About Us

Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, an informal public garden, and Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. The Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity.

The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world.

Strategic Plan 2022-2026 Philosophy on Captive Animals

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, exit 24 off I-93. The live animal exhibit trail is open daily from May 1 through November 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.)
Offices are open year round from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Virginia Alvord, 05/25/20
I don't think I have missed a single summer of visiting the Science Center in 50 years. My kids are teenagers now and they still like to bring their friends here, walk the trails and see the animals. An amazing way to learn about and appreciate our surroundings.
Elisabeth Bobrow, 06/25/21
All three generations of our family enjoyed the whole place! It is so well thought out and put together. I figured our young kids would be most interested in the real live animals, but all the educational exhibits were so well thought out and interactive, the kids actually spent more time learning from the exhibits then watching the animals in front of them. That's how engaging and well done they were! Beautiful place as well, and so nice and shaded for an easy walk for all. The natural playground in the middle was thoroughly enjoyed and well placed to get some energy out midway through the learning path. I highly recommend this place.
Sarah Lindahl, 04/19/19
Such a beautiful place. Awesome for all ages - great place for learning, exercise, and fun. Variety of animals, plants, and things to do! Love coming here.
Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.
Catherine Peterson, 10/06/24
Beautiful science center, we will be back!

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