1 / 6
Location
Accessibility
Strollers not allowed inside the Nature Center building for safety of others and animals
Best time
Visit the woodland walk between February and June to see wildflowers in bloom, including Mayapples, Trilliums, Jack in the Pulpit, and Bluebells. This is the prime season for wildflower viewing on the five-acre grounds.
Visitor tip
Plan to spend time at both the Animal Room Exhibit (35+ animals including snakes, turtles, and alligators) and the outdoor trails around the ponds where kids can fish for bass and coy. The combination offers a full nature center experience.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Nature Center
- Highlights
- 35+ animals, restored native prairie, woodland walk, interactive Nature Nook
- Hours
- Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
- Location
- Park Ridge, Illinois
What visitors say
Fantastic nature center with so much to offer. The ponds have bass and coy, kids can fish. Lots of playground space, dog friendly and many birds. Great for all ages and enjoyed showing the grandkids turtles and butterflies. Very…
Great place to visit , kids loved it lots of caged and tanked animals, Great walk trail around small lake, Restrooms available, Free parking Awesome place
This place has a nice vibe. They have a number of small animals in the nature center where the staff are friendly. The park is nice and I really like the human sundial and the labyrinth.
From 111 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The restored native prairie features 88 documented native plant species, making it a significant local ecological restoration project
- The Animal Room Exhibit houses over 35 animals including reptiles (ball pythons, corn snakes, alligators, turtles, salamanders), mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, prairie dogs, ferrets), and amphibians (bullfrogs, toads)
- The woodland walk is specifically optimal for wildflower viewing February through June, featuring Mayapples, Trilliums, Jack in the Pulpit, and Bluebells
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Zoos listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section