Ohio is home to beautiful parks, native plants and animal life and a variety of scenic trails to explore. Throughout the area, you can also stop into different nature centers to learn about the history and outdoor wonder of each location. Most of these centers are year round and offer a place to learn and discover no matter the weather! Below are details on some of the best nature centers in Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland Metroparks Canalway Center

Stop into Cleveland Metroparks Canalway Center for a lesson in both the nature and history of the area. You can play in their canal boat children’s area, watch in the bird viewing room and even get up close to live wildlife in the Nature Nook. Take a look at the program guide on the website for details on special naturalist led events and school programs.

If you’d like to hike, there is a paved all purpose trail nearby as well as access to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Also next to the Canalway Center is the Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park with areas for beginners all the way up to advanced mountain bike riders. 

Cleveland Metroparks Canalway Center
4524 E 49th St, Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Website

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North Chagrin Nature Center

Nestled in a 1,700-acre wildlife sanctuary is North Chagrin Nature Center. Located between Sunset Pond and Sanctuary Mars, North Chagrin Nature Center is known as the “educational hub” of North Chagrin Reservation. With native-live animal exhibits, a children’s play area and wildlife viewing areas, there is a little something for every nature lover. The center also features a Nature Shop.

There are two great options for shorter hikes. Sanctuary Marsh Loop trail is just over a half mile around the lake, with a portion on a boardwalk. You’ll likely see birds, turtles, frogs, ducks and other wildlife. Buttermilk Falls Trail is another great option. In just under a mile you’ll walk by the lake and see the waterfall overlook. It’s a low flow waterfall, so visiting after a rain is a good idea.

North Chagrin Nature Center
401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy, Willoughby, OH 44094
Website

Rocky River Nature Center

On your visit to the Rocky River, don’t miss out on a stop in the Rocky River Nature Center. You can view wildlife native to the area, enjoy views of the river and the impressive cliffs from the observation deck or even participate in their bird feeding station! Inside the nature center there is also a giant oak tree play area for kids to explore.

If you are up for a longer hike, we recommend the 4.6 mile Fort Hill Earthworks trail. If that’s too far, simply head to the Fort Hill Stairs and enjoy the impressive views and over 150 steps up the wooden staircase. The return trip back down is always a nice treat! 

Rocky River Nature Center
24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Website

Brecksville Nature Center

When you visit Brecksville Reservation, you will want to stop in at Brecksville Nature Center. The center originally opened its doors in 1939 as one of the WPA era Trailside Museums. Today, it is the last of the “Cleveland Metroparks original trailside museums.” The center brings wildlife to you and introduces you to the history of the area. 

Located near the nature center is the newly built nature playground with a variety of places for kids to play and explore. 

There are lots of great options for hiking in area. Our favorite is the 2.5 mile Hemlock Loop trail that goes down by the river. If you want something a little shorter, drive five minutes to the Chippewa Creek Scenic Overlook and hike the Gorge Loop Trail, it’s a little over a mile along the river. 

Brecksville Nature Center
9000 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
Website

Watershed Stewardship Center

Watershed Stewardship Center is located in West Creek Reservation. It is the “first facility in Cleveland Metroparks dedicated to scientific research and promoting sustainable action.” They study specifically about replicable stormwater management methods. Inside the center is an interactive exhibit designed to look like a riverbank with fish tanks and other nature scenes, a kids area and they even have scavenger hunt activities.

There are a variety of paved paths around the center. We also suggest driving less than 2 minutes to the parking lot next to the Skyline Overlook Trailhead and taking the 1.5 mile trail where you’ll see views of the Cleveland Skyline.

Watershed Stewardship Center
2277 W Ridgewood Dr, Parma, OH 44134
Website

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Not only does the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center offer interactive educational experiences with animals, it also has its own planetarium. There are a variety of immersive exhibits that teach the history and details of the native nature and wildlife.

The outdoor exhibit is a permanent home to animals that have been injured or can no longer live on their own in the wild. There is also a paved story walk trail outside the center. Looking for more outdoor fun? Drive over to Huntington Beach and spend some time enjoying Lake Erie and the nature playground. 

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
Website

Miller Nature Preserve

Miller Nature Preserve is such a fun place to explore. They have a free butterfly house and during the summer months you can watch the butterflies flying around. If you are lucky enough, they will land on you! It’s also free to walk the beautiful gardens and the wooded trail.

