All trails are currently CLOSED (live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails).
Red fox

Hours and Admission

The live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails are currently closed.

Plan at least two hours to walk the exhibit trail or bring a picnic and spend the day with a visit to Kirkwood Gardens and a Squam Lake Cruise.


2024 Trail Admission

Includes the live animal exhibit trail and all hiking trails

Members: FREE
Adults: $26.00
Seniors (age 65+): $24.00
Youth (ages 3-15): $20.00
Children 2 and Under: FREE
Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Please visit our Exhibit Trail page for specific exhibit updates or closures.

Discounted Trail Admission

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center participates in a number of programs to help more people get Nearer to Nature.

  • Library Membership Pass - Borrow the pass from your library for a specific date then bring the pass with you to the Admissions window at the Welcome Center on that date. Reservations are not required but can be made online. The Library Pass is valid for up to four $13.00 trail admissions.
  • AZA Reciprocal Discount - $13.00 each for up to four trail admissions. Bring your AZA reciprocal membership card and tickets with you when you visit. AZA Reciprocal admission must be purchased at the admissions window or over the phone.
  • ANCA Reciprocal Discount - $13.00 each for up to four trail admissions. Bring your ANCA reciprocal membership card and tickets with you when you visit. ANCA Reciprocal admission must be purchased at the admissions window or over the phone.
  • Museums for All Discount - $3.00 each for up to four trail admissions. Bring your SNAP/EBT benefit card or proof of WIC assistance and photo ID with you when you visit.
  • Family Access Membership - A Family Access Membership is for families receiving food assistance. It includes unlimited free admission to trails and exhibits for one named adult and up to five others (children 2 and under are free) from May 1 through November 1. A Family Access Membership may be purchased for $25 by applying in-person at Admissions from May 1 through November 1. An eligible adult must provide their name, address, email, phone number, and show a current EBT card or proof of WIC assistance and photo ID. Family Access Memberships are not available online.
  • Blue Star Museums - Active duty military personnel and their families (up to five family members) receive free trail admission from Armed Forces Day (May 21) through Labor Day (September 5). Before Armed Forces Day and after Labor Day the active duty personnel receive free trail admission and their family (up to five) receives $13.00 trail admission.


Lake Cruise Admission

Cruise Rates

Cruise Pass Fees (2024) Member Rate Non-Member Rate
Adult $28.00 $32.00
Senior $26.00 $30.00
Youth (Age 15 and under) $24.00 $28.00
Not recommended for children under 5. Squam Lake Cruises are held on small, covered pontoon boats holding approximately 20 passengers. They are narrated tours and passengers must remain seated for the duration of the cruise. Children age 12 and under must wear a life jacket per New Hampshire State law.    
Discover Squam
Discover Squam Cruise on Squam Lake
Bald Eagle Adventure
Bald Eagle in nest on Squam Lake
Loon Cruise
Loon with Chick
Cruise with a Naturalist
Viewing wildlife through binoculars on a Squam Lake Cruise
Private Charters
View of Mt Chocorua from Squam Lake
Group Tours
View from Squam Channel entering Squam Lake

We accept MC, VISA, AMEX, and DISCOVER. Rates and schedules are subject to change. Group rates are available; please call 603-968-7194 or email for information and reservations.

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