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Nature Center at Happy Isles
Nature Center at Happy Isles
Yosemite Valley
view websiteCenter of Curry Village Loop
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
209-372-0200
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Science & Nature Museum
Nature Center at Happy Isles Description
If you're visiting Yosemite in summer, the Nature Center at Happy Isles is a must-do. (It's also open on some weekends in spring and fall.) There are lots of kid-oriented displays that explain Yosemite's four environments -- forest, river, talus, and fen -- plus short trails that take walkers through each one. And the exhibit that explains the geologic history of the various big "rocks" (El Capitan, Glacier Point, etc.) within Yosemite makes you realize how "young" humans really are in the scheme of things. It's all definitely worth checking out.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The science lessons may go over their heads, but they'll enjoy the trails that explore the four different environments.
School-Age Kids: They'll love the interactive displays on the area's natural history.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Science buffs will enjoy learning how the park's "celebrities" -- El Capitan, Glacier Point, etc. -- were born.
Planning Notes
- Grab a bite. There's a snack bar at the Nature Center, and lots of benches where you can relax. If it's spring or early summer, listen to the roar of the nearby Merced River.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Take the short walk out to the namesake isles and look at the habitat along the river's banks.
- Bring the stroller. A paved trail winds around the Nature Center and leads over a small footbridge to the Happy Isles.
Just the Facts
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
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