Lakeside Nature Center

I like this place. To me its better than the zoo. There's no charge here. With all these wonderful animals we should contribute donations for their care.If you see a wildlife injury out there in your area and you have them in your your possession and looking for the right place to take them to. This is the perfect place that you can take them. Next door there's a wildlife hospital in the same facility.There's few hiking trails around the area I recommend coming early in the morning for that.The best observation I've seen is all the different wild birds.They have them temporarily chained up all in the same area to recover from injuries. Some of them ends up staying permanent.Check this place out!!

This is so many cool amazing things in one! It's a very informative nature and learning center where you can get up close to some amazing birds and owls and other creatures. It's also an all hours wildlife rescue where you can bring injured animals. And on top of that there are some relaxing nature trails around the property too!

When we were kids and would find an injured squirrel, had questions about a baby bird who had lost it's parents, and any other kind of disabled wildlife, a trip to Lakeside Nature Center always made us feel like we were helping. They're extremely helpful and knowledgable here, and if you have kids this is a must-visit. The whole place is fun and sneaky educational inside a beautiful space. They also have some resident raptors; impressive birds that you can see and interact with.

We went on a weekday and it was not crowded. Our 1 year old was able to walk around and especially enjoyed the touch table with things like animal pelts, feathers and replicas of bones. My husband and I were impressed with the variety of animals we could see indoors (it was freezing outside so we couldn't do the trails), ranging from the bald eagle to bunnies, turtles, squirrels and snakes. Our daughter also liked the play area with puzzles, toy kitchen and books. It is a nice free activity to enjoy during the week.

This was really nice! I liked the indoor area a lot and also the outdoor bird viewing area. I was expecting longer trails, there's one short one that's clearly marked. I think there are longer trails you just need to look on an app like All Trails to find them. Overall a great spot!

Super neat place to bring the kids, especially during the shut down! The place is roped off to help with traffic flow and masks are required, you sign in at the front and they provide hand sanitizer. The animals all look healthy and happy and the kids love seeing all of them and how cute they are, especially the two bunny rabbits that you can pet! Birthday parties are still able to happen there and they will even bring in animals to touch and learn about! The event space has tables, chairs, and even a small kitchenette. Love that this place is beautiful, has a waking area, and it's FREE!

We didn't know that Swope Park had a nature center in the city and we love it. This place is great for kids and adults. You can see animals and reptiles and fishes here. They also provide some educational about their place as well. We love seeing the Eagles and other birds here. The squirrels are so energetic and they jump and it's pretty exciting. Also they have some hiking trails surrounding too.

I really enjoy coming here with my family. It's a great little adventure tucked away in the city. The building and grounds are gorgeous. Inside you'll find lots of animals to visit - furry, feathered, and scaley. They also have children's activities at the front of the building. They do nature programs of all kinds, so check out the calendar when you stop by. Outside they've got hiking trails that will help you forget you're in the city. Very pretty! Nothibg to strenuous trail wise, so it's a good place to get the kids outside.

Great place, especially for younger kids (2-8). Free. We took a toddler (just under 2) and a four year-old. Both loved it. The main building (AC) has several levels and is a good place to spend about 1 1/2 hours. Toddlers can enjoy opening doors at their level, and peering in on live animals, mice, snakes, spiders, turtles. Impressive collection of live raptors, falcons, eagles, owls, etc. Not really geared toward heavy education (habitat, diet, etc.), but very fun. Just watching live squirrels up close in a tree-like cage was fun. Stuff for kids to handle and touch, including puppets. I kind of doubt an older naturalist/environmentalist would learn anything, nor like seeing raptors tethered to posts, but these are once injured animals in a preserve. We loved it.

Love the nature center. This is a great free place to take the kids. Watch the website to know when they have special events to add to the thrill of the place.