Tacoma Nature Center Snake Lake
A free, 71-acre wetland and forest sanctuary with trails, a visitor center, and a unique playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Tacoma Nature Center Snake Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 71-acre wetland and forest sanctuary with trails, a visitor center, and a unique playground.
"A cute little nature spot, completely free, with a nice playground and educational exhibits."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful nature spot and its educational center completely free of charge. Perfect for budget-friendly outings!
Stroller-Friendly Trails :baby_carrier:
The .5 and 1-mile loops around the lake are paved and perfect for strollers and little legs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snake Lake Boardwalk
Around Snake Lake
Stroll the stroller-friendly boardwalk loops for stunning wetland views and wildlife spotting.
Nature Center Exhibits
Visitor Center
Discover live turtles, preserved animals, and interactive exhibits for an educational and engaging experience.
Wooden Playground
Near Visitor Center
A unique, nature-inspired wooden playground offers a fun adventure for kids amidst trees and shrubs.
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Planning Your Visit
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Parking Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful nature spot and its educational center completely free of charge. Perfect for budget-friendly outings!
Stroller-Friendly Trails :baby_carrier:
The .5 and 1-mile loops around the lake are paved and perfect for strollers and little legs.
Wildlife Spotting :bird:
Keep an eye out for frogs, eagles, seals, blue herons, hawks, and various birds. Bring binoculars!
Playground Fun :child:
The wooden playground is a hit, but visibility can be tricky with kids exploring. Be prepared for a water feature!
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful nature spot and its educational center completely free of charge. Perfect for budget-friendly outings!
Stroller-Friendly Trails :baby_carrier:
The .5 and 1-mile loops around the lake are paved and perfect for strollers and little legs.
Wildlife Spotting :bird:
Keep an eye out for frogs, eagles, seals, blue herons, hawks, and various birds. Bring binoculars!
Playground Fun :child:
The wooden playground is a hit, but visibility can be tricky with kids exploring. Be prepared for a water feature!
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
There's a covered lunch area, making it a great spot for a family picnic after exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Tacoma Nature Center for its free admission, beautiful wetland trails, and engaging educational exhibits, especially the live animals. The unique wooden playground is a hit with kids, and the picnic area is a convenient bonus. Some concerns were raised about parking lot security and playground visibility.
"This special place would have received 5 stars, however their website should have had a clear notice that they were having a festival on the grounds on the same day the visit to this nature reserve had a free entrance. We had a great time, took our time and witness some beautiful views.Worth the time to enjoy the beautiful NW with all its creatures.
They have clean restrooms, a gift shop and many volunteer staff who help spread the knowledge around to all who visit. We had a few volunteer members who stopped on their way when passing us, providing animal and local history information, which made the visit more educational. To think that part of the area we walked over on a bridge was farmland.
We saw frogs, eagle, seals, fish, crabs, blue heron, hawks, ducks, various types of sandpipers, Demoiselle crane, and whimbrels."
ejaniswa
"This is such a cute little nature spot especially for the kiddos first of all it's completely free okay completely free hello that's a reason enough to go right there.
But then they also do have this nice playground area right at the beginning in front and it is made from wood and rocks. It's really pretty cool looking if you reference to my pictures you will then see what I'm talking about.
Then inside there is a gift shop and a room that has turtles in it with a bunch of other animals that have been preserved.
The turtles are alive and they also have frogs that are in this viewing room that are alive too. It's a pretty cool little room. They have another room which has like a bunch of different animals fur and they let you feel them with the back of your hand.
It was just such a joy we went there for a school field trip for the school day but I would come back again with my family it's a neat little spot.
They even have a little lunch area that's covered so you can have a little picnic lunch too so that part was cool. We had lunch there and spent the day there.
Thanks Tacoma nature center it was such a joy to spend the day in nature at such a lovely establishment.
Shout out from Larchmont Elementary School
🙊+🙉=💯% of 🌿🐢🦋🐞= 5⭐"
Jennifer W
"It was ok it’s a good place to go if ur into walking/hiking saw some black capped chickadees and Turtles but other then that not really worth walking so I wouldn’t recommend but it’s a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy nature"
5 star reviews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tacoma Nature Center is located at 1002 Fox Island Rd, Tacoma, WA 98406. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site.
