Tenafly Nature Center image

Tenafly Nature Center

Tourist attraction Park Nature preserve Non profit organization Education center Environmental organization

One of the Best Places To Visits in Tenafly


Address

313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670, United States

Website

tenaflynaturecenter.org

Contact

+1 201-568-6093

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (351 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nature (13) trails (9) center (8) time (7) house (7) story (7) walk (6) enter (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Jason P. 3 years ago on Google • 263 reviews
    I've known of this place for a years and have always wanted to visit but timing never worked out. I was finally able to make a trip with my son over the weekend. We arrived later in the day (4pm) on a Saturday and the parking lot was about half full. (Despite this we rarely saw or encountered other people) There are about 20-25 parking spaces in the lot. Upon leaving the lot we noticed that (as expected) the center was limited due to COVID. Many things such as the nature center itself and bathrooms were closed, understandably, for safety purposes. The trails were clearly labeled and very straight forward. There were lots of "one-way" signs ensuring that people don't or shouldn't cross paths while walking. You follow the trails which may lead you into another trail or back to the parking lot if you choose. There were clear signs all over the place so it is nearly impossible to get lost. I also noticed chairs at certain intersection which I assumed are manned during the busier times to encusre compliance with the rules. The center offers the typical nature/outdoors experience all while being very close to NYC. The view of the pond area is very nice. There were two birds (an owl and a hawk) in the enclosures. We also noticed two deer during our walk. "Admission" fees are $2 per person or $10 per family which can be given by a variety of ways including Venmo, Paypal and a CAsh Box. All of which are contactless. Overall we had a great time here. I would love to return post-COVID to check out the nature center.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 nikita p. 1 year ago on Google
    We found about this place through many glowing reviews and decided to take the kids here to visit the Butterfly house on a Sunday afternoon. When we entered the visitor center, we were rudely ignored by the manager, Cal until an employee asked him to leave the office and he had to address us. We then made our way to the butterfly house where we patiently waited for the group inside to wrap up. The rest of our group had not yet arrived but we were told we could enter the butterfly house separately from them and they would be able to join us when they arrived. So we enter the house and are taking a look around when the rest of the group arrived. They saw us in the house and promptly joined us by opening the door when Cal happened to be walking by and yelled at them for entering without permission (which we weren’t told we needed in order to enter). While in the house he had a conversation with his employee and made it very clear she wouldn’t have done her job wrong. After a little while we exited the butterfly house and were wrapping up our belongings when Cal decides to approach us again and continue to remind us to follow the rules (which again, were never explained to us). When we had shared the rules were not shared with us, he rudely pointed to the sign and asked if we had read the rules there. At no point did he try to understand our side of the story, he simply stated he was hearing 2 conflicting stories between us ans his employees. We left the establishment very upset as the staff was rude and we honestly felt targeted due to the color of our skin. Overall, I am extremely disappointed in the service we received at the Tenafly Nature Center and will never be returning.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dr. N. Patel, D. 1 year ago on Google
    We are just leaving here right now. It's our first time ever visiting this place. The moment we entered the butterfly area, we were told to enter the zone as soon as we are ready with our infant. At the door, the manager, Cabell tells us in a rude way "you can't enter this place." We took it easy and said we are already given permission to enter once we ready. He goes okay. We visited the zone and when we came out, he says "I hope u enjoyed but make sure you guys follow the rules next time in a very rude way again". Considering the fact I am a professional I got offended by the way he was speaking with us and treating us. Man we already told u we were given permission why are you still going on about that? I asked his name and he goes hey if u want the executive directors card I can give you that too I am not scared. At this point it was getting unreal and unbelievably insulting. So we left without saying anything. If any authorities are reading this review, please make sure u rethink of your decision to keep him manager of this beautiful place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul L. 3 years ago on Google • 77 reviews
    Awesome trails for kids and adults alike. Difficulty is easy. Very quiet but since it's nestled by homes you can hear the stray lawn equipment at work. For this crazy time, the nature center staff did a great job of pandemic-proofing the experience. Come here to get a piece of your sanity back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 M M. 5 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    The park is lovely, I’m a member and I recently signed up for a nature story time it’s been five months since the last one I went to I was a bit turned off that they were focused on LGTBQi story instead of something that is nature or woodland related or actual facts. But I guess this how the world is turning now… but I won’t be attending another nature story it wasn’t informative or how I want my children to learn. Wish they were just neutral and kept it woodland nature animal creature related. Very turned off. Aside from that the land they own and preserve is beautiful and has so much to offer humans. They do have a yellow trail that hs woodland appropriate books to read and follow as you walk the trail. They truly became our second home because we love the woods we get to explore. My two stars is mostly for the story time experience I had with my toddlers.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mike Z. 11 months ago on Google • 252 reviews
    Very decent nature center and system of trails around it (see Avenza or AllTrails for precise navigation). Unfortunately mid-July situation with mosquitoes is horrible, just too many of them to enjoy the trails.

