This camp is run by Metro Parks Tacoma; while Tacoma . (206) 616-2031 Tacoma Nature Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. There are three self guided walks at the nature center: the Wetland Walk, History Walk, and Forest Walk. We haveplans to go back to the Nature Center soon. They also host preschool classes, summer programs and birthday parties. Find ChatterBlock in 27 Cities (and Counting! A collection of shed snakeskin fueled the imagination. and I was amazed to see how much time and care went into the place. Gage Academy of Art: Kids and Teen Programs, July 4th is coming up fast and there are a ton of family-friendly festivals, parades, and fireworks displays lined up! The workshop schedule is also posted online. Jenni Prange Boran is a Tacoma-based writer, painter and proud mom. area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the As you begin the Forest Walk there is a slight elevation gain described in the trail guide as "climbing a small hill". They even have an extended care option for those who may need more morning or afternoon care for an additional fee. The Tacoma Nature Center got the seal of approval from my son, who was begging to return the minute we got in the car to leave. Credit: Devon Hammer. Sign up for Seattles Child newsletters, sent right to your inbox! The Slater Museum at the University of Puget Sound is a repository for bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian and plant specimens from the Pacific Northwest. From adventurous outdoor fun to more educational options, theres a huge variety of options to choose from. Projects | While I was pretty excited about the snake in a nearby terrarium, my son had already discovered the indoor learning and activity area. Explore Puget Sounds rich maritime heritage and learn about the science of the sea with Foss Waterway Seaports educational programs. Stroll nature trails to experience native birds, animals, and plants. Extended Care available before camp from 8:30am-9am FULL - Nature Detectives Jul 5-7, 2023 Wed 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Thu 9:00 am - 3:30 pm . Kids get to learn all about kayaking and canoeing, and even receive personal instruction from some of Americas best athletes! Tacoma Nature Center 4.5 32 reviews #27 of 64 things to do in Tacoma Nature & Wildlife Areas Closed now 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About This is a public park with a lake to walk around, a kids play area and a interpretive center with a reading area for kids, tutles and snakes in tanks and a gift shop. She spends her free time hiking and getting out and about with her family. At Arlington Elementary in South Tacoma, 25 kids are wiggling into blue rain jackets. Temperatures are taken upon arrival, hand sanitizer is readily available and your info will be taken for potential contact tracing, if needed. Join in exciting nature programs and summer day camps. Thursd. The highlight for everyone was spotting a wild turtle in the pond. Tacoma Nature Center - Tacoma, WA Your small group of up to 8 will help care for the turtles that live in the Nature Center, have a hands-on encounter with one of our turtle ambassadors, and make a special craft during this 45-60 minute program. 2023 Best trails in Tacoma Nature Center | AllTrails Wildlife Biologist Camp Ages 10 - 12 Experience the life of a wildlife biologist through visits and activities with scientists and nature specialists, an all-day field . Our kids loved her awesome trail games. Outdoor Adventures was established by Metro Parks Tacoma in 1992 and moved to the Tacoma Nature Center in 2015. This was a huge highlight for everyone in our group! Join in exciting nature programs and summer day camps. Lucky us. As we entered, we were welcomed by a smiling volunteer as well as a pair of turtles "sunning" themselves on a rock under a heat lamp in a very convincing habitat. What hotels are near Tacoma Nature Center? What to bring: Pack a water bottle and a snack for younger kids and dress for the weather. At 71-acres, the Tacoma Nature Center preserve boasts more than 20 different species of mammals and about 100 species of birds. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 1919 S. Tyler St. Tacoma Nature Center's private field-trip experiences are the perfect antidote to pandemic schooling. (Ages 4+) Test your knowledge at this fun nature themed trivia night. Inside the center is also nice. The Sustainability SpeakerSeries features presentations that are designed to be read. "The leaves on the trees will be a different color; different birds will be there depending on the season; there's always a chance for discovery. But please do donate or buy something cute from the shop to support it's ongoing beauty. ay, July 21 at 7:00pm. Find the bridges in the middle and at the south end of the lake. Copyright 2023 Seattle's Child. