Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

"There are some live reptile exhibitions, or touch /observe stations, a reading and play areas, even a video station for taking quizzes. I like the natural painting the best, beautiful. However, I like some other nature centers better, for more interesting presentations."

"Definitely one of my favorite nature centers in the area just because the staff is so knowledgeable and clearly excited to be there. We visited for "meet and greet" and got to pet a turtle. The facility is spacious and they even have a small kids corner with toys and books. It doesn't have an outdoor playground like some other centers, but we usually save indoor adventures for rainy days anyway so that doesn't matter to us. Parking is ample and free. Restrooms available. Wheelchair accessible."

"Such a fun center, so many live animals and things to touch and microscopes to use. Tons of books, play area for littles, a nature center down below, and awesome staff. Not sure how it is when crowded, excited to check out some programs."

"This is a hidden gem! Great for young children and completely free! They have lots of reptiles for the kids to see and staff will even take some out for them to touch! They have story hour and meet an animal at 11 daily when they’re open and it was lovely. They have a library to spend time in as well. Bathrooms were clean and plentiful. The adjacent trails along the river are great too. My kids loved it."

"There is a reading area with a macroscope as well as microscope. The staff is friendly and let us pet some turtles while educating us!"