My two boys (ages 3 1/2 and 6) and I visited the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in late October. It was a crisp and cool Saturday morning, and we had the place nearly all to ourselves. I wasn't expecting much beyond a few caged native New Hampshire wildlife and a good walk. Instead, we were totally blown away. First, the nature center is organized in such as way that it really is a walk through the woods. Paths and boardwalks wind their way through the compound, preserving the natural environment as much as possible. The animal displays themselves are first-rate. The enclosures are well designed to allow for both easy viewing and a sense of the animal's natural environment. The displays also include both information and activities for the kids. My boys enjoyed seeing the big cats, the deer, the raptors, and most of all the bears! Because it was a little cold we didn't have a chance the hike the trails, but when we go back in the spring we will take a picnic lunch and make a day of our visit. read more

Serious Concerns About Emergency Signage and Safety I visited the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center on August 2, 2026, with my 9-year-old daughter. This was our first visit, and before entering I asked the staff if there was anything we needed to know. I was simply told, "Just enter and follow the signs." About halfway through our visit, we stopped at the Gordon Interactive Playscape: A Predator-Prey Adventure. After about 15 minutes, I looked around and suddenly couldn't find my daughter. I immediately began searching the indoor play area and calling her name. No answer. I went from one section to another, becoming increasingly desperate. Then I started looking for an exit sign so I could figure out how to get out and find help. I couldn't find one. When you're looking for your child and don't know where they are, every minute feels like an eternity. After approximately 10 minutes of searching, I finally found my daughter. What a relief! At that point, I decided to leave. On my way back, I started paying attention to the exit signage and counted only one clearly marked exit sign. At the gift shop, I explained my experience to a staff member and asked how many exit signs there were throughout the park. She told me there were two. I asked, "Do you believe that's enough, given the size of the park?" There was no response. My concern isn't about blaming an individual employee. It's about emergency preparedness. If a parent is desperately trying to locate a child during an emergency--or if another emergency requires visitors to leave quickly--people should be able to immediately identify where the exits and escape routes are. Clear, highly visible emergency signage is not a luxury. It is indispensable, vital, and essential. I strongly encourage the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to revisit its emergency escape routes, exit signage, and wayfinding system. I hope the center takes this feedback seriously and makes improvements before another family finds itself in a frightening situation like the one I experienced. Thank you for your time. Eds Santiago read more

Had a great time! So many interactive exhibits for kids & adults. Everything was extremely thought out and fun. There are several areas for the kids to run around and burn off energy. This thoughtful combination of learning and fun gives families & kids a nice time. I appreciated the information on how the animals ended up at science center. The animals are clearly well cared for and the habitats were clean. Also, the staff listed what was the enrichment of the day was for the animals. This added touch was informative and shows care for their animals. I highly recommend this science center for all ages. It was a delightful time well spent. read more

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We were visiting family and went here for the afternoon. It was a little pricey for what it is since there is not a whole lot to see. But we did enjoy ourselves. We saw a bobcat, mountain lion, otters, black bear, and eagles. If the weather is nice I would recommend. The trail is almost 2 miles. read more

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Great time! Animals are in a great environment and plenty to do and explore. Super afternoon to spend in nature

We thoroughly enjoyed the center. I think it's perfect for kids. The animals were interesting to look at, but unfortunately not all of them were visible. (We could not see the bears anywhere, I guess they were sleeping.) Anyway, the rest of the center made up for this in my opinion. The otter exhibit was captivating; we could see both otters swimming around. There were many different displays that were able to communicate information in interesting ways, even to children that can't read yet. For example, crank a handle to show how fast a person can run versus a mountain lion. There's also a neat playground that the kids really liked. The center is actually bigger than I expected. We were there for nearly three hours and still didn't see everything. read more

Amazing Place For All Ages! From The Animals To The Playground This Place Is Beautiful

We all enjoyed it. The live animal exhibitions were excellent. 3 year old loved the sand play in the Water building the most. Bring drinking water with you. The loop is kind of long for going back to main area for drinks, snacks, breaks, or bathroom. They need some shorter loops and some snack options. read more

It was an awesome experience! I went along with my three nieces and family and it was fun for us all! A bunch of real animals through glass made an amazing up close experience! As I was holding up my niece at the glass of the mountain lion exhibit, the lion came up to the glass and looked at my niece and started pawing at us through the glass. It was so cute and fun and an amazing story to tell her when she grows up! Thanks!! read more

A fun location, though it's a bit expensive if you only visit once; we got a family pass so we'll be back again.

