Earthplace

Earthplace is located in Westport, Connecticut and offers kids and families a place where they can learn about and explore nature. Their missions is to " the public about nature and the environment. Visitors can learn about nature by exploring the hands-on museum exhibits in Natureplace and the Ecology Resource Lab." Guests are able to explore the 62-acres surrounding the center via the trail system. Earthplace even features a wheelchair accessible trail known as Wheels in the Woods IV, allowing kids and adults who are not able to walk access to nature. In addition to the 62-acres of land owned by Earthplace, there are nearly 12 acres of land owned by the City of Westport, making this the largest open-space area in the city. Along the trails are learning areas which include Word Hunting, where kids can learn to use a compass, Tree ID, where you will identify trees along the trail, the Letter Boxes scavenger hunt and the Swamp Loop Discovery Trail. There are six trails including the Universal Design Nature Trail, the High Woods Trail, the Swamp Loop Trail, the Eloise A. Ray Trail and the Newman-Woodward Trail. The Wadsworth Trail can be walked in as little as 15 minutes, making it ideal for families with younger children who want to explore nature. Educational programs are available at Earthplace for children of all ages. Programs include preschool and school-age programs, summer camps, after-school programs, scout programs, the Harbor/River Watch program and the Junior Staff program.