Exploring Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

 
The science center has an exhibit teaching about animals that burrow underground around Squam Lakes.

We stumbled upon this environmental education center and zoo by Squam Lake in New Hampshire and what a find it was! Our kids, ages 2, 6 and 8, had so much fun. The center showcases live animals among meadow, forest, and marsh ecosystems. And there are plenty of interactive science exhibits for kids to enjoy along the ¾-mile walking trail. The center also offers fun animal-centered programs, temporary exhibits with fun things like dinosaurs, and cruises on the lake. 

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Things To Do

Water Matters

The Water Matters exhibit was fun. It showcased tanks of amphibians, fish, and turtles. There was also kinetic sand sculpting to teach kids about topography. And there was an exhibit where kids press frog shaped buttons to hear the different noises frogs make (oh, buttons are always a hit with our 2-year-old!). I think the best part was the exhibit where kids can work together to build a beaver dam! There is flowing water, and kids grab sticks, rocks, and dirt to try to stop the water, just like beavers do!

Live Animals

There are plenty of live animals to see on the trail. The most impressive to our crew (besides the birds) were the mountain lions, bob cats (which my daughter called bob the bob cat), foxes, a coyote, river otters, and white tail deer. Just beyond the deer enclosure was a pollinator garden that was filled with butterflies in the summer. The black bear exhibit is especially cool, because you can go up in this house (which has exhibits on the bottom floor) and look out over the enclosure for a good view of this impressive creature. 

Celebrate Birds

Our son loves birds, because—of course—birds are just present-day dinosaurs! This bird-filled exhibit includes live owls, hawks, a kestrel, and a Bald Eagle (which makes a surprising sound), among others. There is also a house with interactive learning displays; a little gazebo has giant eggs for the kids to hatch out of, "baby birds" to feed, and eggs to sort. The Migration Zip Line was thrilling. We saw a few wild humming birds at the songbird feeding station. And finally, just beyond the songbird feeding station is a short boardwalk out into a marsh where the kids could see frogs and newts in the water.

  
Big kids and grownup alike will enjoy the obstacle-course playground at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Gordon Children’s Center and Interactive Playscape

This was probably the favorite stop on the nature center trail for our kids. It has a very impressive outdoor playground that is really more like an obstacle course. I would say it is geared toward older children; my husband even enjoyed trying some of the activities. Then, there is a big barn housing a giant indoor play area. There are lots of things to climb on and crawl through, which is better for younger kids—though maybe less fun for the grown-ups following the toddlers around in there!

Fun On Squam Lake

New Hampshire is famous for its beautiful lakes, and Squam Lake is no exception! Cruises on Squam Lake are available from May through October. Aquatic adventures include the Bald Eagle Adventure Cruise, Discover Squam Cruise, Loon Cruise, and Cruise with a Naturalist. Cruises are 90 minutes in length, and you can borrow binoculars on the trip. Check the website for the cruise schedule. Lake cruises are an additional cost and are not recommended for kids under 5. 

Hiking Trails at Squam Lake Natural Science Center

Do your kids still have energy after exploring all the nature center has to offer? Then grab a pamphlet (complete with trail maps and descriptions) and explore. The Ecotone Trail is 1/3 mile long. This trail is a great example of two different ecosystems, the lake and the forest, coming together. Mt. Fayal Trail is 1 mile, and you can find traces of past human activity on this walk. It you choose to do the Forest Trail, there is a self-guided walk to do with the family.  

 
Building a beaver dam was one of the best stops on the trail at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Programs and Events

Be sure to check out some of the center's programs, like River Otter Feeding and Up Close Animals. In October 2024, the center showcased the Dinosaurs Return exhibit, with a half-dozen animatronic dinosaurs that move and make sounds. Our son is a dinosaur fanatic, and he was thrilled with it. See the website for the program and event schedule, as certain programs are only offered on certain days and times. 

Discover Squam Lake NH

There is a lot of stuff to do in the Squam Lake region if you want to make a longer stay out of your trip. Rent a canoe, kayak, or sailboat and spend some time out on the lake. You can also fish and swim in the lake. This is a really pretty area and there are plenty of hikes to fill your time. Hike West Rattlesnake Mountain or walk around Bowman Island looking for eagle nests. If your kids love trains, take a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.

The White Mountains region of NH is close by and absolutely gorgeous! My top suggestion there would be the hike at Flume Gorge State Park (it is incredible!).

Places to Stay 

Squam Lake Inn is an award-winning bed and breakfast in Holderness, NH. There are quaint porches to sit on, a beautiful garden to visit, and breakfast is included! The Inn on Golden Pond has family friendly rooms, a playground, and a fire pit. While visiting the area we enjoyed a stay at Profile Motel and Cottages, which is about a half hour away in the White Mountain region. It was very family-friendly and budget-friendly, with a pool, volleyball net, and trails right on the property. For another economical option, check out the Yankee Trail Motel and Breakfast Restaurant, which is close to the nature center and has a pool. 

 
We found a rather large turtle along the trail Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Know Before You Go

• Open May through November from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, but last admission is 3:30 pm.
• Admission is $26 for adults and $20 for kids 3-15 years old. Kids 2 and under are FREE! Parking is FREE and plentiful! Parking lot gate closes at 5:30. 
• The trail throughout the nature center is about ¾ mile long. Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours. We spent 3.5 hours and really could have stayed longer; it really depends on how much you engage with each exhibit.
• The trail is fairly shaded, but there are sunny stretches so bring sunscreen, hats and water. Also, bring bug spray! 
• Only water is allowed on the trail, but there is a pavilion with picnic tables before you start the trail where you can do some snacking or have lunch. I did not notice that they sold food anywhere at the center although they do have a gift shop. 
• There are bathrooms at the start of the trail. 
• The trail is not paved but if you have a stroller with decent wheels I think you can use it on the mulch and gravel trail. I wouldn’t bring an umbrella stroller or anything like that.

All photos by author Lisa Warden.