Nature & animals in Southern Tier
13 listed across 9 towns. Ages, schedule, and price up front - we link out to each provider.
Towns with nature & animals
Cornell Botanic Gardens — Youth & Family Programs
nature/animal · Ithaca
AgesKids of all ages (family programs)
ScheduleSchool/youth programs and Drop-In Discovery Days / family events (see events calendar)
PriceGardens free of charge
Tanglewood Nature Center
nature/animal · Elmira
AgesPre-K–5th grade (summer camps)
ScheduleMuseum Tue–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 10am–4pm; trails dawn–dusk; summer children's camps July–early September
PriceFree to visit
Animal Adventure Park
nature/animal · Harpursville
AgesUnder 3 free; ages 3–11; 12+
ScheduleIndoor Zoo Nov–April; Preserve closed until April 2027; Holiday Lights Nov 7–Dec 27 Thu–Sun 4–8pm
PriceAges 3–11 $19.03; ages 12+ $21.99; under 3 free
Primitive Pursuits
nature/animal · Ithaca
AgesPreschool 3–5; youth 5–12; teens 13–17; overnight camps ages 9–16
ScheduleYear-round nature immersion; summer day and overnight camps
PriceSliding scale camp fees $265–$485/week (by age)
Ross Park Zoo
nature/animal · Binghamton
Ages3+ (2 & under free)
ScheduleOpen every day 10am–4pm; last admission 3pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Price$8 general admission (ages 3+); 2 & under free
Wolf Mountain Nature Center
nature/animal · Smyrna
AgesKids 5 and under free; ages 6 and up pay general admission
ScheduleSept–June Sundays 12–4pm (closed mid-Dec–mid-Feb); July–Aug Fri/Sat/Sun 12–3pm
PriceGeneral admission $8 cash; ages 5 & under free
Cayuga Nature Center
nature/animal · Ithaca
AgesSummer camp historically ages 5–12 (confirm current season on site)
ScheduleTrails and TreeTops treehouse open daily dawn–dusk
PricePay-what-you-wish admission; free public programs
Farm Sanctuary Watkins Glen
nature/animal · Watkins Glen
ScheduleGuided and self-guided tours seasonally (closed to the public in winter; public tours resume spring)
Farmland Animal Park
nature/animal · Chemung
ScheduleOpen every day 8 a.m. until dark (hours on site)
PriceAdmission ages 2+ $10; under 2 free
Side Hill Acres Goat Farm
nature/animal · Candor
ScheduleYear-round educational tours by appointment (call ahead)
PriceTours at no charge
Broome County Parks — Greenwood Park
nature/animal · Lisle
ScheduleSeasonal swimming, trails, boat rentals, and family park amenities
PriceBoat rentals from $10/hr; camping $30/night
Iron Kettle Farm
nature/animal · Candor
AgesFamily activities for all ages (no narrower kids age band published on home/fall pages)
ScheduleSpring greenhouse/market season and fall farm activities (fall calendar posted seasonally)
Watkins Glen State Park
nature/animal · Watkins Glen
ScheduleOlympic-size and kiddie pool in summer; free scheduled gorge tours and educational programs (no registration for public programs)
PriceParking fee may apply; park education programs free