The Miller Nature Preserve conservatory is huge, open year round and has plants and flowers from all over the world. There is a small fee to go inside the conservatory. 

Miller Nature Preserve
2739 Center Rd, Avon, OH 44011
Website

Carlisle Visitor Center

Carlisle Reservation is the largest of Lorain County Metro Parks. Inside the Carlisle Visitor Center is a large multi-level dinosaur themed play area for kids, a variety of hands on educational activities and an nature observation window. 

Just outside of the visitor center is the Raptor Center, which houses several raptors and the children’s nature discovery trail. The trail is so fun and has many interactive elements (hop like a frog, follow the lines), and fun little buildings for kids to play in. There is even a story walk trail through the woods with fun faces on the trees!

They host many fun activities throughout the year including maple sugar demonstrations in February and March, The Little Green Choo, which both children and adults can ride along an asphalt trail around parts of the reservation, a Halloween Fair and Holiday Lights.

Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio 44050
Website

French Creek Nature Center

French Creek Reservation is part of the Lorain County Metro Parks and offers 450 acres of wooded nature to explore. On the reservation is French Creek Nature Center, where you will find a small indoor nature themed playground with a climbing wall, a wildlife observation area with a variety of fish and turtles and various nature themed activities and puzzles. 

There are numerous trails around the nature center, including some paved options. In addition located near the nature center is a short drive from Shell Cove Park a small playground on the coast of Lake Erie.

French Creek Nature Center
4530 Colorado Ave, Sheffield, OH 44054
Website

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

When you visit the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, be sure you come ready to learn and explore! The staff is on hand, ready to answer questions. You can get up close with native animals and plant life. They encourage you to grab a field guide, rent some binoculars and learn more about the nature of the area.

There are a couple short trails near the nature center that include elevated boardwalks and take you past a really unique gazebo and a fun treehouse. There are even scavenger hunts you can participate in as you walk the paths.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
2600 S Park Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120
Website

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center has it all, an amazing indoor and outdoor play area for kids. You can easily spend hours exploring all they have to offer. The inside space is designed to look like a campground with lots of interactive exhibits and places for imaginative play. Take a look at the website for different sensory and interactive packs you can check out during your visit.

Outside of the nature center is a wildlife center and a HUGE nature playground. It’s a large fenced in area with so many activities. There is a water station, sandbox, children’s garden and so many places to explore. Bring snacks, sunblock and maybe an extra change of shoes.

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Website

Osenslager Nature Center

The Osenslager Nature Center is a large red building just waiting to be explored. Park of the Medina Park District, there are some great exhibits inside. Our favorites is the display of 15+ different kids of birds nests. There are also various turtles, snakes and other animals on display and a lot of interactive activities for kids (and kids at heart)!

Definitely take a hike or two while you are there. We suggest taking the paved trail and boardwalk to the lake and then the Pine Forest Loop through the huge pine trees. It’s about a mile in length. Of course, there are several other trails you can take to extend your hike.

Osenslager Nature Center
100 Ridge Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281
Website

Susan Hambley Nature Center

This small nature center is open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (closed on holidays). Inside you will find a few animals to observe as well as crafts and activities for kids. While you are there be sure to spend time outside. There is a half mile nature trail through the woods and a mile paved through along the edge of the park. This trail includes a couple boardwalks over Brunswick Lake. 

If you are bringing kids and like playgrounds, you simply must check out the nearby inclusive playground at Neura Park. It’s a five minute drive from the nature center and is such a unique and HUGE playground.

Susan Hambley Nature Center
1473 Parschen Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212
Website

The Wilderness Center

The Wildlife Observation Room has giant windows overlooking multiple feeders and a water feature. There is even an outdoor microphone system, to bring the sounds of nature inside. Bring a snack, sit and enjoy! You won’t want to miss a visit to their animal ambassadors, which are rescued animals onsite. Stop inside the astronomy building for a digital planetarium, an assortment of telescopes and even a special event the first Friday of each month where they roll back the roof of the observatory! 

There are a variety of trail to explore. We recommend the mile Pond trail for families. It will take you by the pond, pier and observation tower. Be sure to also let your kids explore the nature playground located near the nature center.

The Wilderness Center
9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, OH 44689
Website

Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center

The Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center located at Sippo Lake Park and is dedicated to wildlife conservation. When you visit you can view both their indoor atrium as well as their outdoor enclosure, which is home to non-releasable animals. The center provides environmental education and an up close look at their animals.

