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Christmas: Wednesday 12/24 and Thursday 12/25 | New Years: Wednesday 12/31 and Thursday 1/1
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- Hungerford Nature Center|Special Events & Programs
Discover Winter Fest, Nature Fest, and the other programs and events taking place at Hungerford Nature Center. Upcoming Events Join us throughout the year for our signature seasonal celebrations! These beloved events bring our community together for fun, discovery, and connection with nature. Mark your calendars and make memories with us year after year. Pumpkin Palooza Get ready for a not-so-spooky good time! Pumpkin Palooza is a family favorite with carved pumpkins, seasonal crafts, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates the magic of autumn. Costumes encouraged! Friday Oct. 17th and Saturday Oct. 18th 6:30pm - 9:00pm Wood & Whiskey Join us for a very special pairing! Worldwide Wine & Spirits will be introducing us to some lovely tasting notes while our Educator introduces you to the plants that inspire the flavors. Friday Nov. 7th 6:30pm - 8:30pm WinterFest Warm up with wintery fun for the whole family! WinterFest features cozy campfires, s’mores, seasonal nature crafts, wildlife programs, and special visits with cold-weather animal ambassadors. Saturday Feb. 7th Pancake Breakfast Join us for a cozy Pancake Breakfast featuring fresh, fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup! Learn all about the art of maple sugaring—how sap is collected, boiled, and transformed into the sweet syrup we love. A delicious morning of food and fun. Saturday March 14th Upcoming Programs Kids Can Cook A new program at Hungerford Nature Center will help your kids to build confidence and independence in the kitchen, all while having a great time creating and tasting fresh and delicious meals See Our Full Calendar
- Hungerford Nature Center|Home
Discover the Hungerford Nature Center, voted BEST CAMP in New Britain. Explore programs, events & more at Hungerford Nature Center today! Fall/Winter Hours Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 4pm Hungerford Nature center We are a non-profit educational institution that provides science and environmental programs, special events, interactive STEAM exhibits, a playground, a pond, 22 acres of forested habitat with walking trails and is home to over 50 live domestic, native, exotic, and farm animals About Us Thank You to Our Pumpkin Palooza Sponsors Register Members Event
- Hungerford Nature Center|Cooking Classes
Join our Cooking Classes at Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT to spark creativity and empower your kids. Discover the joy of cooking with our expert teachers today! Cooking Classes "Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It's about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity." - Guy Fieri Register HERE Kashia Diaz Kashia is the Owner of KD Gastronomy Consulting LLC, which supports food pantries and food hubs by creating simple, healthy, and delicious meals to feed underserved populations. She is the Founder of My City Kitchen a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Organization established in 2009, after graduating from Lincoln Culinary Institute and Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Costigliole d'Asti, Italy. Currently, Kashia serves as Manager at Bridgeport Rescue Mission while running her own business. Previous work included Food Service Manager for the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport overseeing the Center for Food Equity + Economic Development program (FEED). Kashia sees the world through a food lens. Everything she does has food culture at its core.
- Hungerford Nature Center|Member Only Events
Explore exclusive Member-Only Events at Hungerford Nature Center located at 191 Farmington Avenue, Berlin, CT. Become a member and enjoy unique experiences and community connections! Member-Only Events Mark your calendar for 2025 Member-Only Events! Registration is required for all Member Events while tickets are available. Baryard Buddies Saturday June 8th Come stroll with our friendly goats! Great for all ages. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Duration : ~30 minutes Location : Barnyard Area Small Fee per Family Pumpkin Carving Wednesday October 15th We’ll provide the pumpkins and tools—you bring the creativity. Carve a spooky face, a silly smile, or your favorite animal. Perfect for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 fee per family/group REGISTER HERE Pastries & a Pig Named Bebop Saturday August 30th 9am - 10am Join us for tasty breakfast pastries, then tag along as we feed our resident potbellied pig, Bebop, his morning meal. Duration : ~30 mins All Ages Small Fee $5 per Family Bonfire Stories Saturday November 15 th Join us at the fire pit for stories and s’mores. LIMITED Space Best for ages 5 and up. S’mores supplies provided. Duration : ~1 hour Location : Fire Pit One time $5 fee per Family REGISTER HERE Become a Member Don't Miss out on Member-Exclusive Events... Join Us today.
