What is there to do at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center? From breezy boat cruises and animal watching to garden wandering, a full day of outside adventures in Holderness, NH awaits! Won’t you join us?  

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC), conveniently located between New Hampshire's Lakes Region and the White Mountains, has been inviting visitors to get nearer to nature since 1966. The big draw for this beloved stop has always been the animals: black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats, oh my! There are also playful river otters, a coyote and a beautiful array of raptors, and native reptiles like turtles.

You could easily spend all day wandering from one live animal exhibit to the next, interacting with the educational materials that range from petting pelts to beaver dam making (and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a fun presentation at the forest amphitheater like we did on a recent trip, where we learned all about skunks while one of the little striped fellows merrily snacked on fruit).

Another thing that makes the SLNSC one of the best places for families in the White Mountains is its amazing natural setting. The gravel paths that guide you from one exhibit to the next are sheltered by towering deciduous and coniferous trees that flutter and sway in the breeze. Chipmunks scurry to and fro, and butterflies and dragonflies bop about in the meadows and marshy spots. It all adds up to the feeling of taking a serene, magical walk in the woods complete with guaranteed animal sightings.

But before you think it’s all just mellow vibes, do know there will also be the raucous hollers as happy kids scramble across oversized spider webs, and the roars of amazing animatronic dinosaurs on display as part of the SLSNC’s “Dinosaurs Return” experience.

We suggest budgeting in about two and half hours to explore the main exhibit trails, but don’t linger too long – after all, there’s more exploring to be done!

Walk across the street to the shores of Squam Lake. The next part of your adventure is one of the most spectacular things you can do during the summertime: a boat cruise on Squam Lake. All of the 90-minute cruises offered by the SLNSC will give you the rare opportunity to explore one of New Hampshire’s most pristine and exclusive lakes, but we suggest booking your cruise based on your area of interest.

Take a Loon Cruise or Bald Eagle Excursion if birds are your thing, or snag a seat on Discover Squam if you want a general overview of everything from the general history and geography of the lake to the filming of On Golden Pond over 40 years ago. (Before you get ahead of yourself though, it’s prudent to note that boat cruises through SLNSC must be reserved online ahead of time; visit the SLNSC’s website for more information.)

On our tour, we spotted loons and listened for their haunting calls, oohed and aahed over impressive lakeside real estate, and enjoyed the feel of soaking in the sunshine while we guessed at the names of nearby mountains. Yes, our hair got thoroughly tangled in the winds as we raced across Squam’s glittering waters, but isn’t that the stuff summer memories are made of?

Tony, our guide for the day, also took the time to point out special spots on the lake like Church Island (with views that would make even the most uninspired feel worshipful) and the spot where Norman and his grandson were stranded after crashing their boat in one of the famous scenes from On Golden Pond. But, as the best experiences often do, it felt as though our time on Squam Lake was all too brief.

After you’ve left the breezes and beauty of the boat behind, there’s just one more stop to make: Kirkwood Gardens. Most visitors take the time to hop off the main exhibit trail at SLNSC to visit this small informal garden, but if you missed the turn, free parking for the garden is available just down the street.  Bees, butterflies, and birds flit from blossoms to bushes, while the millstone fountain burbles nearby.

Won’t you stay while, and sit on the bench beneath the trees? We did, and can say with little hesitation that it would be a shame not to savor the last bit of your beautiful, all-outside day.

If you would like to spend more time exploring the great outdoors, check out our other Nature Trips in the White Mountains!

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center trails are open May 1 through November 1, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.

The SLNSC’s Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes long, and are available by advance reservation only. Visit the SLNSC’s website to book your cruise. Remember to bring layers and other weather-appropriate apparel.