We tend to take it for granted living in New Hampshire, but the Granite State is full of truly remarkable wildlife. It's important to remember how lucky we are to have such magnificent nature right in our backyards, and there's one science center in Holderness that's the perfect place to do so. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a phenomenal place to take your family to see hard-to-find wildlife up close as well as learn all about the local ecosystem. There are many interactive ways to experience this incredible place as well as many opportunities for hands-on learning. So everyone young and old can pick up some new fun facts on a trip to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in New Hampshire.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is one of the most remarkable places you can visit in New Hampshire —

the wildlife and nature displayed here will show you the best of the Granite State and remind you of the magic of living in northern New England.

Sometimes it is nice to go to a zoo to see all kinds of exotic animals but here at this science center in New Hampshire, you can learn all about the animals in your own backyard. We found it incredibly helpful to see the creatures we share the woods with and get a greater understanding of how they live, eat, and interact. It also gave us an incentive to find these creatures out in the wild.

Inside the main building, you'll find informative and hands-on exhibits that will give you the background you need on the landscape and wildlife of New Hampshire.

Throughout the property, you will work your way in and out of various buildings to experience the hands-on aspects of each exhibit. Everything is purposely designed to be interactive from hatching like little birds to discovering how moles dig through the dirt. We were fascinated by each display which made it very exciting to see what might be next.

The most amazing feature of the center is the amazing nature trail you can walk past indoor and outdoor exhibits, where you'll have a remarkable up close and personal view of animals including some of the largest predators in America, from mountain lions to bears (Oh my!).

Getting to see the mountain lion was one of our favorites but there is also an elevated boardwalk section where you get to walk right over the deer enclosure. It was great to get a bird's eye view of these majestic creatures grazing in the grassy field below.

You'll be stunned by the beauty of these magnificent creatures. The Squam Lakes Natural Sciences Center is deeply dedicated to care and conservation, so you can be sure that the animals get the absolute best treatment possible. It is just one of the many reasons this wildlife park in New Hampshire stands out to us and was so fun to visit.

You can even get a good look at a snoozing bear!

When we went he was just sitting in the back munching on some food. Either way, this big black bear is adorable but it was still nice to have a safe distance.

But not all of the animals are dangerous predators — you'll be absolutely captivated by the sweet and playful river otters.

The birds — from owls to eagles — are incredible, too. Aren't these owls irresistible?

Seeing the bald eagles up close gives you a deeper appreciation for these regal birds. It is easy to see why they have become the iconic bird of our country.

The naturalists at the center put on all sorts of amazing educational programs, so be sure to keep an eye on their calendar, which we will link below.

If your kids grow tired of the science and natural history, there's also a fantastic play area for them!

This natural playground was a huge hit and offered alot of really cool places for children to play. After going it is sure to bring out the kid in you and want to play as well. It did for us when we went.

In the summer months, you can also take a cruise on Squam Lake while you're at the Center.

If you are looking for a great family outing then we would highly suggest a trip to this science center. After going we can emphatically say it is wholly worth it and the kids will no doubt love every part of it. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities to learn and see wildlife. To check out the list of upcoming events please visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center website. To learn more about this science center please check out our Adventuring in the Moment video and see all the different exhibits:

Seeing animals in a wildlife refuge is fun but the real adventure is when you get to see them out in the wild. If you want to seek some serious wild creatures you're gonna have to hit the trails and go out in their territory. We find the best way to track your trails is through the AllTrails app so download it today and start hiking.

Can't get enough of New Hampshire's wildlife? Check out our tips for the best places to spot moose.