The Big Bear Discovery Center is a place of just that... Discovery!! A place where Nature is the Star, but Nurture is equally as important. A place where the Great Outdoors is embraced and being one with Nature is encouraged by all. Welcome to the Big Bear Discovery Center! While visiting our friends at their cabin in Beautiful Big Bear, we decided to take the kids to the Discovery Center to see what it was all about. Upon walking into the building, we were immediately immersed into the wildlife that makes up this areas landscape. From the avian wildlife, to the reptiles, to the large mammals that call Big Bear Home, the Discovery Center gave a great snapshot of what nature lives in these mountains. In addition, the various types of rock, plants and trees were also on display which showcased the unique landscape of the region. On the back part of the building, there was a decent sized gift shop where your young explorers can browse all of the nature related toys, books and gear to be a Jr. Ranger. But the fun didn't stop there... Out front, they had a table for kids to do a hands on activity. The day we went, kids could make their own bird feeder using a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed. After making our homemade bird feeders, we took a short walk to the other side of the building where they had an outdoor area called Nature Discovery Zone where kids could play, dig, build things. There are other activities on site, but this is all we did on our visit. If you find yourself in the Big Bear area and have young kids, definitely a good place to come check out. They do have some snacks and drinks inside the gift shop, but I didn't see any actual hot food to eat. There are picnic benches and places you can sit and relax if you want to pack a lunch and eat in the outdoor area. Now... Who's ready to Discover the behind the scenes of Big Bear! read more

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Where does one go when they're looking for directions to find shadow and Jackie? #flylikeaneagle Here is my story I have been watching the bald eagles in the big Bear San Bernardino territory. I have been watching them for a few years now. Little did I know the big bear discovery center provides information on every type of animal in the area, every type of bird in the area, every type of everything in the area, is found at this discovery center My first visit there and definitely not my last, I plan to learn more about the majestic bald eagles that fly around the big bear San Bernardino mountains Also, in the vicinity are many hiking trails so, are you hikers take note to this review About an hour and a half outside of Los Angeles proper you can get to the big bear vicinity. Do your due diligence and find out all the other experiences you can receive from this area. Make your pic and get additional knowledgeable information from the big Bear discovery center. Go there, be there, or, be square read more

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I have been coming here for years, but this was the first time we tried the guided hike. The walk is not long or hard, but it was fun and very informative. The visitor center has snacks and drinks for sale, clean restrooms, and a few small activities for kids. This is a great spot to hike, take a break during a bike ride, or just stop by and enjoy the area. read more

I enjoyed my visit to the DC a few months ago. The Center is filled with wonderful information about the habitat in the area. I have been following J & S the past year and have a new fondness of the bald eagles. I bought a t shirt featuring them on the front. The staff was very nice and helpful with our group. They had plentiful of snacks and drinks and a cute variety of shopping to support the local business. There is a fun play ground located near the center that was very impressive for the kids to play. Parking area was located near the center and had plenty of spots to to choose from. The prices were a little higher than average but supporting the local business was worth the memory given. I would recommend the discovery center as part of your stop while in Big Bear. thank you! read more

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Located on the north side of the lake, this is the visitor's center to be visited over the smaller one in town. We had some kids with us so it was really nice to be met with an activity right in front. We got to make reusable bird feeders from pine cones, peanut butter, and bird seed. Once inside, you can find a schedule with the happenings of the day. In a separate room, played a short movie but there wasn't any audio. Of course they've got merch. I think they're available online but I was happy to purchase a sticker and t-shirt with the resident celebrity duo, Jackie and Shadow, the proceeds going to FoBBV who bring us the cams. Youth sizes are in light blue, womens sizes in a heather red, and mens in cream. Check out the cross section of a huge tree on the side of the building that faces the lake. Nerdy me enjoyed seeing the display of the different pine cones. read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Stickers at the register - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

What a fun and interesting little stopover. Fun for the kids to do small activities or coloring and writing. Small toss game outdoors. The small center also has animal info and stuff to see. The volunteers that worked there were super helpful and friendly. The elderly woman was explaining to us info about the bears, etc. The cashier was also cheerful and smiling and came to our attention more than once. They have a nice souvenir shop as well with tons of stuff to buy. Donation is also welcomed! read more

