Best Farms & Nature Centers for Kids in America
From petting zoos to pick-your-own farms to nature discovery centers, these are the best places for kids to connect with animals and the outdoors. Stroller access, age suitability, and seasonal hours included.
- 1
Arizona Botanical Gardens
Sedona, AZ · ★ 5 (84 reviews)
Infants to big kids (best ages 2-10)
Arizona Botanical Gardens in Clarkdale (near Sedona) is a 5-star desert botanical garden featuring native Sonoran plants. Ideal for families. Spring is peak bloom.
- 2
Nature of Sal
Rome, Italy · ★ 5 (118 reviews)
3–17
Nature of Sal in Rome offers guided outdoor and nature experiences for families and children. Connect with Italy's natural landscapes on a guided adventure.
- 3
Cabo Nature
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico · ★ 5 (249 reviews)
Little kids (6+) to teens
5.0-star marine tours in Cabo San Lucas with 249 reviews. Whale watching Dec-March, snorkeling, and sea turtle encounters. One of the top-rated operators in Los Cabos.
- 4
Urban Outdoors Adventures in nature Forest school
London, UK · ★ 5 (22 reviews)
2–10
Forest school sessions for children in north London. Child-led nature play, den building, and outdoor skills in a genuine forest school setting.
- 5
Japanese Garden
Chicago, IL · ★ 5 (185 reviews)
2-16
Montreal's Japanese Garden features waterfalls, koi ponds, bonsai trees, and stone bridges. Included with Botanical Garden admission. Stunning fall colors.
- 6
Algonquin Nature Adventures
Toronto, Canada · ★ 5 (14 reviews)
Best for ages 6+
Guided family camping and canoe trips to Algonquin Park from Toronto. Day trips and multi-day wilderness adventures for kids 6+. Equipment included.
- 7
Butterflies and Blooms
Chicago, IL · ★ 4.9 (18 reviews)
Best for ages 3-12
Seasonal live butterfly greenhouse at Chicago Botanic Garden. Butterflies land on visitors. Ages 3-12. 4.9 stars. Check dates at chicagobotanic.org.
- 8
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve
Charlotte, NC · ★ 4.9 (261 reviews)
5–17 years
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve in Mint Hill has beautiful creek-side trails for kids 5+. Free. 4.9-star rated. Best nature trail in east Charlotte area.
- 9
Finca la Puebla Organic Farm and Eco Retreat
San José, Costa Rica · ★ 4.9 (8 reviews)
5-17
Finca la Puebla is a 4.9-star organic farm and eco-retreat in Costa Rica's Pérez Zeledón region — farm tours, cloud forest stays, and organic meals for families.
- 10
Canaveral Wildlife Tours
Cape Canaveral, FL · ★ 4.9 (31 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
See dolphins, manatees & sea turtles on a guided wildlife tour near Cape Canaveral. Great for families with kids 5+. Book in advance.
- 11
Jardin ecologique
Paris, France · ★ 4.9 (49 reviews)
All ages
Jardin écologique in Bois de Vincennes is a free wild nature garden with frogs, insects, and wildflowers. A wonderful free family nature experience in Paris.
- 12
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Scottsdale, AZ · ★ 4.9 (4,676 reviews)
Best for ages 2 and up, especially nature-curious kids
Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Scottsdale AZ — Arizona's oldest botanical garden in a desert canyon. 4.9-star nature experience, best Oct-April. Ages 2+.
- 13
Outdoor Adventure Center
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.9 (16 reviews)
Best for ages 6-17
Asheville Outdoor Adventure Center: guided horseback riding, zip lines, hiking, and biking for families. What's available and how to book.
- 14
Freyer - Newman Center
Denver, CO · ★ 4.9 (13 reviews)
Best for ages 3-12
Explore art and science exhibits at the Freyer-Newman Center inside Denver Botanic Gardens. Great for families with kids ages 3-12. Stroller-friendly indoor galleries.
- 15
Le Chemin De La Nature
Paris, France · ★ 4.9 (1,203 reviews)
2–10
Guided outdoor nature workshops for kids in Paris — hands-on bug hunts, plant identification, and shelter building for ages 2–10.
- 16
Growing Places Indy
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.9 (10 reviews)
Toddlers to teens (2-17)
Growing Places Indy is an urban farm in Indianapolis offering family-friendly farm experiences, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities. A meaningful outing for kids of all ages.
- 17
Water Conservation Garden at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
Salt Lake City, UT · ★ 4.9 (30 reviews)
Best for ages 2 and up
Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City has a children's garden, mountain views, and seasonal wildflowers. One of Utah's best family botanical gardens.
- 18
Fishers Flower Farm
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.9 (74 reviews)
Toddlers to teens (2-16)
Visit Fishers Flower Farm near Indianapolis for a fun family pick-your-own flower experience. Kids love exploring rows of sunflowers and wildflowers in this charming outdoor farm setting.
- 19
Moon Viewing Garden
San Francisco, CA · ★ 4.9 (17 reviews)
Great for all ages — a quiet GGP gem
Hidden Japanese-influenced Moon Viewing Garden in Golden Gate Park SF. Free, rarely crowded, and 4.9-star rated. A quiet gem off the main tourist path.
- 20
Greenway Nature Tours
San José, Costa Rica · ★ 4.9 (230 reviews)
6-17
Experience Costa Rica's wildlife with Greenway Nature Tours from San Jose. Expert-guided family nature tours with sloths, toucans, and rainforest adventures.