Tacoma Nature Center

This special place would have received 5 stars, however their website should have had a clear notice that they were having a festival on the grounds on the same day the visit to this nature reserve had a free entrance. We had a great time, took our time and witness some beautiful views.Worth the time to enjoy the beautiful NW with all its creatures. They have clean restrooms, a gift shop and many volunteer staff who help spread the knowledge around to all who visit. We had a few volunteer members who stopped on their way when passing us, providing animal and local history information, which made the visit more educational. To think that part of the area we walked over on a bridge was farmland. We saw frogs, eagle, seals, fish, crabs, blue heron, hawks, ducks, various types of sandpipers, Demoiselle crane, and whimbrels.

This is such a cute little nature spot especially for the kiddos first of all it's completely free okay completely free hello that's a reason enough to go right there. But then they also do have this nice playground area right at the beginning in front and it is made from wood and rocks. It's really pretty cool looking if you reference to my pictures you will then see what I'm talking about. Then inside there is a gift shop and a room that has turtles in it with a bunch of other animals that have been preserved. The turtles are alive and they also have frogs that are in this viewing room that are alive too. It's a pretty cool little room. They have another room which has like a bunch of different animals fur and they let you feel them with the back of your hand. It was just such a joy we went there for a school field trip for the school day but I would come back again with my family it's a neat little spot. They even have a little lunch area that's covered so you can have a little picnic lunch too so that part was cool. We had lunch there and spent the day there. Thanks Tacoma nature center it was such a joy to spend the day in nature at such a lovely establishment. Shout out from Larchmont Elementary School 🙊+🙉=💯% of 🌿🐢🦋🐞= 5⭐

Went on an Owling Walk through the park. We didn't hear or see any Owls but learned a lot from Alex, our ranger for the nature walk. This is a great park for birds and ducks due to Snake Lake.

We've been here so many times over the years - for birthday parties, preschool field trips, playdates, Girl Scouts (the staff teaches a few of the GS badges on the weekends and our troop did their bridging ceremony there), and to walk around the lake. My kids love the playground but there's definitely some blind spots so you need a parent who can climb and move quickly if you have younger kids. The slide there is zippy! But kids absolutely love it. We usually bring lunch. There's also reptiles on display inside the Center and a small gift shop, and clean bathrooms with a step stool for kids at the sink. The Center hours are a little limited though. There's a portable toilet in the rear parking lot too. You can walk around the lake, or cut your journey in half by taking the bridge across the middle. If you have kids, take your time and look for signage - the signs change depending on what's happening! Last time we visited there was a giant ant hill right off the trail.

It was ok it’s a good place to go if ur into walking/hiking saw some black capped chickadees and Turtles but other then that not really worth walking so I wouldn’t recommend but it’s a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy nature

Tacoma Nature Center is a Great place to restore one’s spirit in a lovely green space. Trees abound, dense evergreens and deciduous co-mingle in natural harmony. Several species of birds conduct their day to day lives filling the air with their songs. Turtles which are plentiful, can be spotted swimming or basking on fallen logs in the pond. Trails are well maintained, clearly marked and tidy. There are many trail options, some would be accessible to people with mild mobility barriers. Though the center runs alongside Hwy 16, traffic noise fades as the trees become more dense and one tunes into the beauty of this local treasure. Gift shop/ information center, classrooms and public space in the building. Tacoma Nature Center is a terrific place for kids and adults alike.

Fantastic nature preserve tucked away behind Cheney Standium. There is a stroller friendly trail around the lake .5 and 1 mile loops. The nature center itself is a fun educational experience and free. The playground is fantastic but two warnings/watch outs for parents- although the playground is fenced there are lots of trees and shrubbery between play areas so visibility is terrible if the kids are running around the trails. It's designed like a little forest which is so fun for the kids but it's not a playground to just sit in one spot and watch everyone. There's also a water feature ceeek so be prepared with extra clothes shoes ❤️ overall a lovely experience though!