Tree Hill Nature Center
A 50-acre urban wilderness preserve in Jacksonville, FL, offering nature trails, animal exhibits, and an indoor nature center for hands-on learning.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Tree Hill Nature Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 50-acre urban wilderness preserve in Jacksonville, FL, offering nature trails, animal exhibits, and an indoor nature center for hands-on learning.
"A wonderful experience for families with young kids! It's a hidden gem, especially for families with little ones."
Bring Cash for Goat Feed
Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petting Zoo Fun
Outdoor Animal Exhibits
Feed the friendly goats and interact with other farm animals. A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike!
Nature Trails
50-Acre Preserve
Explore diverse habitats on well-maintained trails, perfect for a peaceful walk and wildlife spotting.
Indoor Nature Center
Main Building
Discover local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits, snakes, and turtles.
Wildflower Garden
Near Amphitheater
A serene spot to relax and admire the beauty of native Florida wildflowers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Plan for Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Goat Feed
Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Special Events
They often have educational programs and events perfect for families. :calendar:
Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Picnics are welcome! :water_buffalo:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Goat Feed
Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Special Events
They often have educational programs and events perfect for families. :calendar:
Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Picnics are welcome! :water_buffalo:
Consider an Annual Membership
Great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tree Hill Nature Center is widely praised as a delightful hidden gem, especially for families. Visitors love the peaceful trails, the engaging animal encounters, and the educational aspects of the indoor nature center. The kind and passionate staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, making it a highly recommended spot for a fun and enriching day out.
"This place is wonderful! Me and my adult age daughter wanted to get some steps in and figured we’d give this place a shot. It was so peaceful and the landscape was beautiful. A Florida rainstorm had just moved through and dropped buckets of rain, so we didn’t venture through all the wooded paths, but we did do almost all of it. There’s goats and chickens and pigs and alligators and also an indoor space with some snakes and turtles. We enjoyed ourselves and will be back when it’s sunny. We are adults and didn’t do all the trails and we were there about 2 hours. If it was drier, we may have been there a little longer. Highly recommend!"
laura micalizzi
"Wonderful experience for families with young kids!
We had such a great time at Tree Hill Nature Center! It’s a hidden gem, especially for families with little ones. My kids loved feeding the goats and were thrilled to pet the turtles. The nature walk to the amphitheater was peaceful and easy for small kids to handle, and the butterfly garden was a beautiful spot to relax.
What really stood out was the amazing staff – they encouraged us to get goat food as a reward for potty training, which totally made their day. It’s rare to find a place where the staff are so thoughtful and go out of their way to create a special experience. Highly recommend for anyone with young children looking for an educational and fun outdoor adventure."
Annie Rose
"I took five of my grands there just yesterday and it was wonderful. The open air, the trails, the animals, and the amphitheater were nice to explore. It felt very organic, not like a zoo. We took our time and toured outside, then went inside on both floors. This was very educational and my grands really enjoyed themselves. Ages 12 to six. We will come back again. Also, the staff were very kind."
Michelle Tuetken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tree Hill Nature Center is located at 7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it's a convenient spot for a family outing in Jacksonville. 
Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center strives to be accessible. Some trails are paved or boardwalks, and there are efforts to make the center accommodating for visitors with mobility challenges. +1
The nature center is typically open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any holiday closures or special hours.
Information on public transportation routes to Tree Hill Nature Center is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival for most visitors.
While it's an urban wilderness preserve, many visitors find the trails peaceful and less trafficked, especially on weekdays. It offers a quieter nature escape within the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-17). Discounts are available for military, teachers, students, first responders, and seniors ($4). Children under 3 are free.
Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. You can typically pay upon arrival.
Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center offers annual memberships, which can be a great value for frequent visitors.
Parking is available on-site and is typically included with admission.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to have cash on hand, especially for purchasing goat feed, as some smaller transactions might be cash-only.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see goats, chickens, and alligators in the outdoor exhibits. The indoor nature center features snakes and turtles.
Absolutely! The center boasts a 50-acre preserve with various nature trails, offering a beautiful outdoor experience.
Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center is a great spot for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy it in designated areas.
The indoor nature center includes interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, and displays of local wildlife like snakes and turtles.
It's highly recommended for families with young children. Kids love the petting zoo, interactive exhibits, and easy-to-navigate trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The wildflower garden, animal enclosures, and scenic trail views offer great photo opportunities. The diverse wildlife also provides unique shots.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the animals and the natural beauty of the preserve.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional or commercial photography might require special permits, so it's best to inquire if you have specific needs.
Besides the farm animals, keep an eye out for native Florida wildlife like birds, turtles, and various plant species.
Absolutely! The 50-acre preserve offers a variety of natural landscapes and wildlife, making it a fantastic location for nature photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds. The center provides a great opportunity for hands-on learning about local wildlife and ecosystems in a fun, relaxed environment.
Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
While not an intense hiking destination, the trails are perfect for a leisurely walk or a nature photography session.
The variety of landscapes within the preserve ensures that each visit can offer something new. Budget-Conscious Visitors
Consider purchasing an annual membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it provides great savings. Bringing your own water and snacks for a picnic lunch can further reduce costs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Wildlife
Beyond the trails, the outdoor animal exhibits are a major draw. Here, you can interact with friendly goats, observe chickens, and even see alligators. The opportunity to feed the goats is a particular highlight for many, especially families with children.
The staff's passion for the animals and the environment is often mentioned, contributing to a positive and educational experience. For those seeking a more structured educational experience, the indoor Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, and displays of local fauna like snakes and turtles.
This indoor space is perfect for a break from the Florida heat or for a more focused learning session. The combination of outdoor exploration and indoor discovery makes Tree Hill Nature Center a well-rounded destination for nature lovers of all ages.Family Fun and Educational Value
Reviewers often mention how their children were thrilled to pet turtles and engage with the animals, making it an educational adventure. The nature walks are described as peaceful and manageable for small children, and the wildflower garden provides a beautiful, serene spot for families to relax.
For those who visit frequently, an annual membership is highlighted as a great value, allowing families to enjoy the 'nature magic' of the trails throughout the year.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and organic, a refreshing contrast to more crowded attractions.
While the center is a natural area, it's important to note that some trails might be more challenging after rain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit