Trailside Nature & Science Center — Attraction in Mountainside

I recently visited the Trailside Nature and Science Center with my 16-month-old daughter for a Friday morning playdate, and it was a hit!

From the moment we arrived, my daughter was captivated by the array of animals, especially the fish. The center offers a fantastic opportunity for little ones to explore and interact with nature in a safe and engaging way.

The center has a charming playroom stocked with toys and activities perfectly suited for younger children. My daughter had a blast exploring and playing, and it's evident that the staff has put thought into creating an environment that fosters curiosity and fun.

While we didn't get to explore the entire center, I'm already looking forward to returning, especially when the weather warms up. The promise of an outdoor play area adds another layer of excitement and adventure to our next visit.

Our visit to Trailside Nature and Science Center was nothing short of delightful. Watching my daughter's eyes light up as she discovered new sights and sounds was priceless. I highly recommend this spot for families looking to immerse their little ones in the wonders of nature and science. We'll definitely be back for more exploration...

Great indoor museum for a quick activity. My almost 10 year old still looks forward to walking around and re-discovering the displays, or at least did, until yesterday. Great little gift shop, but be aware there is a All Sales are Final policy on a teeny sign, located behind a display. That includes even exchanges for stuffed animals, which is just fabulous when there is one displayed outside the store where your kid may not see it until after you are already in mid-purchase. When my daughter declared, "I hate this place now," I realized just how much this policy stinks (part of this was delivery of the information from the one cashier) and also how much work I have to help her restore the positive image she had earlier in the day. I'm trying to take the angle that we just supported Trailside more than...

Got there late, but spent about 45 minutes inside and 45 minutes outside with a 3 year old and a baby.

Indoors, the 3 year old liked the live turtle downstairs, and the bird nest exhibit (she said that was her favorite). She also cleary loved the sensory garden gazebo area.

The 6-month old was understandably less impressed 🤣 but liked the turtle and fish. The museum was stroller-friendly, and the outdoor spaces somewhat so. We wandered off onto a trail that had some tree roots in it; we could push the stroller but it wouldn't have been comfortable to ride in (I was carrying the baby so she could...