Amazing experience! Think of a nature walk with a twist! There were plenty of education activities for children and adults to learn about our environment, along with some enclosed spaces with animals where you actually get to learn about the local ecosystem and not just window browsing animals! Definitely worth the visit with children! read more

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Zoos Near Me - Holderness, New Hampshire

What an outstanding place. For nearly 60 years, the Science Center has afforded people of all ages the opportunity to learn about local ecology in an upclose and personal, hands-on manner. If you have young children and want them to get outdoors and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world, there's simply no better experience than walking the trails and exploring each exhibit. read more

There was so much to explore and do! The trails were all nicely maintained and it was an easy hike. Exhibits were spectacular

Our family really enjoyed the science center. So much to see, learn, and do! Highly suggest you go. Make sure you allow plenty of time to read all the info, go see some talks about the animals, and hang out at the different exhibits to observe the animals and learn all about them! All the animals found here are native to the area and were saved, but unable to return the wild for one reason or another. This isn't a sad zoo, but a great educational and conservation place! read more

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Such a great place to spend with the family. We go here often and it's perfect for nature, Science learning, some art, and beyond. Pack a lunch/picnic. read more

Much like Wolf Hollow in Ispwich I came here with my mom, who is a fellow nature lover, but can't do much hiking. It's usually zoos and sanctuaries if she's going to get to see stuff other than what's in her backyard. This place was very cool. It has lots of native NH species including foxes, deer, bobcats, black bears and a mountain lion (yes, I say they are NH native despite what the state says, people up North know better about mountain lions and wolves). All the animals here are rescued from either being abandoned my a mother or hit by a car.I like knowing they didn't just trap and enclose these animals and that they would basically be dead otherwise if they weren't here. They have the modernized plexiglass enclosures which lots of places have put in over the old school zoo chain link. It allows you to get much closer and as a photo guy I love that aspect. We went in the winter and they offer snowshoes, or you can go it on your own, but beware slips and falls if you do. The staff was friendly and knew their stuff. You could tell they really care about the animals. The only drawback was that they lead you on a tour throughout the exhibit rather than let you roam it freely, which means you get a limited amount of time at each enclosure. Taking photos , I have to wait for the kids and other people to get out of the way, and though they didn't make you feel pressured, you know you have to move along. I also would not recommend going in the winter . It's a really cool place not to far from home and would be a great place to bring the young'ns (or Moms) if they like animals. read more

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Red Fox - Zoos Near Me - Holderness, New Hampshire

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Great place to visit whether you're an adult or a kid. My family loves coming here; it's a nice place to check out some animals, take a nice walk, and spend some time at a great playground. I like taking my family here as well as out-of-town folks. A nice introduction to animals native to New Hampshire. Well worth it! read more

This place is awesome! They really care about your safety and have hand sanitizer along the one way trails. It wasn't busy at all and it was very peaceful. $15 for adults is a great price, we were there for hours! They have the animal trail then other trails that you really get to see wildlife, we even got to see a snapping turtle in the marsh. This place is great for the whole family and we will be coming back! read more

Had an amazing time there today with my son! The Covid precautions in place were very easy to follow with things clearly marked with signs of where to walk, distance, and ample hand sanitizer stations after each exhibit. We got to see more animals than people - and it made for a great experience to not have such a large crowd around at a place like this. Will be going back very soon! read more

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Zoos Near Me - Holderness, New Hampshire

We took the pontoon cruise on the lake. Dale was our operator and guide. He was very knowledgeable and professional, he gave a tour of events and facilities used in 'On Golden Pond' , views of loons and local nature. It was a very enjoyable tour. read more

This is truly one of the great treasures of the Lakes Region. The science based pre-school is amazing as well and has set my child up with a great foundation in nature. Each local animal is presented in its natural environment and the recently added playground is a great addition by local builders. During the Halloween season, they put on one of the most awesome events for kids and it includes stories, themed environmental safety skits and games in the education center. Their staff are extremely educated and friendly. read more

We live in Meredith and had never been to the Science Center. maybe because on nice days we seem to be on the lake. We decided to go as we hosted cousins with 2 children, 12 and 9. The time was well spent and the park was much larger than I had anticipated. It was educational and fun and had a great combination of real birds and animals, guided educational content and self guided education. We could have easily stayed longer than the 90 minutes we 'needed to kill'. All kinds of birds, animals, frogs, plants and a geological display, all native to NH. All birds and animals have been rescued and brought to the Center to live out their days, they would not survived in the wild. The staff was friendly, very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the Center and nature in general. The down side is the price: $80 for 4 adults and 2 kids. I happily paid recognizing their being there depends on private donations and gate receipts. I will go back every year. If you are up at the lakes region with young children take them to the Science Center. It's worth it and they will remember and want to go back. read more

I'm so glad I went there had great animal exhibits, loved the bears. Also had a play ground for kids and a little rope course. Be ready to spend at the gift shop as well. read more

In this time of social distancing, it was great to get the kids outdoors and to see some animals. You need a timed reservation, easily reserved online, so there aren't too many people there at once. No shows in the amphitheater but staff are out with different animals for pop-up lessons. Even the gift shop is outdoors! Staff wear masks and guests are asked to when interacting with staff or seeing other people on trails or at exhibits. Every exhibit has hand sanitizer to use as you exit it. Everyone was accommodating, cheerful and helpful. It was well worth the admission price. read more

