Know Before You Go

last updated 6/28/22

The live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails are open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) Squam Lake Cruises run daily.

Please review the information on this page before your visit as conditions may change.

BUY/RESERVE TICKETS

Before Your Visit

Trail capacity is limited. Morning sessions tend to be busier than afternoon admission blocks (after 12:30 p.m.) Reserving and purchasing tickets online ahead of time GUARANTEES admission for the day and time you choose to visit. Members must show their membership card upon arrival.
See the Hours and Admission page for details about special admission.
Please come prepared. We are a carry in/carry out facility. Remember that food and drink (except for water) are not allowed on the animal exhibit trail for the safety of our animals.

On the Trail

Please follow a one-way path on the live animal exhibit trail.
A small number of picnic tables are available for guests to use in our Picnic Area. Food is not available onsite. Tables are also available at Kirkwood Gardens.

BUY/RESERVE TICKETS

Squam Lake Cruises

Dress appropriately for the weather and remember it is cooler on the lake. Be prepared for rain.
We do not offer trail and lake cruise combination tickets.
Private Charters are a great way to see Squam Lake with your family group.

About Squam Lake Cruises

BUY/RESERVE TICKETS

Frequently Asked Questions

After I purchase my reservation and enter, will my time be limited or restricted?

Each timed reservation group should have more than enough time to see all available and open exhibits, however it is important to note that the trail will be one-way, encouraging guests to move along while adhering to the physical distancing recommendations set by the state and CDC. We ask guests to refrain from backtracking.

Will you be open if it is raining?

Yes, we will be open regardless of the weather, so dress accordingly. All tickets are rain-or-shine. Refunds, rainchecks, and rescheduling are not available due to weather.

Still have questions? Contact us at

We are committed to the enjoyment and safety of our visitors, volunteers, staff and animals. Please help us keep everyone safe by following the posted instructions and following directions from our staff. There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present. By visiting Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Leslie Peabody, 10/28/24
Great, as always. The only bummer was that the mountain lions weren't out since they had been naughty and chewed on their enclosure.
Andrew Gorham, 10/12/20
Mountain Lions didn't feel like coming out but plenty of other things to see. Being that close to local wildlife as opposed to zoo animals from other countries was refreshing. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a black bear in my life I hope!
Denise Lovejoy, 06/26/19
Beautiful trails to hike, wonderful natural habitats for the animals! Love to spend time there; it's always so peaceful. Love the Howling Coyote gift shop, too!
Rhea Votipka, 09/15/22
Don't let the price deter you. We thought about not going due to how expensive it was, but we had a great time. It s like a zoo for wild animals....and honestly we were happy to support it. The educational parts were great and very well done. My 4 yr old had an absolute blast and we were there easily for 3 hours and she probably would have stayed longer. The site is stroller friendly which was great for my younger daughter. Would highly recommend.
Ariana Hernandez, 10/28/19
I love this place! It's like a zoo. You see different creatures and read little cool facts about New Hampshire's wild life on the way of the paths you walk. But, it's not only just all walking. You could also visit the play ground they have so your kids could have fun and an educational time.