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Things I appreciate: -It is free entrance -very kid and family friendly -they have guided hikes and info sessions as well as scheduled activities (I encourage checking the website for more details) -outdoors they have hands on activities for the kiddos -free parking -you can take your food and drinks to have lunch where they have picnic tables -they have plenty of information on hikes nearby as well and super helpful staff -they sell some beautiful items as souvenirs Main thing I struggled with is there appear to be many little outdoor play areas/activity areas that weren't accessible for the kiddos so it's possible they were being fixed. read more

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Discovery Center is a very small. They have a few exhibits inside and a gift shop as well. The outdoor area has more to look at there is a small trail and a place for kids to play. Cool place to stop. They have clean bathrooms too! read more

This is a must stop for any family visiting from outside the area. If you have kids and dogs this is also a great place to take them. Dogs welcome inside (although there are many taxidermy items inside so be aware) They have a great area for information and the cutest gift shop items for purchase. My favorite were the little birds that tweet the actual sounds they make. Adorable! They also have clothing items, puzzles, binoculars, other stuffed animals and items. Each one is more adorable then the other. It was very informative and special to walk in and see the species native to the area and to California. There are lots of nice picture spots and hikes throughout. Will take up a good amount of time if you want it to or be short and sweet. Totally up to you and your traveling companions. Worth the stop! read more

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Loved stopping thru the discovery center. Great place to stop in, nice and cool, clean restrooms and a cute little gift shop. They offer walking tours and a sitting area as well as activities for kids. Lots of info on local wildlife and my fave part was watching all the birds fly into for a bite to eat! read more

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Wow the Discovery Center is finally done and it looks great! We went on the nature tour and the volunteer was very informative on the types of trees, plants and animals that live on the north shore of big bear. My 2yo toddler and my 5yo loved the little trail with sticks and rocks for them to throw. There is also a kids area but I wasn't able to check it out as the husband was in a rush, next time. Definitely enjoyed our visit and we will be back!! read more

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This is the largest visitors center in Big Bear Valley, offering nature based exhibitions and is also the Mountaintop Ranger District Office complex of the National Forest. They've got weekly programs, eco-tours, special events like outdoor concerts, and nighttime interpretive programs in the Discovery Center Amphitheater. On our visit they had an easy guided hike scheduled, which we had just done on our own prior to announcement and peek at their schedule for the day. We noticed a kids area outside with a mini stage and pipes to strum on, as well as an area to pan for gold when open. Big Bear Discovery Center is your gateway to adventure and discovery in the great outdoors and definitely worthy of a visit. read more

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This is a sweet free activity to do with kiddos in big bear. We got to learn about different local animals , a cute little Gift shop and a lot of fun outdoor (dog friendly) mini trails and activities like logs and a pan music park area. read more

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If you have young children, this is a great place to stop and spend an hour. Parking and admission are free. All of the volunteers and docents were pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. They have a 15 minute movie that plays on a loop. Lot of natural history on display, and of course, a huge gift shop. read more

This is one of the most beautiful and educational discovery centers I have been to. Catered to elementary school kids, there are stuffed animals including a bear and pine cones of all sizes. They have a nature playground with building blocks, drawing board with chalk, musical instruments. There is a little gift shop and super friendly staff. They organized a nature walk and talk for elementary age kids which lasted about 30 mins. read more

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Great place to visit in big bear. It was nice to get away from the crowds and focus more on the nature in the area. Workers/volunteers there were very helpful and knowledgeable. And dogs are allowed :) read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

We rented the bikes and we had such a great time the lady that helped us was so nice and even gave us extra time.

The family and I had a great time! It was clean and well organized. My only gripe was i wish it was a little larger, but then again it is a government run facility and free for customers! The staff was helpful and friendly. read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Self portrait - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

The Discovery Center is great for kids of all ages and adults as well. There's a bunch of animals that are stuffed via taxidermy and a little creepy, but still definitely is interesting for the kids. There are a lot of nature facts and the service is great. The people there doing the nature walks are extremely informative and knowledgeable. You can ask them a lot of questions. The walk is only half a mile and it's not good for strollers, so if you have younger kids, you would have to hold them. We had to hold our two-and-a-half-year-old, but other than that, it was just a lot of fun and a place for the whole family. read more

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The center itself is nice, pretty small and mostly gift shop. Good trail information. We really liked the guided nature walk. But the Campfire program was a huge disappointment; clearly scheduled on their website and in the center itself, when we and another car of people showed up for it, there was nobody and nothing there at all. Not even a sign saying it was canceled or anything. Kids were very disappointed. read more