While specific routes can vary, checking Pierce Transit schedules for routes near S 19th Street would be your best bet for public transport access.
From Seattle, take I-5 South towards Tacoma. Use exit 132 for WA-16 West towards Gig Harbor. Take exit 1A for WA-302 West towards Purdy. Continue on WA-302 W and follow signs for Fox Island Rd.
Yes, there is parking available. However, be aware of a reported car break-in, so secure your valuables.
The area around the nature center offers scenic routes, and while not a dedicated bike path directly to the entrance, it's a pleasant ride through Tacoma's outskirts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Tacoma Nature Center and its grounds is completely free! This makes it a fantastic option for a budget-friendly day out.
The grounds are generally open daily, but the visitor center hours may vary. It's best to check the official Metro Parks Tacoma website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
No advance booking is required for general admission as it's free. However, for specific programs or events, it's always a good idea to check the website for registration details.
While the center is always free, be aware of potential special events or festivals that might be happening on the grounds, which could affect the typical visitor experience.
The center has made efforts to improve accessibility, including stroller-friendly trails. Check their website for specific accessibility information regarding the visitor center and trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are stroller-friendly boardwalk loops around Snake Lake, offering .5 and 1-mile options. The trails wind through wetlands and forest.
Visitors frequently spot frogs, eagles, seals, fish, crabs, blue herons, hawks, ducks, sandpipers, and various other birds.
Yes, there's a unique wooden playground designed with natural elements. It's fun but requires supervision due to its layout.
The visitor center features live turtles, preserved animals, interactive exhibits on local flora and fauna, and a gift shop.
Typically, pets are not allowed in nature centers or on trails within protected natural areas to preserve wildlife. Please check Metro Parks Tacoma's specific pet policy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the nature center itself. However, there is a covered picnic area for visitors to enjoy their own food.
Absolutely! The nature center provides a covered picnic area, making it a perfect spot to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
You'll find various restaurants and cafes in Tacoma, a short drive from the nature center, offering diverse culinary choices.
Yes, there is a gift shop at the nature center that may offer small snacks or drinks, in addition to souvenirs.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the designated picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk around Snake Lake offers beautiful reflections and opportunities to photograph wildlife. The natural playground also makes for charming shots.
Yes, photography of the abundant wildlife is encouraged! Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
Drones are generally prohibited in nature preserves and parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations before flying.
A telephoto lens is great for wildlife, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the scenic wetland landscapes.
The natural setting provides a lovely backdrop for family photos, especially with the boardwalk and playground areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Bird Watchers
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wetlands and Wildlife
The wetlands are crucial for supporting a rich biodiversity, acting as a habitat for numerous species. The presence of volunteers who share their knowledge about the local flora and fauna significantly enhances the visitor experience, turning a simple walk into an educational journey.
Remember to tread lightly and respect the environment. While the trails are designed for enjoyment, they are also pathways through a living ecosystem. Observing wildlife from a distance is key to ensuring their well-being and allowing future visitors to have the same wonderful experiences. The educational aspect, highlighted by knowledgeable volunteers, makes this more than just a walk in the park.
The Visitor Center and Educational Programs
Beyond the exhibits, the center is a focal point for various environmental education programs. These programs are designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for conservation. From school field trips to community workshops, the center aims to connect people with nature and inspire stewardship. The interactive elements, like feeling animal furs, are often highlighted as memorable experiences for younger visitors.
The center's history, dating back to its opening in 1971 and subsequent expansions, underscores a long-standing commitment to environmental education in Tacoma. Managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, it continues to evolve, offering resources and activities that promote awareness of native plants, wildlife conservation, and sustainable living.
Family Fun and Play
While the playground is a major draw, parents should be aware of its layout. The design, with its trees and shrubbery, creates a 'little forest' feel that kids love, but it means visibility can be challenging if children are spread out. There's also a water feature, so packing extra clothes and shoes is a wise precaution.
Complementing the playground, the covered picnic area allows families to extend their stay, enjoying a meal amidst the natural beauty. This, combined with the free admission and educational exhibits, makes the Tacoma Nature Center a highly recommended destination for a family day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit