Nature Centers and Wildlife for Kids

← All Adventures

19 family-friendly spots across Hawaii, New York, & Texas, with costs, best ages, parking tips, and what to bring.

19 adventures found

Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve

Wailea, HI

Swimming
Ages 6–18+ Free

Snorkel over lava reef in a protected marine reserve with abundant sea life. Free. Better for ages 6 …

Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge

Kilauea, HI

Nature
Ages 2–18+ Paid

Historic cliff-top lighthouse with nesting seabirds and winter whale watching. Paid entry. Works …

Pilot Knob Preserve

Fort Ann, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Gentle nature trails with lake views above southern Lake George. Free. Best from about age 4. About …

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Bertram, TX

Hiking
Ages 3–18+ Free

Free federal refuge with birding trails and Junior Rangers. Free. Best from about age 3. About two …

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Austwell, TX

Nature
Ages 3–18+ Free

Endangered whooping crane habitat with auto loop and observation tower. Free. Best from about age 3. …

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

Angleton, TX

Nature
Ages 3–18+ Free

44,000-acre birding refuge with auto tour loop and alligator sightings. Free. Best from about age 3. …

Colleyville Nature Center

Colleyville, TX

Nature
Ages 2–18+ Free

Nature trails and playscape perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. Works from toddler age. …

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center

Humble, TX

Nature
Ages 2–18+ Free

Boardwalk trails through cypress swamp with free guided canoe trips. Free. Works from toddler age. …

John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

Seagoville, TX

Nature
Ages 3–18+ Paid

Boardwalk trails over marshes with interactive nature center. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. …

Southwest Nature Preserve

Arlington, TX

Hiking
Ages 3–18+ Free

Quiet urban preserve with scenic lake overlook in Arlington. Free. Best from about age 3. About an …

Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve

Southlake, TX

Nature
Ages 2–18+ Free

Short easy trails through rare Cross Timbers forest in Southlake. Free. Works from toddler age. …

Cedar Ridge Preserve

Dallas, TX

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

600 acres of rugged trails and scenic overlooks in Dallas. Free. Best from about age 4. About two …

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Cedar Hill, TX

Hiking
Ages 3–18+ Free

Shaded canyon trails with a nature play area for kids. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. …

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Sherman, TX

Nature
Ages 3–18+ Free

12,000-acre wildlife refuge with kids programs on Lake Texoma. Free. Best from about age 3. A …

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

Plano, TX

Hiking
Ages 2–18+ Free

800-acre park with boardwalks and kayaking in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. …

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Garland, TX

Hiking
Ages 3–18+ Free

Old-growth forest with guided nature hikes near Dallas. Free. Best from about age 3. About two …

Trinity River Audubon Center

Dallas, TX

Nature
Ages 3–18+ Paid

Trails through the largest urban hardwood forest in the US. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About …