Kids can explore nature at Teatown Lake Reservation

Tuesday July 24, 2012 2:00 PM By Kristin Taveira

Photo credit: Handout | Parents and kids can get a primer on insects, moths or snakes this weekend at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining.

Got a kid who loves science, nature and creepy, crawly critters? Take them to Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining for a dose of outdoor education and fun. At 875 acres, Teatown is the mother of all nature preserves in Westchester. The preserve boasts nearly 15 miles of trails, allowing hikers to explore a diverse terrain of meadows, forests, streams and the lake.

The nonprofit organization is committed to environmental education and offers a host of kid-friendly programs, ranging from hour-long classes on the weekends to summer camp and mini-camps. Children can get up close and personal with Teatown’s various habitats and the cool creatures that populate them, among them frogs, bugs and birds.

On most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, Teatown offers all-ages programming on topics varying from animal care, birding, and pond and stream study to maple sugaring, cidering, geology and more. Depending on the season, you can also try outdoor activities such as hiking, star-gazing, canoeing and snowshoeing.

If you want to take the kids this weekend, here are some upcoming events at Teatown. Advance registration is required. Programs are $5, free for members.

Buggin’ Out: Head out to the fields Saturday morning to catch, study and release some of the nature preserve’s six-legged friends. (11 a.m., Saturday, July 28)

Moths at Cliffdale: Make a Saturday night date with these fluttering bugs and other creatures of the night. (8 p.m., Saturday, July 28)

Animal Adventures: Snakes! Visitors ages four and up are invited to make the acquaintance of some of Teatown’s slithery ambassadors and learn all about snakes in this one-hour program. (1 p.m., Sunday, July 29)

IF YOU GO

What: Teatown Lake Reservation

When: The nature center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; the trails are open from dawn to dusk every day; visit the website for a schedule of events and programs.

Info: 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining; 914-762-2912; www.teatown.org; free admission and parking; visit the website for program and camp fees.

Tags: Ossining , Teatown Lake Reservation , science , nature , kids