New Canaan Nature Center
First, I’ll tell you how this story ends.
…M is buckled in the backseat and I’m just about to pull out of the New Canaan Nature Center parking lot when she says to me, “Mommy. Now THAT was fun!” I turned to look at her. Smiling, I stopped and enjoyed the moment. A happy, fulfilled child equals a perfect day in my book and I wanted to take it all in.◊
photo from facebook.com
The New Canaan Nature Center is a little less than an hour from New Haven on the Merritt Parkway, but worth the drive. Tucked back from the main road, the Center and grounds are pristine. Inside the Center you’ll find their Discovery Room for children. Kids will have fun looking at the different types of live turtles, snakes, fish and working bee hive. There is a nature “touch table”, wildlife diorama and book nook. The Discovery Room does not offer hours of entertainment in my opinion, but there’s lots more to do at the Center, so not to worry. The large Greenhouse is definitely worth walking around and the Birds of Prey exhibit is, too. Outside, wander along the nature trails until you find one, or both, observation decks. As you meander back to the Center, stop at the bench facing the Greenhouse and let your kiddo roll down the “hill” a few times. At least for M, this was a big hit! Oh, and the really good looking playground you can see from the Center is NOT PART OF the Center. Darn.
We planned our visit to the Center on their annual ‘Cider Saturday,’ which proved to be a really lovely day of simple but satisfying activities, including watching a demonstration of cider making in their Cider House and making delicious baked apples on the grill. If you’re up for a day-trip, their Fall Fair is scheduled for October, 17, 2009. Or, take a look at their schedule of youth and family programs ’cause it seems there’s always something happening there! At the minimum, you’ll have a nice time. At best, you’ll have a perfect day like we did.
the essentials:
New Canaan, 144 Oenoke Ridge (Route 106), #203-966-9577, Open M-Sat from 9am – 4pm. Free admission but donations appreciated
We havent yet been to the New Canaan Nature Center, but if not already mentioned, Westport also has a similar sounding, and wonderful Nature Center with walking and hiking trails, lots of animals ( live and both stuffed- aka museum- like) and offers a great play area for young children. Lots to do. You may have listed in your wonderful and comprehensive list ( and thank you!) But if not, the more the merrier, right?
A bit closer to New Haven Region
http://www.earthplace.org
10 woodside lane, westport, 06880
203-227-7253
thanks again for all your tips, reminders and inspiration!
Thanks so much for mentioning Earthplace, Jessica! It has been on our list of places to visit for a while now. Although, now you’ve inspired me to get there sooner rather than later :0) You can be sure I’ll blog about it when we finally get down there to visit! (And you guessed correct! Earthplace is listed under the ‘Resources’ tab on the ‘Nature Centers’ page. Take a look at that page if you haven’t already for a list of lots of Nature Centers around CT.) Thanks again for your input and know that your thoughts and suggestions are ALWAYS welcome!