- Hungerford Nature Center|Meet Our Animals
From our Barnyard Buddies Inside Animals, Native CT Habitat, Tank Wall, or Birds of Prey, Meet Our Animals at 191 Farmington Avenue, Berlin, CT. Meet Our Animals Click to learn more about our animal ambassadors Birds Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Invertebrates
- Hungerford Nature Center|Hours & Admission
Discover the Hours & Admission details for our Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT. Plan your visit today with our Hours & Admission info! Fall/Winter Hours Tuesday-Sunday 10 am - 4 pm Hours & Admission Our Location 191 Farmington Ave., Berlin, CT 06037 Our Hours Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Last Admission at 3:30 pm (Closed on Mondays) Trails: Open daily Admission Adults $10.00 Seniors $8.00 Children $6.00 Children 3 and Under FREE Members: FREE Directions to Hungerford If using a GPS please use Berlin instead of Kensington) Parking We offer free parking for all visitors in our onsite lot, conveniently located just steps from the Nature Center entrance. Please note: Our parking lot is only open during regular business hours. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's usually plenty of space during the day. On special event days or busy weekends, the lot may fill quickly—we recommend arriving early or checking our website or social media for up-to-date parking information.
- Hungerford Nature Center|Reptiles
Reptiles Ball Python Romeo Painted Turtle Picasso Asparagus Crested Gecko Bowser Yoshi Toad Corn Snake Cob Dora Leopard Gecko Spot Red Eared Slider Ducky Leonardo Raphael Donatello Michelangelo Bearded Dragon Lucky Eastern Box Turtle Red Yertle Russian Tortoise Rushy
- Hungerford Nature Center|Educational Programs
Explore educational programs at Hungerford Nature Center in Berlin, CT. Discover programs such as Nature School for ages 3-5 and for homeschool families from ages 5-12 as well as Fit By Nature by Mary Cole. Visit today! Programs Tiny Tracks Homeschool Explorations Further Opportunity for Homeschool Families: Fit By Nature by Mary Cole Click below to learn more about the new Fit By Nature program offered by Mary Cole. More Information
- Hungerford Nature Center|School & Community Trips
Discover unforgettable school trips with our Nature Organization in Berlin, Connecticut! Plan your next educational adventure. School trips made memorable! School Trips Hungerford Nature Center School Programs - 2025-2026 Standard Programs (45–60 minutes) On-site: $125 for the first program $100 for each additional Recommended group size: 20–25 students 30-Minute Programs (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and select 1st grade groups) On-site: $90 for the first program $75 for each additional Recommended group size: 15–20 students Onsite School Trips Offsite School Trips On-Site + Off-Site Combo Discount Schools that book one off-site and one on-site program in the same school year will receive 20% off the on-site visit. This discount applies only when both types of visits are scheduled and does not apply to multiple visits of the same type. Please see the list of all available programs below. Custom programs are also available. Standard Programs (45–60 minutes) Off-site: $175 (plus mileage) for the first program $100 for each additional Recommended group size: 20–25 students 30-Minute Programs (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and select 1st grade groups) Off-site: $125 (plus mileage) for the first program $75 for each additional Recommended group size: 15–20 students PK - K Programs 1st - 2nd Grade Programs 3rd - 5th Grade Programs Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the cost of your programs? On-Site Programs: The first program of your visit is $125. Each additional program (same booking) is $100. Off-Site Programs: The first program of your visit is $175 (plus mileage). Each additional program (same booking) is $100. 2. What is included in the program fee? The program fee includes the full experience of the program, which includes access to indoor and outdoor exhibits, playscapes, and trail network (on-site) or travel to your location (off-site). For off-site programs, the price includes the cost of travel; however, mileage will be added for trips exceeding a specific distance. 3. Are there any additional fees for mileage? Yes, for off-site programs, a mileage fee is applied based on the distance from Hungerford Nature Center. The mileage rate is $0.70 per mile round trip. For shorter trips, we may incorporate mileage costs into the base program fee. 4. How many students can participate in a program? Recommended Group Size: For regular programs, we recommend a group size of 20–25 students. For 30-minute programs (available for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade), the recommended group size is 15–20 students. 5. Are there any discounts for multiple programs or visits? Yes! Multiple Programs in One Visit: If you book more than one program on the same visit, the additional programs are priced at $100 each (after the first program). Multi-Visit Discount: Schools that book both an off-site and on-site visit in the same calendar year will receive a 20% discount on the second (on-site) visit. 6. How are chaperones handled? On-Site Programs: 1 free adult per 10 students Additional adults are $10 each. Paraprofessionals and 1-on-1 aides are always free. Off-Site Programs: All adults are free. 7. Can I book a 30-minute program? Yes! We offer 30-minute programs for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade (in special circumstances). 30-Minute Program (On-site): $90 30-Minute Program (Off-site): $125 (plus mileage) Each Additional 30-Minute Program (Same Day): $75 These programs are ideal for early learners or classes with limited time. The recommended group size for 30-minute programs is 15–20 students. 8. How do I book a program? You can book a program by contacting us via email at jasonbrown@nbymhnc.org or calling 860-827-9064 . We’ll help you plan the right number of programs based on your group size and needs. 9. Are there any requirements for the number of adults or chaperones? Yes, we require at least one adult chaperone for every 10 students attending the program. For on-site programs, additional adults are welcome for a fee of $10 each. For off-site programs, all adults attend for free. 10. Can I bring my own lunch or snacks? We ask that all food and snacks be kept in designated areas to maintain a safe environment for all attendees. Please check with us about specific rules or availability of eating areas before your visit. Additional Information The Hungerford Nature Center (HNC) works to inspire creativity, engage visitors in playful learning, and develop stewardship for nature and the environment. Educational programs are interactive and grounded in inquiry and discovery. The Hungerford Nature Center (191 Farmington Avenue, Berlin, Connecticut) can accommodate between 60-90 students per day. (season dependent due to utilization of outdoor spaces) Access Scholarships The NBYM/HNC has a small scholarship fund intended to expand access to our programming. Contact the Education Department at jasonbrown@nbymhnc.org or 860-483-2197 to learn if your school qualifies for this fund.
