United States
New Hampshire (NH)
White Mountains
Holderness
Things to Do in Holderness
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

See all things to do
See all things to do
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
4.5
#2 of 6 things to do in Holderness
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
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About
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a fun and enlightening place for everyone to enjoy. Here at the Science Center, we house and exhibit many different wild animals, including river otters, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, bears, birds, foxes, and skunks. The wild animals at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are ambassadors of their species, here for the purpose of educating our visitors about New Hampshire's natural world. Most are orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to survive in the wild. Observing these animals up-close, together with experiencing our hands-on exhibits, offers visitors the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of our native wildlife and appreciation of the natural world.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
422 reviews
Excellent
320
Very good
85
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Ruth Y
Jefferson City, TN951 contributions
Nice tour around Squam Lake. COVID policies non existent.
Sep 2021 • Friends
We took the boat tour on Squam Lake from the Science Center. Was told boats were not going out fully reserved due to COVID and much to our surprise boat was full. Masks were not required. This was a pontoon boat. We did learn the lake is made up of many basins. We heard about some places filmed for the movie "on Golden Pond". We learned a lot about the Loons & some history of the lake. We all felt could have been a bit more informative with some fun facts too to keep it interesting. Wish they had been more COVID aware with better policies.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thank you for the review and for letting us know your concerns about covid policies. We are still operating with covid related health and safety protocols in place. Detailed information is at our Know Before You Go page on our website (https://nhnature.org/reopen/). Our Squam Lake Cruises are still operating at 30% reduced capacity. We allow cruise passengers to remove their masks when the boat is underway because we cruise with the side curtains open to provide maximum airflow on the deck of the boat. The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and animals is a top priority for us as we continue to manage the many changes since the spring of 2020. Please let us know if you have any additional questions we can answer. info@nhnature.org All the best, Amanda Gillen Marketing Manager
Written September 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
colbygrads
Lake Geneva, WI71 contributions
Great Wildlife Nature and Science Center for the Whole Family
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had a few hours to kill before a wedding so stopped in here. What a lovely place for a nice walk through the woods with impressive enclosures of local wildlife - fox, coyote, mountain lions, black bear, eagles. Lots of hands on activities for children and interesting displays to keep the adults interested as well. When the weather permits, they also have Loon Boat Tours on Squam Lake. Well worth the visit.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caroline589
Reading, UK38 contributions
Disappointing
Jul 2022 • Family
Really only suited to young children. Lots of very noisy, interactive exhibits which one would think would be distressing for the few animals that were there. We couldn't work out if it was a playground for children or an educational rescue centre but certainly not worth the entrance fee. No cafe or kiosk.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
We're so sorry to hear you were disappointed with your visit to the Science Center. Could you tell us a little bit more about what didn't meet your expectations? You can email us at info@nhnature.org. All the best, Amanda Gillen Development and Communications Director
Written November 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rjmartintx
Dallas, TX197 contributions
Take their boat tour
Sep 2022 • Couples
We had a great 90 minute tour of the lake today with Ashley as our guide. The pontoon boat holds 20 and is covered but we had only 8 on our boat. She was very informative about the lake and local history. The ride and lake were both exceptional, even on a cloudy gray 55 degree day!
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thank you so much for the review! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the lake cruise and got to experience beautiful Squam Lake. We'll be sure to pass your comments along to Ashley. We look forward to seeing you on the lake and trails again soon! All the best, Amanda Gillen Development and Communications Director
Written November 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurie C
136 contributions
An amazing way to experience NH’s wildlife
Jun 2023 • Family
Amazing way to experience NH’s wildlife in a very clean, well-planned, hands-on environment. So much for the kids to touch & learn. I loved the statistics on each animal like size & speed plus LOVED touching the pelts of their fur to see what a bear etc feels like! Playground was awesome and my kids loved the zip line! I understand this was a lesson in wildlife & environmental conservation but I still wish they had an area where we could feed or pet/brush some animals like a petting zoo with sheep, goats, bunnies etc. Or even a docent walking around with a snake, frog, etc. But I still loved this place. It was obvious how much these workers care for the animal’s & environment!
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanine B
Paoli, Pennsylvania, United States42 contributions
Bev is the best!
Sep 2020 • Couples
Took the lake cruise with Bev, who was an absolute delight and gem to the science center. He excitedly shared history and local wisdom of the film, On Golden Pond, as well as local wildlife. We saw loons, chicks, cormorants, eagles and even an eaglet! He made our day so fun. Was just us and another couple on a chilly morning. Delightful!
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thank you for the fantastic review! We agree that Bev is a gem and we'll pass along that you think so too! :-) We're glad you enjoyed such a great cruise and we hope to see you on the boats and on the trails again soon. All the best, Amanda Gillen Marketing Manager
Written September 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William L
Sandown, NH1,032 contributions
Late October Visit
Oct 2020 • Family
This was the last Wednesday this season they were open so we took a field trip to SLSC. COVID has changed things of course and there was also some construction. The indoor playground was closed which was a disappointment but understood. Still it’s always a great experience here and we had fun. Otters ruled the day.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thanks for the great review! We're glad to hear you had a nice visit. We agree, the river otters rock! We look forward to seeing you next trail season. All the best, Amanda Gillen Marketing Manager
Written November 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
USMCRip
Merrimack, NH1,765 contributions
Not quite the same due to COVID-19
Oct 2020 • Family
I’ve/we’ve been here a few times in the past and they say things are changed because of COVID 19. Ok yes there are mask requirements which is a pain because you are outside but with all the people visiting I could see why this requirement. Of course washing you hands with sanitizer (dispensers are all over) is a strong request. But so many things are closed. For example: gift shop (set up outside), all the bird displays (being rebuilt), all the places to eat (even the picnic areas). It will get better.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
If you decide to go, call first as they are limiting attendance.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. This season we have had to balance the safety of our staff and visitors with the need to reopen while following state guidelines. Things like the gift shop and picnic area were changed and set up outdoors or off the trail to accommodate visitors. Exhibits like the indoor Children's Center were closed for health. We're glad to hear you still enjoyed yourselves despite the changes and we hope you felt safe on your visit. All the best, Amanda Gillen Marketing Manager
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spacet35
Pasadena, MD43 contributions
Great place!
Jul 2023
Very educational place to take the family. Lots of animals to see and learn about and the employees seemed to know a lot about them. I was pleased to learn that all the animals there were rescued. Very clean and family friendly. I would definitely go again.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chemorn
Mohegan Lake, NY219 contributions
Fun day
Jun 2022 • Couples
Walked thru the nature trail where there were exhibits on the animals found in New Hampshire . The trail was set up very nicely but unfortunately many of the animals weren’t active or hiding so we didn’t get to see too many animals. We did get to experience many mosquitoes there though !! Ughhh, I’m still itchy.
We decided to stay and get tickets for the 1pm pontoon cruise around Squam lake. We saw loons in the water and an eagle in its nest in the tree tops. Our guide was so informative and interesting. Beautiful scenery of mountains surrounding the lake . Very peaceful trip.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nhnature
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! Yes, the animals can be very good at camouflage, especially on a hot day. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the lake cruise too. We look forward to seeing you on the trails and on the lake again! All the best, Amanda Gillen Development and Communications Director
Written November 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is open:
  • Mon - Mon 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Information

Excellent Reviews

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Very Good Reviews

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