Westwood Hills Nature Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Westwood Hills Nature Center offers a unique escape into a surprisingly wild and natural environment, complete with abundant wildlife (deer, hawks, birds), immersive floating boardwalks over a lake, an interactive education center, and a playground. It's an ideal venue for families looking to spend several hours engaged in nature observation and light recreation, even though it's nestled within human development.
Key Highlights
- ✓Regular sightings of wildlife, particularly deer and hawks, close to walking paths.
- ✓Features lovely, immersive, and peaceful floating boardwalks around a lake.
- ✓Includes a super fun and interactive education center for kids.
- ✓Has a dedicated playground, adding to the entertainment options for children.
- ✓Offers many beautiful walking paths suitable for various activity levels.
- ✓Provides numerous places to sit and relax ('a gazillion places to sit and chill').
- ✓Allows for enjoyable sunset viewing opportunities.
- ✓Accessible for 'a few hours' of nature exploration and walking.
Standout Features
- ⭐Floating boardwalks provide an immersive and unique walking experience over the lake.
- ⭐Interactive education center that is described as 'super fun'.
- ⭐On-site playground for children to burn energy.
- ⭐High probability of seeing real wildlife, such as deer and hawks.
- ⭐Extensive network of walking paths.
- ⭐Designated picnic areas (accessible via stairs).
- ⭐Plenty of seating available throughout the center.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring waterproof boots if visiting after rain or in the spring to navigate potentially muddy sections before the boardwalk.
- →Be aware that local birding groups may occupy parts of the boardwalk; plan accordingly for potential temporary congestion.
- →Do not bring pets, as they are strictly prohibited on the premise and trails.
- →For a less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak times (e.g., late afternoon on a winter day was noted as 'not very crowded').
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trails can be muddy, especially if it has been raining or during the spring, requiring appropriate footwear before reaching the boardwalk.
- ⚠Local birding groups have been reported to sometimes take up the entire width of the boardwalk, potentially impeding general passage.
Price & Value
No pricing information is mentioned in the reviews, suggesting general admission may be free. The array of features (wildlife, boardwalks, education center, playground) indicates excellent value for money.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Floating boardwalks are likely flat and accessible.
- •Specific areas, like picnic areas, are accessed via 'a few different sets of stairs', limiting full wheelchair or stroller access to all parts.
- •The presence of mud before reaching the boardwalk can pose a barrier for strollers or mobility devices, especially after rain or in spring.
- •No specific accommodations for sensory-friendly experiences or staff training for disabilities are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Picnic areas are mentioned, suggesting that bringing outside food for picnics is allowed, though no explicit food policy or cafe details are provided.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information about parking facilities or costs is mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally not reported as overly crowded, but crowd levels can vary by time and season (e.g., 5pm in December was 'not very crowded').
- •Can experience temporary congestion on boardwalks due to groups like local birding groups.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid, security) are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Visiting without appropriate footwear (e.g., sneakers on a rainy day) due to potential mud on trails.
- • Bringing any pets, as they are not permitted on the property or trails.
Pricing/Package/Events
Recent Reviews
Eric Steinke
a month agoI like it. Despite the fact that it’s surrounded by human development, it still has a very wild and natural place. I’ve seen deer regularly as well as hawks flying high above. The boardwalk around the lake is particularly lovely. Bring boots if it’s been raining or in the spring. You’ll likely encounter some mud before getting to the boardwalk.
Jacob Richards
4 months agoGreat place to take my son to relax and enjoy the wildlife. I do wish the local birding group would be more respectful and wouldn't take up the entire width of the boardwalk.
Tracey B
12 months agoI love this place. 🥰 I used to live nearby and I loved to run and walk. The floating boardwalks make for am immersive and peaceful experience. There are a few different sets of stairs going to picnic areas etc ... Sometimes I to like to run up and down as part of my workout. But, in general, there are a gazillion places to sit and chill... It's so great to watch the sunset. I've never actually taken advantage of the nature better itself but I feel like I should make an effort to do so soon. Also, no pets allowed on the premise or the trails... FYI.
River Andreas
4 months agoIt was very pretty, and not very crowded though that likely had more to do with the fact it's 5pm in December than anything else
Logan Elizabeth
9 months agoSo many beautiful walking paths, super fun and interactive education center, and a playground! Lots of fun for everyone. Plus you get to see some real wildlife, too! Two times I have been and seen real deer not too far from the walking paths. If you are looking for a place to be able to spend a few hours walking around and enjoying nature I cannot recommend this place enough