4 Nature Centers to Explore with the Kids This Summer

Brukner Nature Center, Troy
This southwest Ohio nature center helps educate visitors through its wildlife rehabilitation program and more than 50 animal ambassadors. Kids can meet Ohio wildlife like amphibians and reptiles inside the center, while larger animals can be seen just outside. Also inside, visitors can get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area by climbing up to the Tree-Top Bird Vista or find a favorite read in the Children’s Nature Library. bruknernaturecenter.com

Brecksville Nature Center, Brecksville
Built in 1939 as a trailside museum, this structure at Cleveland Metroparks’ Brecksville Reservation is the oldest standing nature center in the park system. Having remained relatively unchanged over the years, the center connects visitors with the area’s history through its construction materials (locally sourced American chestnut wood and Berea sandstone) and original fixtures like wrought-iron chandeliers and decorative wood carvings of native tree leaves. Visitors can also enjoy a bird-watching area from the comfort of one of the nature center’s original hickory rocking chairs. clevelandmetroparks.com

Everett Kruger Nature Center, Lewis Center
Located in Franklin County’s Highbanks Metro Park, this nature center reflects the landscapes and natural features of the area. Inside, visitors encounter a shale ravine wall showcasing the area’s geology. Nearby, a replica of the park’s largest sycamore tree appears to burst through the ceiling. (Its 28-foot circumference offers a fun challenge for kids to see how far they can wrap their arms around it.) They can also meet animal ambassadors like reptiles and amphibians and peer through the center’s bird-viewing windows. metroparks.net

Hocking College Nature Center, Nelsonville
Hands-on activities are plentiful at this family-focused nature center. Kids can get up close to the various animals that live in the building or watch native fish swim around in the 660-gallon tank. The augmented reality sand table invites kids to create different landscapes, while the projector above adjusts the colors and topography as they play. Kids can also plunge their hands into the touch tank to feel around for leaves, antlers, skulls, snakeskin, fur and other items. naturecenter.hocking.edu

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