- Hungerford Nature Center|Press
Stay updated with our Press & Newsletter from 191 Farmington Avenue, Berlin, CT. Subscribe now for the latest news in nature conservation! Press re: wild your campus re: wild your campus 2025 Best Camp (HNC) and Best Kids Activity (NBYM) New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2025! Museums for All June 16, 2025 New Animal Ambassador June 13, 2025 REIMAGINING The NEw BRitain Youth Museum May 20, 2025 WTIC News Talk 1080 February 2, 2025 New Britain Youth Museum BEST Kids Activity New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2024! Hungerford Nature Center BEST Camp New Britain Herald’s Reader Poll, Best of 2024!
- Hungerford Nature Center|Mammals
Mammals Ferret Sandy Rizzo Guinea Pig Milky Way Tater Tot Virginia Oposum Violet Lucy Long Tailed Chinchilla Pepper Red Fox Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Kiwi Sugar Gliders BamBam Pebbles Eastern Striped Skunk Tux
- Hungerford Nature Center|Mission Statement & History
Mission Statement We engage our community by sparking curiosity, nurturing understanding, and encouraging stewardship of our natural world. History Established in 1984, Hungerford Nature Center has been a staple in the community for families and individuals, offering educational programming, exhibits and special events that relate to environmental education, biological and animal sciences, and STEM for over 40 years. The Hungerford Nature Center maintains 22 acres of guided woodland and interpretive gardens that support a variety of native and cultivated plant species is home to many domestic animals and native wild birds. There is a farm-yard, indoor exhibits, walking trails, and a picnic and play area. Memories of Summer Fun Children's Museum, High Street, New Britain, Connecticut, 1957. Photo courtesy of New Britain Herald and Susan Spring Gelb. Youthful Imagination Always On Display at New Britain Museum Joseph Lazzaro, pg. AE11 Aug 14, 1986; Hartford Courant Berlin Gets New Nature Center Leonard Felson, Courant Correspondent May 24, 1984; Hartford Courant pg. E1B The Junior League of New Britain presented to the New Britain Institute the idea for creating a Children’s museum using these collections and agreed to operate the museum for a 5-year period. 1955 The success of the museum led the Institute to form a Children’s Museum Committee to manage the Children’s Museum in 1961. 1961 The new children’s building was opened in 1975 and was renamed the New Britain Youth Museum. 1975 In 1984, the Youth Museum opened its operations at Hungerford Park as a nature center. The Youth Museum continues to operate from both facilities, the original downtown location and Hungerford Park. 1984 The New Britain Youth Museum and The Hungerford Nature Center continue to grow and thrive, offering families and individuals programs and facilities and supporting STEM and sustainable education. 2025 Larisa Roderick, Children's Museum, High Street, New Britain, Connecticut, 1950s. Photo courtesy of Larisa Roderick. Hungerford Center Given Herb Garden Maryellen Wazorko, Sep 19, 1985; Hartford Courant pg. BE3 Stable in Kensington shelters nature center KENNETH DiMAGGIO Courant Correspondent Jan 21, 1988; Hartford Courant pg. E11A Center puts children in touch with nature Michael L. Miller, Courant Correspondent May 21, 1987; Hartford Courant pg. E9B Message From Our Executive Director Hello! My name is Tami Christopher and I am thrilled and honored to join The New Britain Youth Museum and Hungerford Nature Center as Executive Director. I began my career in museum education and over the years have served in executive leadership roles in several organizations developing programs and educational opportunities. I am passionate about connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with nature and creative, active learning and play. Here at The New Britain Youth Museum and Hungerford Nature Center that means: Exploring our woodland trails and pond Getting to know our animals- mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds from near and afar Roaming our beautiful garden Enjoying some active play in our museum downtown and playground at the Nature Center Bringing your friends together for a birthday party at one of our locations Picnicking in our pavilion And so much more There are so many great things happening here and so much to do with your families and friends. I look forward to continuing all of the great work of our very dedicated staff and board. Thank you for being part of our wonderful New Britain Youth Museum and Hungerford Nature Center! I hope to see you soon!

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