Accessibility at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is committed to welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities, including those with sensory, mobility, and other access needs.
We offer sensory supports, accessible trails and mobility devices, program and cruise accommodations, and a clear Service Animal policy to help you plan a comfortable, enjoyable visit.
If you need an accommodation for any program, event, or Squam Lake Cruise, please contact Erick Amero at erick.amero@nhnature.org or (603) 968-7194 x110 before your visit so we can plan with you.
Sensory Support
Sensory-friendly Supports
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a Certified Sensory Inclusive facility through KultureCity.
Our goal is to provide an inclusive, seamless experience on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail for guests with sensory needs and their families or caregivers.
We work to:
- Train staff regularly on sensory needs and guest support.
- Offer Sensory Bags to visitors who may feel overwhelmed by sounds, crowds, or other stimuli.
Sensory Bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards. They are available to borrow at the Admissions area in the Welcome Center.
If you are looking for a quieter time to visit, consider arriving later in the day, after 12:30 p.m.
Mobility & Trails
Trails and Surfaces
The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is designed to be accessible, with an ADA recreational standard grade of 1 in 12. Some areas may be more challenging due to loose gravel.
The majority of the trail is packed gravel.
Open meadows, forested sections, and boardwalks connect exhibit areas.
Mobility Devices and Support
We are happy to talk with you about your specific mobility needs before you visit.
Four-wheeled motorized scooters are available by reservation; please contact us to reserve one.
As an alternative to bringing a Service Animal on the grounds, we offer free electric carts for individuals with mobility disabilities. To reserve a cart, call (603) 968-7194 x132.
Program & Cruise Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in our programming or Squam Lake Cruises, please contact Erick Amero at erick.amero@nhnature.org or (603) 968-7194 x110 prior to the event. Given ample time, we will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs.
We also do our best to provide individualized accommodations on Squam Lake Cruises; please reach out so we can help you plan a safe and comfortable experience. At this time, we are unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs on cruises. Those with mobility concerns are encouraged to visit Lake Cruise Headquarters well in advance of their cruise to make sure we meet their particular needs.
Available supports may include:
- Assistive audio devices
- Language access services
- Alternative seating on boats
- Electric scooters
- Sensory kits
- Braille narration when requested
All of these accommodations are provided free of charge.
Pets and Service Animals
To protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care, pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals are not permitted on the grounds. Please leave pets at home. Only Service Animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may enter.
If your animal does not meet ADA requirements for entry, local kennel options can be found via online search in the Holderness and Lakes Region area.
Service Animal Policy Overview
We comply with the ADA and welcome guests with disabilities who wish to bring trained Service Animals with them. A Service Animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
Key points:
Guests with Service Animals must check in and out at Admissions upon arrival and departure.
If it is not obvious that the animal is a Service Animal, staff may ask:
- “Is this a Service Animal, and has this animal been trained to assist someone here today with a disability?”
- “What task has this animal been trained to perform?”
Service Animal Guidelines on the Grounds
- Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless this interferes with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability; in those cases, the handler must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective means.
- Service dogs must be fully trained; animals in training are not permitted.
- The care and supervision of the Service Animal is the owner’s responsibility, including cleaning up after the animal and ensuring it is housebroken.
- Staff will visually assess Service Animals for obvious signs of aggressive or erratic behavior, lack of control, or illness.
- Service Animals must stay off rock barriers, keep all paws on the ground at exhibits, and not bark at exhibit or program animals.
- Service Animals should remain at least 10 feet away from program animals (those presented by interpreters or moving outside exhibits), and direct contact is not permitted.
- Owners must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including vaccinations, licensing, and leash laws.
- Owners must not take Service Animals into restricted areas.
If a conflict or potential conflict occurs—for example, agitation of exhibit animals or risk of injury—the owner may be asked to move the Service Animal from that area or leave specific spaces.
Sensitive Areas and Animal Welfare
We are responsible for the health and well-being of more than 100 animals and must follow strict guidelines for their protection.
By law, Service Animals can be restricted from certain areas where:
- Animals on display are natural prey or predators of dogs.
- A dog’s presence may disturb or agitate the animals on exhibit.
Animal Care staff have the right to alter or prohibit Service Animal entry to any part of the grounds without prior notice if a Service Animal’s presence causes stress, anxiety, or safety concerns. Visitors should use extra caution in sensitive areas.
We do not charge any fees for Service Animals. However, owners may be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the Service Animal to the grounds, animals, plants, staff, or visitors.
Owners should also be aware that Service Animals may be exposed to diseases present in the animal collection; by entering, the owner assumes this risk.
Service Animals in Programs and on Squam Lake Cruises
Programs and Presentations
When a Service Animal is present in a program that includes animals:
- Service Animals must be well restrained and no more than an arm’s length from the handler.
- Service Animals must remain at least 10 feet away from all program animals, whether being presented or in carriers.
If a program animal appears distressed by the Service Animal’s presence—or if the Service Animal appears too interested in the program animal—the program animals will be put away immediately or the Service Animal may be asked to move farther away or leave the area.
Squam Lake Cruises
Only Service dogs are allowed on Squam Lake Cruises and are subject to all rules listed here. Miniature horses and other animals are not permitted on cruises.
ADA Resources
For more information about Service Animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act:
ADA National Network – provides information, guidance, and training on the ADA.
- ADA website: www.ADA.gov
- Phone (Voice): 800-514-0301
- Phone (TTY): 800-514-0383