Experience the wonders of nature and science at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Springfield, NJ. This destination offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and fun activities. Find more information here.

First, kids and adults can participate in the center’s educational programs. These 3-hour guided hikes are offered throughout the day and the evening, allowing visitors to explore the Watchung Reservation’s environmental richness. During these hikes, knowledgeable staff members will lead guests through fields, forests, and wetlands, introducing them to the flora and fauna found in each area. Additionally, the center houses some summer camps for children aged 5–16. Here, kids can explore their natural environment, participate in interactive nature notebooks, and engage in environmental stewardship activities. The summer camps are designed to give kids a fun, educational, and hands-on outdoor experience. See here for information about Explore the Natural World at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Springfield, NJ.

In addition to educational programs and summer camps, the Trailside Nature & Science Center also offers exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors will find an assortment of live animals within the center, including turtles, snakes, and salamanders. The center also houses a variety of native and invasive plants in the new Plant House. Other exhibits within the center include a meteorite exhibit, a wilderness survival display, and a café which offers coffee and snacks.