When it is open, I would give it five stars. But it is closed for remodeling and has been for a while. In daytime, you can drive in and park in the big parking lot. I saw a few people hanging out in or near their cars. You can always hike west on the Woodland Trail (about 10 min) and ask a friend to pick you up on the Woodland Trail parking lot. The exit gate is always open, so you can drive out at any time read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Sign showing that it is closed - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER is part of the California State Parks and provides free, fun, and educational programs for kids! The visitor center is beautiful and has a great display... and great restrooms. They had several activities going on during the summer such as gold panning, arts & crafts and nature walks. There are a couple of super easy "hikes" nearby as well as a nature-themed playground on the grounds. read more

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This is a great family oriented place to visit with plenty to do. Some of the highlights are the taxidermy animals, the rear bear skin, the echo area outside, the gift shop, the live feed where you can watch the 1 year old Eaglet, the rock and early Americana. Exhibit as well as lots of hiking trails with plenty opportunities to take nature photos read more

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This place is great ! We made the mistake of never going to the center. Take the short drive out of town and enjoy nature. The center is located about 15 minutes from Big Bear Village. There is plenty of free parking and so much to see. Once inside you see many of the local animals displayed for all to enjoy. There are displays to look at and displays you can touch. Plenty of great photo ops everywhere. The center offers a nature walk on a regular basis. Check the website for dates and times. To the rear of the center there are outside displays to enjoy. Take the walk and participate in the displays. Have some fun. For those with and without families, this is a great place. It's free and there's plenty to see and do. read more

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The people working in the center need to be replaced. The woman said nothing, the man next to her was unhappy ,obviously, since questions prompted him to give short answers while being condescending and rude. The only employee who said anything, without be prompted,was the cashier, a young. Guy, who thanked us for a donation we put into the collection box. I have been too many visitor centers throughout the world, and this is the first one where I did not feel welcome. read more

Not knowing much about the Big Bear area, we visited the Big Bear Discovery Center towards the end of September (2017) for some info. The place is definitely toddler-friendly with some hands-on activities, games, story time, live reptiles on display (e.g. a rosy boa and a desert tortoise), and a room for coloring with crayons. The nature trail behind the building is nice and well-maintained. Not very long. Aside from the Adventure Pass, mostly all of the information and entrance into the center is free. Plenty of parking. Handicap accessible. Nice staff (when they aren't swamped with the crowd). On the back porch there is a large tree stump turned on its side. The tree rings are labeled with a timeline of key moments in history. It's pretty neat. I would recommend a visit if you need information about hikes in the area and/or if you have kiddos. '17 Challenge #126 read more

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Big bear discovery center is a truly gem and a must visit to learn all about the area and explore around. Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. We had many questions about permits, buying passes, maps and hiking, got it all and our questions answer. There is activities/ programs for everyone. A sitting area outside to eat your lunch and enjoy the views and serenity of the area. Clean bathrooms available read more

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A nice big nature center with plenty to do! On top of that, it's a FREE activity! There are a handful of rooms to explore inside with things typically found in natures centers: taxidermy, a couple live animals, rock, etc. They have a coloring station inside which is pretty cool too... parents get a much needed rest and break from the sun while the kids color. Inside, there is an Adventure Outpost and gift shop which we didn't partake in... but I was impressed with their vintage looking plush Woodsie Owl stuffed animals. There is a small museum in here too. Outside there is a very cool area with different activities for the kids. I will say, it wasn't very kept up and almost every station felt more like... "Ah... that must have been cool when it first opened"... but there are a couple things that are still useable. Mostly different places to play with natural looking blocks. But also a rope spider web to climb on, some black boards and chalk, and polls to make structures out of. Lastly, we did the little half mile nature hike which was cool. We saw lots of those little lizards that run away as you walk by and many cool looking flowers and plants. It felt a lot hotter than it was on a not very hot day outside... so I can imagine this getting pretty brutal on seriously hot days! Maybe do this part first and then do the indoor stuff. Enjoy! read more

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Yelp 100 Challenge 35 The Discovery Center For an easy walk especially with little kids, the path at the Discovery Center is just right. It has all the elements the kids enjoy, old tree trunks with exposed roots, benches made of tree trunks, trees with identification plaques and today there were snow piles in the parking lot. Okay, so,the snow was gray, I mean dirty, nonetheless, the kids climbed on it and had fun. The displays inside the discovery center are informative and the bathrooms are clean. Parking is available in the large lot that doesn't require a permit. A great place to learn about the outdoors! read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Z - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

