Chattahoochee Nature Center

Chattahoochee Nature Center combines indoor exhibits with 127 acres of trails, gardens, wildlife habitats, ponds, wetlands, and Chattahoochee River views. General admission covers the Discovery Center, Wildlife Walk, River Boardwalk, gardens, and six trails. Current prices are $20 for adults, $16 for students ages 13 to 18, $14 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children age 2 and younger.

Parking is free.

Families can begin inside the Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits, live animals, and the Nature Exchange introduce the river and its watershed. Outside, the paved 0.32-mile Wildlife Walk passes a beaver habitat, bird-of-prey aviaries, and a butterfly garden. The 0.5-mile River Boardwalk is ADA compliant and reaches river, marsh, wetland, and bottomland forest views.

Several short beginner trails suit younger walkers, while the steeper Forest Trail gives older children a bigger challenge.

Stroller use is practical but route-dependent. Paved paths, the Wildlife Walk, and Butterfly Gardens have smooth surfaces. The center identifies Beaver Pond and Kingfisher Pond as its most stroller-friendly forest trails, but warns about hills and exposed roots.

A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs can be checked out free at admission. This makes the venue workable for mixed-age families, though a sturdy stroller is the safer choice beyond pavement.

The center advises allowing at least two hours. Three to four hours is more realistic if the family wants several trails, indoor exhibits, wildlife stops, and a picnic. Families may bring food, and uncovered picnic tables are available first come, first served. The Nature Store sells snacks, but no full family meal service is listed.

CNC remains open rain or shine and has meaningful indoor content, so it can work on a wet day. Heavy rain will still reduce the outdoor portion that makes the center special. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing, and arrivals after 4:30 PM cannot experience the full grounds.

Seasonal 2026 hours run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday through August 29, while Sunday remains noon to 5:00 PM. Check the calendar for closures before traveling.