  • 5/5 Sidra A. 5 years ago on Google • 179 reviews
    It was very secluded filled with beautiful nature. Had nice time there, sat in the sunlight while listening to cheerping of birds it was just amazing peaceful feeling.

  • 5/5 tanja w. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely wonderful nature space and their Forest Preschool program is truly a gem! Our son attended the Spring session and it was one of the best decision we have ever made. The teachers are attentive, gentle, kind, and very knowledgeable, and made each class fun and informative. The kids get to explore nature, learn about bugs, plants, frogs, and each other! The outdoor classroom lends itself to creativity and freedom. The trails at the Nature Center are well maintained and beautiful, year round! Highly recommend visiting the Nature Center, and definitely look into the Forest Preschool if you have a child between 3-5 years old! You will not regret it!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan N. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place and it’s got trees, owls, pond, and more. We had a good walk and the place is very quiet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 stacy 4 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    this is a pretty cool place to go on a silly little walk and look at the little fairy houses along the trails. there is also a visitor center where you can look at turtles and other animals, with more creatures to encounter in the lake.

  • 5/5 Melissa D. 3 years ago on Google • 50 reviews
    If I could give it 10 stars I would! Our scout troop did a class. Nick was great with them. Trails were all well maintained. Class was informative worth the price. Definitely recommend going here

  • 1/5 Toni H. 6 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Went for a walk with my adult daughter. I had my service dog with me. A man came up to me that works there and told me I had to leave because no dogs were allowed. I explained to him that he was my service dog and he didn’t care. Terrible service. Terrible place will never go back. If I can give zero stars I would!

  • 5/5 hatice z. 7 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Great for a trail with kids. Fun to look for fairies around :)

  • 5/5 SB K. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful space. A biodiverse swamp in the middle of a patch of wooded mountain. Great for birding and looking at frogs and dragonflies in the summer. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate and friendly, as well.

  • 1/5 Colleen D. 1 year ago on Google
    We brought our Girl Scouts here a couple weeks ago. The space is beautiful. Our host was extremely aggressive towards our 7 year old girls. He even went so far as to get into one of the girl’s faces to state his authority over her when she wouldn’t willingly “tell a story” in front of the group. He went so far as to put his face and finger within an inch of her face and demand she respect him and get up to tell a story. It was so disturbing to see a adult male be so forceful and domineering over a child. Never let your children alone with this employee.

  • 5/5 Karen C. 1 year ago on Google
    Checked out the fairy trail and nature centre, love it!

  • 4/5 Sara R. 1 year ago on Google
    This was awesome for our Girl Scout troop. Thank you to Cabell. Such an informative and well run tour. The girls thank you.

  • 4/5 Sagar P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place 👍 with well marked trails. Most are flat but good spot for a couple of hours of afternoon hike

  • 5/5 Brandon B. 1 year ago on Google
    I came here early on a Sunday. It was nice out. They have a lot of well maintained trails to walk. There are also animals here but we didn't see much of that area.

  • 4/5 Miriam 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely, even in winter. I hope they let the owls out sometimes! The cages are so small.

  • 5/5 Ihab M. 9 months ago on Google • 1 review
    A great place to make a family hiking
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 201-568-6093 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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