My family has been coming to big bear yearly for summer and we have explored it in pieces and Finally came around to explore the discovery center. We choose a warm weekend and it was nice to beat the heat indoors. There was a lot to see in the exhibits indoors. We saw many big bear native preserved animals that had deceased or natural causes, accidents or illegal hunting that had been confiscated. You were able to get very close and even touch some of them. My girls are only two but they enjoyed this exhibit a lot. They had fun learning the names of these animals. The outside of the discovery center had a nature walk trail that led to several fun activities. We kept this short because of the heat. I think most everyone did the same while we were visiting. We purchased a few of souvenirs. The gift shop was pretty spacious but not much to choose from. The volunteers were friendly, but nothing over the top. it was also 1 hour to closing. read more

The Discovery Center is a free experience where kids can learn and go on a mini hike.. Looking for something to do, we stopped by the Discovery Center to pick up an adventure pass and to check out what they have. There have a few interesting exhibits on the inside of the Discovery Center with the coolest exhibit being the florescent rock display. On the outside of the center they have a bunch of hands on activities for the kids like wood logs and blocks to build things with. They also have a small looping trail that is very family friendly. For Adults - They sell Adventure passes here. - They have drinking water and bathrooms. read more

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The staff here are very helpful in providing any information you may need, especially regarding hiking trails. They have maps available to help you find hiking trailheads and more info on hikes in the area. They also sell Adventure Passes here (basically parking permits you need to park anywhere you may want to hike or picnic). There are also nature displays, restrooms, and a gift shop full of stuff with bears, including everyone's favorite forest buddy, Smokey the Bear. There is also a snack counter in the gift shop that sells sandwiches and drinks. read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

A super cool place for everyone to stop by to learn a little about the big bear lake and the nature. It's free to enter, and make use of this complimentary service to give a small donation of any value when visiting to help preserve the nature. You go thru sections with indigenous animals, rocks, and history and on the outside you can check out some native plants and environment. They have volunteers here who will always answer your questions and help give you a better understanding about the nature and the environment about this city. They also have a cool little gift store that you can stop by and support them by getting goods and souvenirs. read more

While researching camp sites online for camping in Big Bear, I came across the Discovery Center and marked it as my 1st place to go when I got into Big Bear. I've grown up going to Big Bear, but I've never camped here. So I figured I'd stop by here to talk to the rangers, get an idea of the campsites, and grab some maps. You can pick up adventure passes here, fire permits if you plan on camping at any yellow post campsites, and maps of the area. They had a really useful guide of the hiking trails around the area, how many miles they were, and were rated on difficulty level. Tons of information! Also, we were looking for campsites and they had plenty of maps to offer for free here. We also hiked Cougar Crest Trail and parked our car at the Discovery Center. Free parking until 5 pm. read more

Big Bear Discovery Center - Hiking Near Me - Fawnskin, California

I went when it was really cold and snowy, so I wasn't able to enjoy the surrounding hiking trails as much as I might've at another time. I went inside the Discovery Center building and it was just two rooms (one being a gift shop) of local taxidermied fauna, rocks, flora, etc. It was interesting but it was a very short 10 min visit read more

This is a great spot for a summer evening concert. Easy enough to park. $37 tickets for a decent opening act and a really fine Eagles cover band. Cheap food and booze, picnic baskets are ok (but no beverages other than water). Nice little hill that overlooks the stage. Gorgeous setting for a nice show. read more

When we went, things were still being remodeled but the little setup they had was still nice. Everyone was friendly and we got to make pinecone bird feeders. read more

First, I must say this place is small maybe 1 hour of your time and another for the 45 min trail. But the employees and volunteers are simply amazing!!! They ares so patient and give you lots of information of Big bear!!!! The nicest employees of all Big Bear. I'm planning a field trip with our homeschooling friends so I'll be sure to update with our experience:) read more

I've come to the Discovery Center before it was closed for a remodel. This has been an ongoing project since 2020, peak of the pandemic. They have a set up near the short hiking trail with information and children activities. The short 0.5 mile loop was perfect for our dog's first hike experience. We always enjoy visiting! read more

Always something fun to do at the Big Bear Discovery center! Came here on 2:00 Saturday Memorial Day weekend and there was a nature hike to participate in. It was a wonderful walk, maybe 45 minutes long. I definitely recommend coming to the Discovery Center if you're looking for something dun read more

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