A can't miss for kids: Science center critters get set for August birthday bash

A fox checks out a playtoy at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Courtesy photo)

HOLDERNESS -- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Birthday Bash for the Animals on Aug. 6.

This celebration is included with trail admission, and promises a day filled with wonder, learning, and plenty of birthday surprises for the Center's beloved animal ambassadors.

At this special annual event, visitors will see how animal care staff make every day special for resident animals through creative enrichment activities, gifts that stimulate their minds and senses. Throughout the day, animals will get to pen open their "birthday presents" during scheduled presentations. All animals will enjoy special enrichment, with staff on hand at select times to share insights about each animal's favorite treats, games, and habitats.

The festivities continue with hands-on activities for everyone. Families can visit the Discovery Table under the portico to explore enrichment tools and objects, and guests are encouraged to stop by the Blue Stone Terrace to make enrichment treats for the animals or dig in the interactive Dig Box.

Schedule of Featured Events:

• 10:00 a.m. - Enrichment at Mountain Lion Exhibit

• 11:00 a.m. - Up Close to Animals at Amphitheater

• 11:30 a.m. - River Otter Feeding

• 1:00 p.m. - Enrichment with Up Close to Animals at Bear Exhibit

• 3:00 p.m. - Up Close to Animals at Amphitheater

• 3:30 p.m. - Enrichment at Deer Exhibit

Docents will be available at animal exhibits and activity tables to answer questions and share the fun. Trails open at 9:30 a.m. and last admission to the trails is at 3:30 p.m.

For more information and tickets, visit nhnature.org.

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, public gardens, and a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated audiences of all ages since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity. The Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, an easy drive from exit 24 off I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1 with programming throughout the year. For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.