About
Hudson Highlands Nature Center Programs include hiking on trails, nature play in Grasshopper Grove, a preschool program, weekend nature programs, summer camp, and school programs. The programs take place on hiking trails that are open daily from dawn to dusk and in Grasshopper Grove, an enclosed natural play space that is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–4pm from mid-April to mid-November. The programs use living collections of native animals, natural habitats, and nature play spaces like Grasshopper Grove as part of an array of hands-on, experiential education programs.
• Schedule: Hiking trails open daily dawn to dusk; Grasshopper Grove open Saturdays and Sundays 10am–4pm from mid-April to mid-November
The Hudson Highlands Nature Center is a nonprofit (501c3) center for nature with a focus on nature education and nature play and reaches over 30,000 people each year through its programs. Its mission is to connect children with nature through hands-on education and play, and to inspire active stewards of the shared environment. The Nature Center is a leading provider of nature education experiences in the Hudson Valley and has living collections of native animals and natural habitats. The organization began in 1959 as a summer environmental program for young people called the Summer Science Workshop and has expanded over the decades to include facilities such as the Ogden Gallery and the Hall of Animals, which was renovated in 2023 and named in honor of longtime supporter and participant Joseph Maloney. Grasshopper Grove, the enclosed natural play space, opened in 2013. The Nature Center was voted “Best Place to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley” and “Best Nature Center” two years in a row by Kids Out & About, and was the 2019 winner for Best Museum. The Nature Center states that the natural world does not discriminate and that everyone belongs and everyone is welcome. No dogs are allowed on the preserves at the Outdoor Discovery Campus and Wildlife Education Campus.
Last updated February 7, 2026.
• Schedule: Hiking trails open daily dawn to dusk; Grasshopper Grove open Saturdays and Sundays 10am–4pm from mid-April to mid-November
The Hudson Highlands Nature Center is a nonprofit (501c3) center for nature with a focus on nature education and nature play and reaches over 30,000 people each year through its programs. Its mission is to connect children with nature through hands-on education and play, and to inspire active stewards of the shared environment. The Nature Center is a leading provider of nature education experiences in the Hudson Valley and has living collections of native animals and natural habitats. The organization began in 1959 as a summer environmental program for young people called the Summer Science Workshop and has expanded over the decades to include facilities such as the Ogden Gallery and the Hall of Animals, which was renovated in 2023 and named in honor of longtime supporter and participant Joseph Maloney. Grasshopper Grove, the enclosed natural play space, opened in 2013. The Nature Center was voted “Best Place to Take Kids in the Hudson Valley” and “Best Nature Center” two years in a row by Kids Out & About, and was the 2019 winner for Best Museum. The Nature Center states that the natural world does not discriminate and that everyone belongs and everyone is welcome. No dogs are allowed on the preserves at the Outdoor Discovery Campus and Wildlife Education Campus.
Last updated February 7, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.