Martin Park Nature Center

We all thought Martin Park was fun! My family consists of 2 adults, a 7 yr old and a 3 yr old. Both kids were able to do the entire trails. We enjoyed walking down to the river. we just moved here from out of state and had a blast looking at all the park had to offer. One word to the wise: wear bug spray! We were covered in ticks! We had planned on stopping at the gazebo for a light snack, but all the benches and such had ticks all over them. We'll go back but with better tick protection!!!

i especially loved playing in the creek but its kinda scary cause i think there are some killer snakes down there. also hmmmm... well its a bit muddy and a bit slippery during the rainy season but its quite a party if you just jump in the creek naked. which may or may not be sanitary but i dont care either way. but basically its a fun place except they lock the gate at 6 or they threaten to anyways but usually youll make it out on time. but yea so just go!!!!!!

We really had fun with our kids at Martin Park. It is a good place to spend family time! It had good hands on fun at the inside Nature Center. The trails were very scenic and relaxing-not too much for young kids to walk.

Our group consisted of 5 elementary school students and three adults. We had arranged for park naturalist, Neil Garrison, to lead a short hike. We wanted the hike to be interesting and educational. In particular, we liked Neil's introduction to the park, differentiating it from a zoo (animals don't have to be here; we just make them welcome) and showing how the park makes them welcome (the houses for bats, birds, squirrels, and nesting geese). He helped us imagine the critters who would use prickly vines for protection. He encouraged questions and comments from the students. We will return to see the seasons change at Martin Nature Center.

The park is surrounded by development but nature is abundant here. You can leisurely stroll the paths or visit the hands on nature center and forget you're in the city. The newest exhibit Skywatch has live feed from the Hubble telescope and short programs set to beautiful music. My teenage daughter loves to go explore the streams, seeing armadillos walking, deer crossing paths and being able to be alone but safe. If you haven't visited-go. 'The naturalist Neil Garrison is awesome and the most knowledgeable naturalist I've met. The library is free for parties and they have great weekend programs and Sunday hikes. In the summer teenagers can get involved in the Green Earth Gang. Awesome jewel in the city and a must for visitors.

My kids loved the lookout tower and the indoor hands-on exhibits. We were surprised by some of the birds and other wildlife we found out on the trails. There was lots of shade, making a hot summers day very bearable. We all learned a bit.