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.

Become a Member

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 (2018)

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

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 receive $5 admission for adults (limit 2) to the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, Vermont.

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.

Become a Member

Lauren Busby, 10/17/18
We go here once a year and always love it. My son has been going since he was 2 and gets something out of it every year. It's a great little home and we love to learn about the animals.
Lynne Kraskouskas, 09/18/18
Great educational facility. Fun and educational for all ages. Very much enjoyed the sub-canopy boardwalk peppered with stations featuring different animals and ecosystems of the surrounding area. There are educational presentations with live animals as well as an otter exhibit. A few times a week, the otters are fed a "fishsicle" and it is amusing to watch them try and get their snacks. Didn't visit gift shop or go for a cruise. That's the great thing about this place, one can come back again and again and have a different experience. Locals or regular visitors to the region can purchase a membership and come and go. There is a nice picnic area and food during the summer season. It was not busy the day we visited, but I could see it being a lot busier. Educational, interesting AND shady.
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.
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.
Chip Work, 07/01/18
We stopped by here on the suggestion of 2 NH natives as a place our 10 year old grandson would enjoy. Well to use "enjoy" would be an understatement, if I were to describe my grandson's experience. There are so many different exhibits, each inviting and engaging young and old minds alike. The animal habitats are brilliant in design. We watched a presentation on the porcupine that had my techno-geek grandson filling up the Q & A session with his curiosity gone wild. The whole staff is very knowledgeable, professional, and polite. The trail and exhibits are clean and well kept. The whole experience was great for our grandson and myself as well.