Tacoma Nature Center - Nature preserve in Tacoma - 1919 S Tyler St, USA

Perfect “nature hike” place with my kids when I’m trying to get them outside! There’s 3 parts to this center: kid zone, inside the center for learning, and then hiking trails that are actually in the forest. The kids play zone is wonderful and my young kids’ absolute favorite. It’s adventurous enough with trails circling around mini ponds, a waterfall, a play ground with a tunnel slide, a treehouse, a rock climbing spot… they definitely feel like they have their own forest and world and are explorers. The best part in my mind is that it’s all fenced in, which is comforting as a parent. If you cross the parking lot, you can access hiking trails that are totally stroller friendly (unpaved but nicely packed gravel/dirt). There’s a big loop and a half loop. The half loop crosses over a bridge with ducklings and turtles… my kids LOVE it. The big loop is a full mile (I think). I would also totally go here without kids and enjoy the trails. The center inside is donation based- so bring quarters and some cash so you can contribute, because places like this are amazing. There are some turtles, fish, a toad, and other wildlife in cases that kids can see up close, some fun kid activities like puzzles, magnet walls, and play log tunnels, and then learning stuff for the older kids. There’s also a gift shop. The center part is closed on the weekends, FYI. This is one of our favorite Tacoma spots! Win all around.

Great place for my daughter (2.5 years old). The staff is nice and friendly. We saw the exhibition, hiked on the trail and played at the playground. She had a lot of fun and she also chose a small cute bear at the gift store.

We walk here weekly. It's always safe, always relaxing, always something to look at. It's a great place for parents to take their kids. The full lower trail is 1 mile with a half mile circle that takes you across the center bridge. It has an upper trail that is .65 miles that gives you a hill challenge. It's so nice to have these places within the city to enjoy nature.

If you’re looking for a quick family walk the nature trails are great. There are a couple loops, both of which have bridges and lots of gorgeous trees. The nature center is also very cute. The kids loved the activities and seeing the turtles in the tank. Definitely worth a visit if you need to fill a couple hours and get outside.

Very nice place to walk for families or solo. Turtles in the pond are an added bonus.

This place is a gem amongst the humdrum of the city. Never would you expect to see such gorgeous and captivating scenery right in the heart of north Tacoma. Several different trail options accommodate the learning and the experienced, providing a good mix of scenery, elevation, inclination and more. Various places to bench up and catch your breath, all while barely needing to travel down the street. Absolutely love the park and location and will definitely be coming back.

Beautiful place to walk in the fall. Very well maintained trails.

The website says it’s dog friendly, but there are signs posted everywhere that dogs are not allowed. So, they to update the website or the information on Google needs to be updated. You cannot walk your dog at this public park/nature preserve.