I've been through this area so many times and never knew this place existed. While this place is definitely geared towards kids, these two adults enjoyed it as well. The animals that are kept here are ones that would normally be found in New Hampshire's habitat. You will see mountain lions, black bears, quite a few raptors and bobcats just to name a few. In addition to the animal exhibit trail there are also hiking trails as well as the adjacent Kirkwood gardens to explore. It's definitely worth a stop. read more

We had a wonderful time exploring and learning during our visit. I really enjoyed hearing from the various educators about the different species of animals that are under your care. The playground was a hit with the kids. The hike to the top of the mountain was a hit with adults. I even saw a giant bull frog in the pond. Such a nice peaceful and relaxing day. read more

Just visited with my husband in mid October. We loved walking the grounds, exploring the displays and simply gazing at the fisher, mink and mountain lions. I volunteer at another nature center where we have an osprey nest/platform and cam. The information displayed about the osprey was really impactful to me, especially all the distances observed with their migration routes. The black bear "den" was incredible! Although the space allotted for each animal is large by American zoo standard, I still felt that each enclosure could have been larger. read more

Very neat place for an outdoor adventure. Lots of great wild animals to see that have been in captivity... since Birth or after being injured. The staff was very friendly and nice. The grounds are kept beautifully. My daughter is five years old and her favorite part was of course the playground and barn with all kinds of cool things to do and climb through, touch feel, and learn. The only drawback was, even though there was a small café, it was closed, since it was out of season. We walked to a nearby restaurant and ate a great lunch. I would definitely recommend this place to families with kids, even teens. read more

I love the new exhibit with the water animals. I really liked the outdoor playground as well. Overall I was very impressed with it all

The Best Nature Center in New England. It has dozens of local animals in spacious, natural enclosures along a 1 mile wooded nature trail. The animals have been previously injured and are unable to survive in the wild. It has numerous interactive activities and exhibits that accompany each animal which is a wonderful educational way for children to learn. read more

Amazing place. So quiet and peaceful. The people there were wonderful. The animal exhibits were clean and well visualized. I really enjoyed my experience. If you love nature walks, love animals, and hate crouded zoos, this place is perfect. The center was well taken care of, and very cleanm It was also fun for the kids. Lots of stuff for kids to do alone and with their parents. I cant wait to go back. read more

Love this place. A beautiful setting, interesting exhibits (for both kids & adults) and just a nice place to spend a few relaxing hours walking around. AND....they mailed my lost debit card back to me. read more

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is the perfect place to get close to nature and wildlife! Filled with education and staff who are extremely knowledgable; it truly is perfect place to go for those who love to walk in beautiful gardens, nature trails and see wildlife at its best! read more

A pleasant 3/4 mile walk through the woods with several displays and animal enclosures sprinkled along the path. The emphasis is on local animals with red fox, puma, skunk, otter, whitetail deer, black bear and bobcat among the animals on display in attractive humane enclosures. There are also several buildings with interactive displays and some animal demonstrations throughout the day. read more

One of the best children's zoo Montessori base education centers.

Went to opening day and I was very surprised by all the updates. Last time we made a visit was 5 years ago. They have improved the handicap access and walkways/trails. Walked through the animal habitats and the workers there were very friendly and knowledgable. The hands-on exhibits were fun and educational (kept our group of kids ages 6-9 entertained). The new red squirrel play area was a huge hit! And of course the otters are a fan favorite. Price went up a bit but still reasonable. Perfect way to spend the day. read more

Pretty good place to take the kids, humane viewing of some cool animals, and good (if starker than most) information about ecology and global warming. read more

We just visited this nature center for the first time and we are absolutely in love! So much to see and do! The animals on exhibit were beautiful and obviously well cared for. We enjoyed the facts and all the interactive bits! You won't be disappointed! read more

We return almost every year. Lots of interactive things for the kids of all ages. From our 2 year old grandchild to our 15 year old. A lot more time then they suggest. There is just so many things for the kids to get involved in. For singles or couples there are plenty a extra paths to explore. Almost every year something new is added. There is a discount coupon in almost all the seasonal booklets that appear everywhere. We have not eaten at their little place but family members did the boat tour and said it was excellent. Yes, it is outdoors so dress weather appropriate. W/C may be a little bumpy but can also enjoy this wonderful place. The handful of staff we met were all very nice. We sat in on two of the nature talks and although the one person was an "old hand" at presentations and the other person was obviously not, they were both informative and had everyone's attention. read more

Absolutely gorgeous! It's a nature walk that brings you up close to the wildlife indigenous to this area. You get amazing shots of all of the animals. Highly recommend if you have children. A lot for them to explore and enjoy. read more