Reciprocity and Bonus Benefits

Members receive discounted admission at participating zoos, aquariums, and nature centers through the

Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Additionally Science Center members receive special benefits at various attractions throughout the season and change on an annual basis.

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Reciprocal Admission

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 200 institutions which meet the highest standards in animal care, provide a fun and educational family experience, and dedicate millions of dollars to scientific research, conservation, and education programs. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center first received accreditation in 2006, and again in 2011, and 2016.

Becoming a member of the Science Center gives you discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.

Visit another AZA Institution

The Association of Nature Center Administrators

Members of the Association of Nature Center Administrators embrace best practices for managing a nature center. They offer excellent services to their community in the form of environmental education, outreach and partnerships, stewardship, and sustainability.

Becoming a member of the Science Center gives you benefits from ANCA reciprocal members.

Visit another ANCA Center

Bonus Member Benefits (2019)

Be sure to bring your Science Center memberhsip card on your visits.

MAY Benefit

Science Center members may visit Canterbury Shaker Village at no charge.

JUNE Benefit

Science Center members may visit the two Mount Washington Observatory museums: Extreme Mount Washington atop Mount Washington and the Weather Discovery Center in North Conway, at no charge. Members may also schedule a free weather station tour (advance registration required and based on availability). Offer not valid on special event days.

JULY Benefit

Science Center members may visit The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens in Newbury at no charge.

AUGUST Benefit

Science Center members may visit The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester at no charge.

SEPTEMBER Benefit

Science Center members may visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord at no charge. Planetarium programs are priced separately.

OCTOBER Benefit

Science Center members may visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Dover at no charge.

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Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.
Shaun Wyndman, 08/18/18
This is a very pricey cross between a zoo and a nature trail. The science center features several exhibits relating to the animals in the area. It also has exhibits relating to conservation etc. They offer animal shows, demonstrating live animals several times a day, and feedings three days a week, so check the schedule to see if your favorite is on display. In addition to the move animal exhibits the center features several walking trails offering an opportunity to see local wildlife and plant life. Most tree species are marked for easy identification of the local foliage. There is also a ninety minute boat tour of squam lake available for an additional fee.
Eric Jewart, 08/20/19
Had a fun visit there with my kids. We saw a presentation with a live porcupine which was cool. The presenter was very engaging. We spent about two hours total, just drifting around the main loop looking at everything there. The mountain lion and bobcat were pretty neat to see.
Byron Styles, 09/03/19
A had a great time as did my 4 year old son. The dinosaur exhibit was awesome and I really emitted the walkthrough set up in a somewhat very natural setting. I'm normally not a big fan of caged wild animals but the broad variety of local wildlife they do have on exhibit were all injured in some way, shape, or form and wouldn't have survived had they not been rescued and prob wouldn't have survived had they been released back into the wild... So that was actual a small sigh of relief.
Cherie Binns, 12/19/18
I just love this place! It is slightly off the beaten path but easy to locate. Plan on spending a couple of hours here to learn about the local wildlife habits , habitat, and food. And , best of all, meet that local wild life in its natural setting.! This business is part of the membership chain of regional zoos and science museums so honors your membership to others around the country for free admission or reduced cost admission to here. I would plan on at least 2-3 hours here although it could be covered (without small children in a bit over an hour). Walk ways are generally paved and handicapped accessible as are the buildings that are dedicated to species or habitat education.