If your kids are obsessed with all things nature and science, then a visit to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Union County’s Watchung Reservation is a must. By combining indoor and outdoor experiences featuring walking trails, animal facts, and exhibits, families can spend the day having fun and learning about our local environment. And did we mention it’s FREE? Keep reading for all the details on planning a day out with the family at this fun and educational center, and more with our guide to gardens and nature centers in NJ (feature photo taken at Trailside Nature Center)
Discover animals and NJ ecosystems
With over 4,500 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibits, the wow factor starts as soon as you step into the atrium, with a towering 34-foot American beech tree exhibit that brings the outside in. Start in the Children’s Discovery Room, where littles will enjoy hands-on activities like live snake displays, a cozy reading corner, drawing on chalkboards, and even digging in the sand. Older kids will want to check out the Edge Habitat, where you can see a variety of taxidermy animals native to Northern NJ, including deer, rabbits, and a diverse group of bird species. Forest Community is another spot where kids can learn about the forest up close—trees, forest mammals, birds, and even catch a glimpse of those essential decomposers in the “Life in a Log” exhibit. Kids can go inside a hollow tree and view live box turtles in their homes on the forest floor. And don’t forget to visit the Lenape Native Americans exhibit, where you and your kids can sit in a life-sized wigwam, learn about the tools used by the Lenape, and discover how they lived.
Learn more about NJ Wetlands
A must-stop on any visit to the Center is The Wetlands—a unique recreated wetland habitat filled with thousands of gallons of water. Once inside the exhibit, kids can crawl through a hollow log and view live fish and turtles that call this wetland home. They will learn about the wetland, pond, and stream habitats in New Jersey, including the plants and animals that live in them. It’s a great exhibit (even for adults) to discover how wetlands actively clean our water and sustain numerous species.
Family-friendly events for your calendar
Whether it’s maple sugaring, a sensory walk on the trails, or a meet-and-greet with one of the birds or animals that reside at the Center, there’s a calendar of events for every season. For the littlest ones, toddler time includes sensory walks and activities with Maple Sugaring, Solar Spectacular, Bubble-Mania, and Going Buggy. Kids ages 4 and up will enjoy learning more about nature with events like Sap to Syrup, Total Eclipse, Falcon Friends, and Wild About Flowers. If you ever wanted to try camping, the Family Overnight Campout in June is a great place to start (it’s for families with children ages 6 and older). Make sure you check out their calendar for all the workshops and events throughout the year.
Take a walk on the trails
During spring, summer, and fall, head outside to explore the Watchung Reservation, a 2,142-acre park with woodlands, fields, lakes, brooks, and picnic areas. The Reservation is ensconced within the Watchung Mountains and spans one mile wide by three miles long. You can start at the Center, and as you walk along the marked trails, check out the native plants and play an I-spy as you catch sight of wildlife. A few of the facilities and features from the trails include Lake Surprise, Seeley’s Pond, the Watchung Stable, the Loop Playground, picnic areas, and more. Make sure you pack a lunch to enjoy.
Stop at the gift shop before you leave
After a day of learning and spending time outdoors, visit the gift shop to browse fun and unique nature-themed items in this charming store. Kids will love checking out the large selection of plush animals, toys, gifts, and educational books. If your crew digs geology, there are lots of different types of rocks, minerals, gemstone jewelry, and more available to purchase. Before you leave, grab one of the colorful T-shirts to remember your visit.
FAQs About The Trailside Nature and Science Center
When is it open?
The Trailside Nature and Science Center is open all year round, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
How much does it cost?
Admission to visit is free, but special events may have a fee.
What else is there to do while you visit?
Food is not allowed inside the Nature Center, so make sure you pack snacks to eat in the sensory garden. There is also a little park behind the Center with two playgrounds, one geared towards older kids and one for little kids.
For more information about Trailside Nature and Science Center, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Trailside Nature and Science Center
52 New Providence Road
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJ MOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
