-1833

Museum describes Eli Whitney's life and inventions and his legacy. There is a heavy focus on experimental learning through experiments that demonstrate the principles of design and invention.
Read a detailed description, including information on hours and admission, at our Connecticut museums page.

Dinosaur State Park

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.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT Phone: 860-536-1216

Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theater, 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.
Hours: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $6; children, $4

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.

Connecticut Audubon Birdcraft Museum & 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.

Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point

1 Milford Point Road Milford, CT Phone: 203-878-7440

Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. The adjoining Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary is open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

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.

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/

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/

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.

Bowman Observatory

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.

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.

Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society

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. ‎

West Rock Nature Center

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.

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.

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

Shenipsit Trail

Route 190 Somers, CT Phone: 860-346-2372

Open: Year round.

Several blazed hiking trails are situated on this site.

Connecticut Audubon Center

1361 Main Street Glastonbury, CT Phone: 860-633-8402

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.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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.

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.

Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area

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.

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

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.

White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sharon Audubon Center

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

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

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

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.

Lucius Pond Ordway - Devil's Den Preserve

33 Pent Road Weston, CT Phone: 203-226-4991

Protected area is popular for bird and wildlife observation. See a full description on our Walking and Hiking page.

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.

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.

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.

Northwest Park Nature Center

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.

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.

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/

Pudding Hill Wildlife Area

Route 97 Scotland, CT Phone:

Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Tomasso Nature Park

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

Dennis Farm

Dennis Road Pomfret, CT Phone: 203-568-6270

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.

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