The Nature Center of Cape May
OVERVIEW
Admission: FREE
Parking: Onsite and free
Duration: Expect to spend 30-60 minutes in the Nature Center or more if you plan to explore the outdoor trail and gardens
Location: 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Restrooms: Located on-site
Nature Center run by the New Jersey Audubon Society located in Cape May, New Jersey
We recently returned from a 5-day trip to the South Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, the weather was less than ideal, so our planned beach days were replaced with exploring indoor activities in the area.
One of our stops was the Nature Center of Cape May. This is an often-overlooked attraction and is perfect for a rainy day. The Nature Center is run by the NJ Audubon Society and staffed by wonderful volunteers who love to share their passion for local wildlife and conservation efforts. They run programs throughout the summer including the family-friendly Harbor Safaris on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These events require pre-registration and have a small fee associated with them, but they are well worth planning ahead and contributing to this organization’s efforts.
If you have not planned ahead or the event is sold out, feel free to stop by the Nature Center at your convenience. Their summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am-4 pm. Visiting the Nature Center is free and parking is available in front of the building. On the first floor is a small gift shop with local crafts, books, educational materials, and nature-based toys. In the back right corner is a small play nook for children. When we arrived there was a program going on upstairs, and my kids were happy to play while we waited for access to the second floor. There are also restrooms available on the first floor.
The second floor contains their exhibit area. There are several tanks with snakes and turtles, as well as two chinchillas. Let your young nature lover grab a magnifying glass and get some hands-on experience with various shells, animal pelts, and bones. There is a station with coloring pages and a variety of nature guides to peruse. While this area is small, there is a lot to see, and my kids spent a good deal of time here.
Due to the wind and rain, they chose to stay put while I went outside and climbed the steps to the observation tower. The clouds inhibited the view a bit, but this is a great spot for sweeping views of the bay and viewing some of the local birds. There is also a trail adjacent to the Nature Center that we skipped due to the rain.
If you are looking to further explore the area, consider renting a kayak, or signing up for a guided tour with Aquatrails. They are partners with the NJ Audubon Society and are located adjacent to the Nature Center. They offer a variety of tours, rentals and even host a summer camp. Check their website for more details!
For more family and budget-friendly activities in New Jersey and beyond, be sure to like and follow us on social media!