Visitor Guidelines & FAQs
Visitor Guidelines and Policies
Policies and General Guidelines
To help keep visitors and animal ambassadors safe and comfortable, we ask all guests to be aware of our policies and follow these guidelines during their visit.
Photography
Safety and Prohibited Items
- The use or possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or any type of weapon is prohibited on the Science Center campus.
- The Science Center campus is smoke-free and tobacco-free. Smoking, smokeless tobacco, e‑cigarettes, and unregulated products are not permitted anywhere on site.
- Alcohol is prohibited except at approved private events.
- Pets are not permitted. For full details, including Service Animal guidelines and sensitive areas, please see our Accessibility page.
Footwear and Trail Conditions
The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is an unpaved gravel path through forests and meadows. Please wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for walking outdoors.
For more details about trail surfaces and mobility support, please see our Accessibility page.
Parking and EV Charging
- Parking is free for Squam Lakes Natural Science Center visitors during operating hours.
- Parking areas are for Science Center visitors only.
- No overnight parking.
- No boat trailers.
- Parking lot gates close at 5:30 p.m.
- Two EV charging stations are available free of charge for visitors during operating hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hours, Tickets, and Timing
What are your hours, and why does trail admission end at 3:30 p.m.?
The Science Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m. The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is about ¾ of a mile long and typically takes 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace. We stop admitting visitors at 3:30 p.m. to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the full trail before closing.
Do I have to purchase tickets before arriving?
Tickets for the Live Animal Exhibit Trail do not need to be purchased in advance, except on special event days (such as New Hampshire Day ). Tickets for Squam Lake Cruises should be purchased in advance, as space is limited.
What is included in the admission fee?
Trail admission includes access to the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, indoor and outdoor exhibits, on-site programs including Up Close to Animals presentations, River Otter Feeding & Turtle Talks (see calendar for when these programs are offered) and hiking trails. Lake Cruise tickets are separate and are not included in trail admission.
Animals and Exhibits
What animals do you have?
On the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, you can see native New Hampshire wildlife including Coyote, Fisher, Foxes, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, White‑tailed Deer, River Otters, Black Bear, a variety of raptors and other birds as well as lake fish, frogs and turtles. Up Close to Animals presentations vary and can include Porcupine, Turtles, Skunk, Woodchuck, Crayfish and a variety of raptors.
Learn more on our Animal Information page.
Is the trail a drive‑through, or how is it set up?
The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is a walk‑through, self‑guided trail. It is a mix of paved sections, packed gravel and dirt trail, and wooded boardwalk. You walk at your own pace and can stop at exhibits, play areas, and viewing spots along the way.
Can I feed or pet the animals?
For the safety and well‑being of our animal ambassadors and visitors, please do not feed or touch the animals at any time.
Parking, Lake Cruises, and Kirkwood Gardens
Where do I park for Squam Lake Cruises, and where do I check in?
We have ample parking for both the Science Center and Squam Lake Cruises; you may park in any visitor lot and follow the walkway down to Lake Cruise Headquarters. Check‑in for cruises is at Lake Cruise Headquarters. There is no public parking directly at Lake Cruise Headquarters.
Do I need a ticket for Kirkwood Gardens?
Kirkwood Gardens is open to the public year‑round and is free of charge. You are welcome to visit the gardens whether or not you purchase trail admission.
Accessibility, Strollers, and Scooters
Is the Live Animal Exhibit Trail wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The trail is wheelchair accessible and is designed to meet an ADA Recreational standard grade of 1 in 12, with some spots that may be more difficult due to loose gravel. For more detailed information, please visit our Accessibility page.
Are the boats on Squam Lake Cruises wheelchair accessible?
Boat accessibility depends in part on water levels in the channel, which affect the gap between the boat and the dock. We work to make any reasonable accommodations for accessibility on Squam Lake Cruises.
Are strollers and wagons allowed on the trail?
Yes. Strollers and wagons are welcome on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail. We do not rent strollers or wagons on site.
How do I reserve a scooter?
We have two motorized scooters available for visitors to use at no additional cost for a 2‑hour period. Users must be at least 16 years old, with a weight limit of 350 lbs. To reserve a scooter, please call 603‑968‑7194.
If you need accommodation for any program, event, or Squam Lake Cruise, please contact Operations Manager Erick Amero at erick.amero@nhnature.org or (603) 968-7194 x110 before your visit so we can plan with you.
Learn more on our Accessibility page.
Food, Drink, and On‑Site Services
Do you have food and drinks onsite?
We offer snacks and drinks in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop, but we do not have hot meals. Guests are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy in picnic areas indicated on the map. On the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, we ask that visitors carry only water; please do not bring food or drinks other than water onto the trail. Please do not feed any animals.
Pets, Service Animals, and Other Animals
Are outside animals allowed?
Many of our staff members have pets of their own, and we understand visitors often travel with animals. However, because dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, lizards, and other animals are not compatible with the animals on exhibit, pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals are prohibited from entering. Please leave your pets at home.
Only Service Animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may enter with visitors. For full details, including Service Animal guidelines and sensitive areas, please see our Accessibility page.