While you are at the park be sure to check out the trails surrounding the center. Take a short hike or combine the trails to walk around the entire Sippo Lake Park. 

Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center
800 Genoa Ave NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Website

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Beech Creek Gardens

Get ready to interact with nature at Beech Creek Gardens! During the winter you can hand fed chickadees and summer months offer a fun experience in the butterfly and caterpillar house. While you are there be sure to check out the raptor center, outdoor trails and greenhouse.

The gardens offer interactive exhibits and plenty of hands-on opportunities for children and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask questions. There are regularly special educational programs, talks and events, so be sure to check the schedule for your visit. 

Beech Creek Gardens
11929 Beech St NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Website

Nature Center at Wingfoot Lake State Park

Take in views of the lake and if you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of the Goodyear Blimp parked on the lake’s south shore before stopping in for a visit to the Nature Center at Wingfoot Lake State Park. The nature center is located on a small peninsula within the park and you access it by crossing a floating bridge.

The nature center has life-size exhibits of animals you could find right in the park. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the animals yourself in a room filled with live animals.

Nature Center at Wingfoot Lake State Park
993 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore, OH 44260
Website

FA Seiberling Nature Realm

FA Seiberling Nature Realm is part of the Summit County MetroParks system. With more than 10,000 square feet of space, there are plenty of environmental education opportunities. The center has seasonal exhibits, a kid’s area, live animals native to the area and a naturalist to answer any questions that may arise. You can even stop in the gift shop to purchase Summit County MetroParks’s merchandise.

There are plenty of outdoor activities from hiking, to a suspension bridge to hand feeding chickadees just outside of the nature center. We recommend the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Loop trail. It’s just under a mile and the scenery is great. You can also check out our Nature Realm Scavenger Hunt. 

FA Seiberling Nature Realm Visitor Center
1828 Smith Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Website

Summit Metroparks Liberty Park Nature Center

Summit Metroparks Liberty Park Nature Center offers 3,900 square feet of exploration! You can view live animals, participate in kids’ activities and seasonal exhibits and even come face-to-face with a life size black bear statue. You’ll even learn about the history of the park at the interpretive stations on the walkway from the parking lot to the center.

We suggest hiking Ledges Trail while you are there. The trail is just over a mile and offers a beautiful walk through the woods, a cave, wooden boardwalk and huge rock formations. There are other trails at the park if you want to extend your hike. If you visit during the winter months, be sure to ask about hand feeding chickadees. 

Summit Metroparks Liberty Park Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087
Website

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Summit Lake Nature Center

Summit Lake Nature Center is located inside of the former Pump House building! The nature center received a 2022 Zenith Award from the Akron-Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau for “Hottest Hidden Treasure!” The center is focused on a healthy urban lake ecosystem. You will learn about “wildlife education, urban gardening and water-based recreation.”

The nature center offers access to the TowPath Trail, as well as to the local bus service and Summit Lake! 

Summit Lake Nature Center
411 Ira Ave, Akron, OH 44301
Website

Ford Nature Center

At the newly remodeled Ford Nature Center you can interact with exhibits that focus on nature and wildlife found right outside the center doors. There is a large viewing window which allows you to peer out at Native Wildflower Meadow and outdoor classroom. In the history room you will learn about the history of the Ford family and Ford Nature Center. The interactive maps table gives you firsthand access to the local grounds. You can also stop in the Bird Observation Room and gift shop during your visit.

The Ford Nature Center has a variety of outdoor activities and exhibits just outside of the building. In addition, there are two short trails by the nature center, the half mile Slippery Rock Trail and the short paved Nature Trail.

While you are in the area, make the short 5 minute drive to Lanterman’s Mill to see the historic mill, waterfall and the covered bridge. The two mile Gorge Loop Trail is great if you want a longer hike.

Ford Nature Center
840 Old Furnace Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511
Website

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The West Woods Nature Center

The West Woods features a 902-acre park. The West Woods Nature Center interactive displays and a large wildlife feeding area for visitors. It is also home to the Tree Tops Nature Store.

If you are visiting during the cold months of winter, be sure to ask about hand feeding chickadees at the parks feeding station set up on the Trout Lily Trail. We also recommend hiking Ansel’s Cave Trail. It is beautiful anytime of the year.

The West Woods Nature Center
9465 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072
Website

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