About Us

Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, an informal public garden, and Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. The Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity.

The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world.

Strategic Plan 2022-2026 Philosophy on Captive Animals

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, exit 24 off I-93. The live animal exhibit trail is open daily from May 1 through November 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.)
Offices are open year round from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Spookymumma Baker, 08/06/19
Favorite place to go with the kids! We get a membership every year and it’s extremely worth it!!! Love all the animals and play areas for kids, let’s them be independent enough that moms and dads still feel good about it. I remember going here as a child and I am so thankful my kids get to as well! The trail takes about an hour ish or more depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The dinosaurs that they have short term are some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Over all: go here, is amazing!
Ariana Hernandez, 10/27/19
I love this place! It's like a zoo. You see different creatures and read little cool facts about New Hampshire's wild life on the way of the paths you walk. But, it's not only just all walking, you could also visit the play ground they have so your kids could have fun and a educational time.
Maria Zolotarev, 09/14/23
Fantastic! Absolutely worth a visit. So many fun exhibits and so much to do for kids. They have an indoor and outdoor playground and even a zipline! The animals are great too. We happened to visit during a caterpillar exhibit and it was fantastic. This place is truly a hidden gem. We were just sad that the owls were off display at the time. Looking forward to returning for another visit. My kids loved it!
Evan bleakney, 05/28/19
Amazing way to learn and be amazed with wildlife and very kid friends has a interactive play ground and told can learn while playing there
Julie Abati, 11/06/19
Fun, family friendly zoo. This facility is built and maintained to be a very natural setting for the animals. They have native species to New Hampshire like fox, fishers, deer and black bears. You get to enjoy a beautiful walk in the woods while learning about the local wildlife. They also recently built a wooden kids play area that my 13 yr old and 5 yr old love. Beautiful facility, animals areas well maintained, friendly staff. We are annual visitors.

Write a Google Review