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. The productions they can put together in just a few sessions are impressive. MetroParks Tacoma offers many education programs and camps, including opportunities to learn at the Tacoma Nature Center, 71-acre nature preserve. They have horseback riding, arts and crafts, archery, a high ropes course, a petting zoo, Horse Shoe Lake for swimming, canoeing, a water slide, and giant inflatables and other activities. Tacoma, WA 98405 ______________________________________________________________, Ages: Grades 1 - 12 Biodiversity Modules | It is a view of the highway and trash. In addition there is an exhibit building featuring the animals, insects and water creatures to be found along the trails if you are lucky. There are three self guided walks at the nature center: the Wetland Walk, History Walk, and Forest Walk. My kids and I attended both programs, Family Nature Experience and Turtle Time. Learn about landscaping with native plants and purchase them here May through . Ages: 4-12Dates: Camps run during July & AugustLocation: 1919 S. Tyler Street, Our kids had great experiences at the Summer Camps at Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake, shares Anne Jones. This is a public park with a lake to walk around, a kids play area and a interpretive center with a reading area for kids, tutles and snakes in tanks and a gift shop. This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn't support. Kids will make friends and create lifelong memories!, They also have a day camp program for kids who don't want to stay overnight or for parents who want their kids doing something during the day, adds Julie Hammon. Also, important to note, after a very long closure due to COVID precautions, Tacoma Nature Center's Interpretive Center is now open to visitors and admission is free! Location: Tacoma Musical Playhouse 7116 Sixth Avenue Tacoma WA 98406, Tacoma Musical Playhouse has wonderful summer camps where kids can hone their acting and singing skills, says Kelli Jo Hjalseth. Metro Arts - Tacoma. Try incorporating all three trails by doing the hike as a figure-eight loop. Plan your visit by bus using TOTAGO. $60 for the two programs booked together. Free! As a matter of fact, once we rounded the first loop of the trail and headed across the picturesque bridge, we did spy a great blue heron, as still as a statue in the lake among several ducks dabbling in the water. Copyright 2011-2023 ChatterBlock Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stroll nature trails to experience native birds, animals and plants. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry! The Tacoma Nature Center is a 71-acre nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake and the surrounding wetlands and forest. I found the natural elements of the play area to be unique among the playgrounds on our usual route, typically featuring large plastic climbing structures. In the spring, they have a native plant sale for anyone who would like to purchase a selection of native plants for their own garden. Accessibility Help. Episodes air on TV Tacomaor can be, When you need engaging, high-quality environmental science lessons, bring in the, . The EnviroShorts video series gives you a look into where your waste goes. The Slater Museum at the University of Puget Sound is a repository for bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian and plant specimens from the Pacific Northwest. Sustainability Challenge 2.0: How green can you go? Let someone know about Tacoma Nature Center with any of these links: Unleash your child's creativity this summer at our fun-filled camps! Programs for Groups - Metro Parks Tacoma There are also several all-day adventure camps to choose from as well. Registration required. We love coming here. Episodes air on TV Tacomaor can be viewed online. We have published a new privacy policy, which you should read to find out more about the cookies we use. Join in exciting nature programs and summer day camps. Register soon as they are already more than half full and. In some areas, the trees are so dense, the "urban soundscape" is swallowed and masked by their foliage. Along with another mom in our pod and our crew of kids, ages 25, we showed up excited to learn at Tacoma Nature Center at our appointment time. It's an app designed to encourage families to get out into nature. The EnviroChallenger program teaches free. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trails are decent, if you stay on the main ones. As for the lakes namesake, garter snakes sun themselves on the trail on warm days, so tread lightly. A fantastic kids area with slides & beautiful play areas. vicon@uw.edu, Home | Tacoma Nature Center | Parent reviews, schedules, photos, & more Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered any questions even tougher ones posed by the moms. Check-in starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday; check-out is 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Camp Seymour offers several different types of camps, each with a different focus. Session 3: Aug 14 - Aug 17. ______________________________________________________________, Ages: 6-17Dates: Camps run June 16-18Location: Camp Seymour / 9725 Cramer Road KPN Gig Harbor, WA 98329, BRIDGES, A Center for Grieving Children, where I volunteered for three years, does a camp every year for grieving children called Camp Erin, shares Keryn Giguere. When you need engaging, high-quality environmental science lessons, bring in the EnviroChallengers. Tacoma Scavenger Hunt: Bright Lights, Big Glass, Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Tacoma by Zombie Scavengers, 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges, Shared Sunset Cruise from Gig Harbor on Puget Sound, Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour, Port of Tacoma and Puget Sound 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour, Shared 2 Hour September Sunset Cruise from Gig Harbor, Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours, BEST Snoqualmie Falls and Leavenworth Day Tour, Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Tacoma by Operation City Quest, Visit Snoqualmie Falls and Hike to Twin Falls, Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures, LeMay Collection Family Pack - 2 adults; 2 students 6yo+, Tacoma Nature Center: Hours, Address, Tacoma Nature Center Reviews: 4.5/5. Session 2: Aug 7 - Aug 10. Parking: There is a large lot directly outside of the Tacoma Nature Center building and playground. Location Finder Tacoma Nature Center Homeschool Science at Tacoma Nature Center Homeschool Science at Tacoma Nature Center Download the 2023-24 Homeschool Flyer here . Please register for one week of camp by following the link to the desired camp session: Session 1: July 31-Aug 3. About Us | The kids learned a lot and we all had fun doing it. Real talk on collecting milk, Best blueberry U-pick farms in the Seattle area (and what to do with the berries you dont eat right away), Renting a canoe with my 6-year-old: UW Waterfront Activities Center, Raspberry picking: Where to go, how to pick, what to do with your berries. Sign up for our parent newsletter to get access to our July Guide on June 29th, featuring awesome. Check out the complete offerings here! We ran into a couple visiting from Vashon Island who said they hardly knew they were in the middle of a city. Friendly staff. Karen Dvornich at the University of Washington, (For us this was indoors, but for future bookings, this part may take place outside.). Check out Urban Green, Tacoma's TV show that highlights sustainable living and environmental efforts in our area. Stroll nature trails to experience native birds, animals and plants. gardening, landscaping, and backyard chickens. 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Nature Camps - Metro Parks Tacoma Pair a visit with a walk on the trails or a romp at the nature-themed Discovery Pond play area, and you've got yourself a DIY field trip. Tacoma Nature Center | Tacoma WA - Facebook The program is a grant-funded initiative that aims to take citizens out into the natural world and help facilitate a positive outdoor experience. Though the park totals just 71 acres, its long contours and well-developed trail system provide a patchwork of loops. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The kids stay in rustic cabins., You can check out the master camp schedule here. But if you'd like something more structured and led by a TNC expert, we highly recommend the COVID-friendly private programs, Turtle Time and/or the Family Nature Experience. Tucked away kitty-corner from a Fred Meyer and across the street from Foss High School is an oasis of trees, trails, birds and the occasional glimpse of forest wildlife. Preschool at Tacoma Nature Center - Metro Parks Tacoma "There were different themes each week, but all of them focus on science and wildlife. Tacoma Nature Center is a fantastic place to take children to exercise their mind and body and tire them out! Michele Cardinaux - michele@tacomaparks.com Take another right on Tyler Street. All the lessons include supplies and support state standardized test objectives. Another option is to check out the fun camps at the Tacoma Nature Center. The Tacoma Nature Center is a 70-acre nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake and the surrounding wetlands and forest. (And it's worth noting that protocols could change again.). Learning about the wilds of the forest, furry and feathered creatures, as well as exercise and just plain fun [are all] on the agenda. ll nature trails to experience native birds, animals, and plants. Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures. Group size:Maximum group size is six people from the same family or pod. Miracle Ranch has great overnight and day camp programs, shares Julie Hammon. Learn More Play Agents of Discovery at six locations around Tacoma! ______________________________________________________________. It is also home to reptiles, amphibians, and native plant populations. All Rights reserved. Privacy Policy, Seattle Activities for Kids, Parenting Articles and Resources for Families. Office of Environmental Policy & Sustainability Overview. Our guide blew us away with her exuberance for teaching and her ability to keep all the kids engaged. Weekdays 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Summer Camps at Tacoma Nature Center. Field Trip: Tacoma Nature Center's Private Family Experiences Part of the Tacoma Parks system but deserves special mention. To borrow items from the Tacoma Nature Center collection borrowers must adhere to the following guidelines: Borrowers must fill out a Tacoma Nature Center loan form in person at the Tacoma Nature Center. Plan your visit by bus using, 16 Lighthouse Hikes You Can Enjoy All Year. Camp Seymour is a hand's down summer classic complete with campfires, canoeing and KP duty! says Kelli Jo Hjalseth. We have something here for all ages to enjoy! Thurston County of - Courthouse Complex Information. GHCKRT are five-time national champs and summer camp is how the majority of the team's athletes got started., This fantastic camp features 3-week sessions that are 3 days per week. Youre never more than a mile from the parking lot. The Slater Museum of Natural History Summer Camps are coming! Tacoma Nature Center | Tacoma, WA 98405 Learn about landscaping with native plants and purchase them here May through September. What restaurants are near Tacoma Nature Center? The best time to visit is early or late in the day. Whether your kids are back to in-person school, learning virtually or doing homeschool, Turtle Time and the Family Nature Experience will help reignite some of the magic and fun of learning. Stay for a weekend or a couple of weeks. Book a guided family field trip to this fantastic nature spot, Kids inspect the tree canopy with their Tacoma Nature Center guide on the Family Nature Experience. There is a discount for booking the two programs together. View our Privacy Policy, Scenic Drive: Point Defiance to Steilacoom, Scenic Drive: Point Defiance, Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula, Distinctive venues in Tacoma and Pierce County, Awe-inspiring recreation in Tacoma and Pierce County, Team building in Tacoma and Pierce County, Pre- and post-meeting activities in Tacoma and Pierce County, Pierce County Destination Awards and Accolades. The EnviroChallenger program teaches free environmental lessons with a mix of science, social responsibility and fun in Tacoma's second through eighth grade classrooms. 9 Enriching & Exciting Summer Camps for Kids in the Tacoma Area Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. During the camp, kids practice and work towards putting on a polished performance, and this years performances include Les Misrables, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Suessical KIDS. more. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. My grandson chose visiting the Nature Center again, for his last day in Tacoma. General visits do not have an admission price. You must submit a Homeschool Science Application Form 23-24 for these homeschool classes. This is a great place to "get away from it all" right in the middle of a city. Tacoma Nature Center Interpretive Walks Washington Trails Association Rainiercookies policy Contact:253-591-6439,www.metroparkstacoma.org. Don't venture to the smaller ones with children as there are homeless spots with needles and bongs on the trail. Love this center. Camps - Metro Parks Tacoma Stroll nature trails to experience native birds, animals, and plants. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. TACOMA NATURE CENTER - 102 Photos & 22 Reviews - 1919 S Tyler St, Tacoma, Washington - Venues & Event Spaces - Phone Number - Yelp Tacoma Nature Center 4.4 (22 reviews) Claimed Venues & Event Spaces, Parks Closed 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM See hours See all 108 photos Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Tacoma Nature Center Write a review Noble firs and red-trunked madrones tower over an understory of ferns and creeping salal. You can find the list of camps here: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/tacoma-nature-center/ Sign Up Log In Messenger Facebook Lite Watch Places Games Marketplace Meta Pay Meta Store Restrooms:Restrooms are available when the Interpretive Center building is open. ______________________________________________________________, Not part of the original road trip plan, but I'm very glad we made time to stop at this zooquarium in Tacoma today, A post shared by Matthew Gaydos (@matthewgaydos) on Apr 21, 2017 at 7:33pm PDT, Ages: 4-17Dates: Camps run from June 26 - August 25Location: 3211 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335, Zoo camp at Point Defiance has great offerings, advises Patience Colkitt. The main trail, a flat 1-mile loop, circumnavigates the narrow lake and is wheelchair accessible on the west side. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Our guide also brought lots offun and energy. Welcome to the Tacoma Nature Center. The workshops are open toall Tacoma and Pierce County residentsand cover various topics including ductless heat pumps,gardening, landscaping, and backyard chickens. Earth Day Extravaganza - Tacoma Nature Center - ChatterBlock We took our 3 Granddaughters, ages 6, 5, and 3 to this park having never been there before but going on a friend's recommendation. "It was fun to explore the trails and listen to the birds," he said, when I asked what his favorite part was. A visitor center (closed Sundays) provides maps and other information. Tacoma Nature Center is a nature preserve run by Metro Parks Tacoma. The Tacoma Nature Center Kids in Grades 1-6 can head to day camp, kids can go to overnight camp starting in 2nd grade, and older kids can even go on overnight backpacking trips! This 71-acre nature preserve encompasses Tacoma's Snake Lake and its surrounding wetlands and forest areas, and is a surprising gem just a few minutes' drive from the freeway. The park is decent and our girls had fun. There were different themes each week, but all of them focus on science and wildlife. Take the 19th Street East exit and turn right onto 19th Street. Low key, up to 2 mile walk with monster- sized anthills, a doe and her fawn, turtles lazing on logs in the water, and a small but fun gift shop. The viewing point, well don't waste your time. "Are we going to the park?" "Are we doing science again?" Website by Web Publisher PRO, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////. Turtle Time at the Tacoma Nature Center - ParentMap We also got to meet and feed the small resident animals of the Nature Center. Tacoma Nature Center 1919 South Tyler Street Tacoma, WA 98405 Nature Center - Auditorium (Age 6-12) Tacoma Nature Center Extended Care for campers in Tacoma Nature Center Camps. Editor's note: This article was first published in 2020 and updated for 2021. Overall it was a decent outing. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Tacoma Nature Center. This is one of 6 free Thursday evening programs. The big surprise was the climbing on, running around, crawling through kid's area in the parking lot. WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! Good times for a father to be a "cave man.". Tons of trails to walk. Snake Lake is a 17-acre serpentine-shaped lake and wetland area in the preserve. ______________________________________________________________, A post shared by Grace Rite13 (@gracerite13) on Apr 24, 2017 at 12:43pm PDT, Ages: Grades 1 - 12Dates: Various camps run during July and AugustLocation: 9725 Cramer Road KPN Gig Harbor, WA 98329, YMCA Camp Seymour on the Key Peninsula is a classic! says Brenna Harrington. They also have a small gift shop and preschool on-site. Metro Parks Tacoma 2019 Summer Camps Guide - Issuu On the grounds, you'llfind the Tacoma Nature Center building (now reopened), Discovery Pond play area, Snake Lakeand two miles of nature trails. We're here to help people fall in love with being outdoors.". 253-591-6439. [This is a] FABULOUS summer camp for kids! We had no trouble parking, though it was a sunny Saturday morning. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Check out this amazing image of - Tacoma Nature Center - Facebook (I also noted them foruse on future hikes!) 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Whether your kids are back to in-person school, learning virtually or doing homeschool, Turtle Time and the Family Nature Experience will help reignite some of the magic and fun of learning. $$ - $$$ Dessert American Vegetarian Friendly. Field trips have long been an integral part of hands-on learning and our kids are missing out. This Nature Center is small, but free and informative. This trailhead is accessible by bus! MetroParks Tacoma offers many education programs and camps, including opportunities to learn at the Tacoma Nature Center, 71-acre nature preserve. 1919 South Tyler Street. And hold on to your hat in autumn, when territorial barred owls sometimes dive-bomb trail users. PDF Summer Activities Guide