Exhibits & Outdoor Activities
Create unforgettable family moments at Tenafly Nature Center. From exploring scenic trails and discovering wildlife to hands-on exhibits and outdoor adventures, TNC offers endless opportunities for families to learn, play, and connect with nature together, no matter the season or age.
As a member-supported nonprofit, Tenafly Nature Center relies on membership to protect this beloved natural space. Becoming a member gives your family year-round access, exclusive programs, and special benefits, while directly supporting conservation, education, and community engagement. Join today and make nature part of your family’s everyday life.
Step into a world of magic and imagination on the Bellflower Faerie Trail. Follow the Red Loop Trail to discover tiny, whimsical faerie homes hidden among tree roots and hollows, perfect for families, children, and anyone young at heart.
Watch nature come alive just outside the Visitors’ Center. Our birdfeeders attract a variety of native birds, offering a close-up look at goldfinches, woodpeckers, chickadees, and more, an easy and rewarding wildlife experience for all ages.
Meet Tenafly Nature Center’s resident birds of prey. Visit the aviary to observe these powerful raptors up close and learn about their important role in the ecosystem.
Keep your eyes open along this special trail, hidden metal bird silhouettes are waiting to be discovered! See how many you can find, then watch for real birds as you continue your walk through the forest.
Surround yourself with free-flying native butterflies and moths in this seasonal favorite. The Butterfly House offers an up-close look at pollinators in action, from sipping nectar to emerging from their chrysalises, an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Visit this seasonal pond for a chance to observe frogs and salamanders in their natural habitat. Located within our forest preschool and camp area, the pond is not always open to the public, but when accessible it offers a fascinating glimpse into amphibian life, especially in early spring during breeding season.
Start your visit at the heart of Tenafly Nature Center. The Visitors’ Center offers interactive exhibits, natural history displays, and friendly staff to help you plan your time on the trails. During open hours, families can pick up Junior Naturalist guidebooks and rent Nature Explorer Backpacks to begin a hands-on adventure.
Meet our Animal Ambassadors, wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild and now help educate visitors about local species and conservation. A meaningful way to connect with nature up close.
Let kids climb, dig, jump, and imagine in our Nature Playscape, a natural outdoor play area designed for creative, unstructured play. Built from natural materials, it’s the perfect spot for young explorers to burn off energy and connect with nature.
Stroll through the Pollinator Garden and discover plants that support butterflies, bees, birds, and other essential pollinators. This colorful garden changes with the seasons and offers inspiration for your own backyard habitat.
Relax, learn, or research in our cozy natural history library. With over 1,000 resources, this quiet space inside the Visitors’ Center is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Members may borrow books.
Turn reading into an outdoor adventure on the StoryWalk® Trail. Follow a nature-themed story page by page as you walk through the woods, an interactive experience designed especially for young readers and families.
Add a modern treasure hunt to your visit. Use your smartphone or GPS to search for hidden geocaches throughout Tenafly Nature Center and discover surprises along the way. A fun challenge for curious explorers of all ages!
Escape the rush of daily life on over seven miles of scenic trails. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful stroll to Pfister’s Pond or a longer hike through the forest, Tenafly Nature Center offers a restorative outdoor experience in every season.
Guide Book Program
Inspire young explorers with our Junior Naturalist Program. Colorful, seasonal guidebooks encourage children ages 4–12 to observe, learn, and reflect on the natural world, making every visit an educational family adventure.
Visit the Visitors Center to learn more!
Discover a classic outdoor treasure hunt! Follow clues to find hidden letterboxes tucked throughout the preserve and leave your mark in a logbook. A delightful mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and discovery.
Pause, relax, and enjoy a good book. Our Little Free Library invites visitors to take a book or leave one behind, perfect for a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
Turn your walk into an adventure! Our Nature Explorer Backpacks offer a fun, self-guided way for families to explore the trails together year-round, complete with an easy-to-follow guide and hands-on activities kids of all ages will love.
Visit the Visitors Center to learn more!
Enjoy a casual outdoor meal surrounded by nature. Families and individuals are welcome to use designated picnic tables near the Yellow Trail, an easy way to relax and recharge during your visit.
Use of the pavilions or campfire ring requires a facility rental.
Capture the beauty of Tenafly Nature Center. From peaceful landscapes to seasonal wildlife, the preserve offers endless inspiration for photographers. Casual personal photography is always welcome, just bring your camera and creativity.
Professional photography, filming, or commercial shoots may require permits.
Explore nature while catching Pokémon! Tenafly Nature Center features numerous PokéStops and a PokéGym, making it a fun destination for Trainers to enjoy the outdoors while playing Pokémon GO.
Please note: Pokémon are the only creatures that are allowed to be captured on TNC property.
Enjoy a self-guided sensory exploration of Tenafly Nature Center’s trails, designed especially for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and their families. This calming experience encourages visitors to engage with nature in a comfortable, inclusive way.
When winter conditions allow, bring your own snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore Tenafly Nature Center’s trails blanketed in snow. It’s a peaceful and invigorating way to experience the preserve during the winter months.
For safety reasons, ice skating is not permitted on Pfister’s Pond at any time.
Trail runners are welcome to train and enjoy a run through Tenafly Nature Center’s wooded landscape. With over seven miles of trails and varied terrain, the preserve offers an inspiring and natural setting for runners of all levels.
Observe birds, animals, and changing seasons at your own pace or join one of our guided walks. From birdwatching to moonlit hikes, Tenafly Nature Center offers unforgettable wildlife encounters throughout the year.