I take my 2 y. o. granddaughter nearly every week. There are so many wonderful things to explore and learn from. They have a walking path through the woods with a natural playground and sandbox, a bird house building to watch and interactive displays, a mini zoo inside a house with small animals and activities including a treehouse. They also have weekly activities and seasonal events for elementary school kids. My granddaughter calls Briar Bush "The Animal House" and loves to put a donation in the collection box before we leave. read more

They were so friendly and it was a great little center to see the local wildlife and learn. We didn't get to do the whole path with a stroller but it was nice and shaded on the trail so even on a hot day it felt cooler. read more

Such a cool place. I learn something new every time I visit. The staff is very informed about the animals they care for and you can tell by their enthusiasm that they definitely love their job. read more

I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars! A nature center/museum and I don't have to do the drive downtown/pay for parking...and admission is free for Abington residents/friends of Briar Bush? Amazing. (Admission otherwise is only $3 for adults and $2 for kids 2-17). There's animals/insects inside such as owls, huge cockroaches, giant turtle, snakes. And a cute reading corner full of nature books. There's also a discovery den AKA play area indoors for $1. There's animals/insects outdoors such as turkey vultures, turtles, a butterfly house and a bird observatory (cute on the inside with toys for the kiddos - be sure to read the story about the couple who opened the center). And a natural playscape outdoors. There's also a bunch of fairy houses throughout the property that girl scouts donated. And lots of trails through the forest. They also have Magic Mornings for ages 2-4 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - but register ahead as they only have a certain amount of spots each day (it's seasonal - they have in fall and spring but not summer - see website). It's an hour class for $10 and includes a snack, craft, nature walk etc. They usually pull out an animal each class. It's great to get some time in nature with other kids. In summer, they have a full week of Magic Mornings in their Itty Bitty Briar Camp. Ms. Heidi teaches it and she is just great. They have a different theme every day such as sun, water, clouds etc and there's an activity each day (visit pond and catch tadpoles, water play, craft pertaining to theme). They have preschool pioneers for ages 4-5 and summer camp for older kids for a week in late June. *Just beware in June that parking is limited due to school field trips and you may not fit in either of the lots; you may have to park out front of the house to the left (which is fine - she just doesn't want buses idling there) They also have field trips to gardens and to the shore, classes for seniors, family nature nights, hot smores nights... Only negative (besides parking, which they can't really control), is the "snacks" for kids at Magic Mornings aren't the healthiest. One was cinnamon sugar graham crackers with whipped cream- regular would have been fine. 2 days were cheddar gold fish. Another day was blue jello with whipped cream. And some red licorice - the kind that whips. Fruit Loops were used for colors. So, if you don't like your child eating sugar, let them know you have a dietary restriction or bring your own snack (snack time is ~10 min and probably not needed but the kids always love snack time!). Some options that would be healthier and just as easy would be pretzel sticks, fruit, crackers, popcorn, veggies, string cheese...but I guess those all cost more besides pretzels/crackers/popcorn. read more

See all

In the heart of Abington, and about a hundred yards away from the Roslyn train station, you can find Briar Bush, a hidden nature preserve tucked away on Edge Hill road. With scenic walking trails, an outdoor classroom, day camps and a small indoor animal habitat, Briar Bush is a great spot for small children, couples on a date, or anyone looking for a brief respite from the urgency of the modern world. With free admission for locals and a small fee for out-of-towners, the preserve is accessible to all patrons provided that they are able to walk down some wooded trails that circle through the admittedly short walking routes. The centerpiece of the trails is a picturesque, secluded pond with benches for sitting and an interactive sign with information on the local fauna and flora. The indoor animal habitat has a small gift shop, pamphlets on upcoming events and information on other parks in the area, and several interesting animals such as a blind possum named Odin, a bearded lizard named Karl, and several other unique turtles and reptiles. All of Briar Bush can be walked through in an hour or so, but the low admission, interactive nature events and scenic walking trails will have you wanting to return again soon. read more

See all

Briar bush nature center is a hidden outdoor gem. It's A great place to take the family for a day out. The center hosts many events like summer camp for kids,fun educational programs,bonfire nights and more. There are many rescued animals to visit at the center from owls,skunk,opossum,a vulture to turtles and reptiles. After visiting your furry friends there is also a beautiful short walking trail with lots of pit stops along the way. The nature center is also a popular place to view birds on the trail and at their bird watching area. With everything briar bush has to offer you're guaranteed a wonderful time! read more

I live locally but I can't believe I didn't discover this treasure sooner!! They are a small facility, but extremely clean and well maintained. They have shitty hiking paths perfect for kids of all ages and a outdoor play scape. They have several different programs for kids and adults. My son and I attended "Magic Mornings" which is a program for 2-4 year old. It lasted two hours and the detector kept ask the kids entertained and busy the whole time. Each week there's a new theme... We came during the pumpkin theme. The director set up activities for indoors and outdoors. PERFECT!! All of the staff was friendly, polite, informative, and very patient with toddler aged children. If I could give them more stars I would! read more

This is a great place to teach little kids something about nature. I consists of a relatively small forested space with a bird blind, a pond and naturalistic play area that was under construction as of June 2009. The main building has a ton of casual nature education things including about two dozen animals. They have a variety of classes and the staff seems enthusiastic. I think you can have birthday parties there as well. read more

When I dozed off on the train and walked back from the wrong station, Briar Bush's dirt trails were an unexpected find. I've been nostalgic for unpaved places to walk since getting to Philly, and a walk through Briar Bush took the edge off. Its wooded hillside is serene despite being close to traffic. This looks like a great place to take your kids, with a museum of some sort, which was closed for the day when I walked through. read more

Briar bush is at least 45 minutes from home, so we don't go often. We *usually* are happy we made the drive, though. I will plan to call before going next time because we had a disappointing visit today. The pond is "under construction," the wind mill wasn't operating, and (even though it *is* May) the butterfly house was empty. :/ Also, a children's program runs on Tuesdays. I didn't know and didn't register my kid in advance. She was eating her heart out watching the kids in the class. I wish they would have let me sign her up (or even let both of us tag along) spur of the moment. We still enjoyed the museum... Just a tip, pay the extra dollar for the kids room when you enter. I always forget and have to go back to the desk later. read more

How wonderful to have a place to walk & sit in the silence of the woods and watch nature..not far from our busy lives in the city! Mahalo to Everett & Florence Griscom and all who followed for preserving these woods...and providing a gift to us all! read more