Established in 1960, the New Canaan Nature Center is a not-for-profit environmental education center and sanctuary offering visitors access to the study of nature, horticulture and related sciences. Based in New Canaan, Conn., the 40-acre site features habitat diversity, including wet/dry meadows, ponds, wet/dry woodlands, dense thickets, an old orchard and a cattail marsh offering a variety of horticultural experiences. Some of the facilities at the comprise an Interactive Discovery Room, the Animal Care Building, the Birds of Prey exhibit center, the Bliss Education Building and an Educational Annex House. The Birds of Prey exhibit features seven aviaries while the Educational Annex House houses the NCNC Preschool as well as classrooms for summer camp, birthday parties, scout programs and other social gatherings. Also open to the public are a teaching tropical greenhouse, maple syrup shed, naturalist's garden, butterfly garden, wildflower garden and herb garden.
Website: newcanaannature.org
Phone: (203) 966-9577
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Oenoke Rdg and Hampton Ln
Closed now
- Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
144 Oenoke Rdg New Canaan, CT 06840-4198 ·385.24 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
Another gem in the heart to New Canaan. Just a short walk form town, the Nature Center offers something for children and adults alike. A wonderful place for children to learn to appreciate nature and animals.
MoreA nice new facility with a large area with tables, crayons, pencils, building blocks, books, and puzzles for young children, say 5 or below, to entertain themselves. There are a few live animals in the main building, a rabbit, frogs and a snake, to get the education and exploration started. On the surrounding grounds there are pens for a few chickens, goats, and donkeys for the kids to enjoy seeing. The raptor area has an owl, bald eagle, peregrine flacon, red tailed hawk and a raven. I may have leftist another but roughy a half dozen birds in total. The play garden has a few stationary items for children to climb on or walk through. The main building is very well maintained. The surrounding property is more casually kept.
MoreWe've taken our grandsons (5 and 3) here many times and attended several events. Always a great time!
MoreGreat outdoor place for family and kids. Wonderful and helpful staff with amazing animals and events!
MoreThe Nature Center is a gem on the edge of New Canaan's village. Located on land which was part of a large estate, it has walking trails, an activity center with greenhouse, an adjacent activity building, and a small collection of local raptors and other wildlife. Classes, talks, and other events are held all through the week year-round. In the winter, a small farmer's market opens weekly indoors. The gift shop has a good selection of merchandise. Staff are friendly and informative. Definitely worth a visit with kids.
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