Outdoor Activities & Exhibits

Visitors are welcome to explore the nature center's Butterfly and Pollinator Garden.

Several differnt types of birdfeeders are on display in front of the visitors center, outside. These feeders are kept filled October-June and are visited regularly by several native avian species (and the rogue squirrel or chipmunk). Species such as goldfinches, Red-winged Blackbirds, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, and Nuthatches can all be easliy identified using the exhibit display and visitors can pick up a TNC Bird checklist to start keeping track of their annual and life birds. Guests often ask why the feeders are strung up with a number of recycled plastic bottles? These are there to prevent squirrels and other non-avian species from utilizing the bird feeders. The feeders are filled with a variety of seeds so that we may attract an assortment of birds and so those that do utilize the feeders can find appropriate food.

Consider setting up a birdfeeder in your own yard! The experts at Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus, NJ are always happy to help (Tenafly Nature Center members get a 10% discount at that location).

Visitors are welcome to visit our resident birds of prey at the aviary.

Seasonally visitors are sometimes able to get a close up look at our frog and salamander pond. In early spring, members can join a TNC educator for a salamander count as we search for breeding spotted salamanders.

Have you seen our outdoor play area? Created as an Eagle Scout project, a playscape (or natural playground), was placed off of the yellow trail. A playscape is an outdoor play space with minimal man made components. Playscapes are designed with the intent of bringing children and people back to nature.

The space features a small play area out of natural materials consisting of a sandbox, a balance/jumping path, and a messy materials area. This area was created with the intention to give young children a safe spot to run, jump and dig. A perfect space for children to play “floor is lava” and get their wiggles out!

Visitors may enjoy an adventure in reading on our seasonal StoryWalk®, an interactive outdoor exhibit that turns reading into an adventure. Read a nature-themed story while walking in the woods. Designed for beginning readers, stories will appeal to all ages.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

Tenafly Nature Center is a sanctuary for human visitors - an island of green where bonds with nature can be renewed. Whether you have an hour or a day, our woods offer a peaceful respite from the rush of daily life. We welcome visitors to take a leisurely walk to Pfister's Pond or enjoy a hike along our 7+ miles of trails.

Trail runners are welcome to train and enjoy a sprint through our woods along the 7+ miles of trails. In early spring, experienced trail runners are invited to discover the native terrain of the Lost Brook Preserve while participating in our annual Lost Brook Trail Race.

Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are among the activities which you may enjoy here, with Mother Nature’s cooperation, of course! Even when covered by snow, visitors are welcome to bring their own equipment and explore the trails of the nature center.

We do not permit ice skating on Pfister's Pond at this time.

Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy bird-watching and observe other wildlife on their own or join our educators monthly for guided nature walks, full moon hikes, or any of our other seasonal programs.

Enhance your exploration of nature with our Nature Explorer Backpacks. This self-guided, year round program is designed for families to learn together, at their leisure, as they explore the Tenafly Nature Center trails. To help you on your adventure, we provide a backpack with an easy-to-understand Exploration Guide and an activity kit, which children of all ages will enjoy. Current backpack themes are Rockin’ Geology, Incredible Insects and Forest Explorer.

Rental Fee:
Members: FREE/
Non-members: $5

Take or leave a book and enjoy reading. We ask that all books left be family friendly due to the nature and age range of our visitors.