Better than the park: three nature centers in New York that kids and adults will love

When people want to see animals and learn more about them, they usually go to the local zoo. This is without a doubt a great way to spend a day with the whole family. But there is another, less well-known alternative to zoos - nature centers. Only in Your State.

These objects are focused on the protection of animals and their habitats. Nature centers can be found throughout the country, including in New York. Here are three of the best.

1. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium

It is located an hour east of Manhattan, in the village of Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island. The combined hatchery-aquarium boasts some very interesting live exhibits. The Walter L. Ross III Aquarium building houses over 30 different species of freshwater fish, including bowfins and brook trout.

When you're done viewing the exhibits, head to the trout pond. There, for an additional fee, you can try your hand at fishing. You can bring your own fishing rod and bait, but if necessary, you always have the center's fishing tackle on hand.

Admission to the hatchery is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. For children under the age of 3 years, admission is free. You can find out more on their page at Facebook.

Address: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 NY-25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724.

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2 Montezuma Audubon Center

In upstate New York, between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse, is the Montezuma Audubon Center. It is located on 80 hectares of forests, wetlands and grasslands. This nature center is home to 200 species of birds. There are guided tours where you can see and hear all kinds of local birds - from sandy cranes to black terns and bald eagles.

While in Montezuma, you can raft down one of several waterways in one of the kayaks or canoes. In addition, you can go hiking along the route of your choice. There are options from the 3-kilometer Warbler Way Trail to the shorter 0,5-kilometer Crusoe Creek Trail. Whatever you choose, you will definitely be amazed by the beauty of nature around you! Admission is free, but guided tours and canoe/kayak rentals are subject to an additional charge.

For more information about the property visit Web site or the nature center page at Facebook.

Address: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146.

3 Teatown Lake Reservation

The Teatown Lake Reservation is located 75 minutes north of downtown New York in northern Westchester County. When you arrive in Teatown, be sure to stop by the visitor center where you can grab a trail map. They can be used for hiking, jogging or, in winter, for cross-country skiing. In addition, there is a gift shop in the visitor center, as well as enclosures with possums, snakes, and turtles.

At Teatown beyond, you can visit Cindy's Garden, which is home to a variety of wildflowers, shrubs, and ferns. Children are offered a “scooping from the pond” activity, during which children can learn about underwater life, as well as guided hikes along the trails.

Admission is $7 per car and can be paid at the kiosks in the parking lot. Visiting the exhibitions and using the trails are included in the price of the entrance ticket. Additional activities such as guided hikes require additional fees.

To learn more about this property, visit Teatown website or nature center page in Facebook.

Address: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562.