Trailside Nature and Science Museum

The Trailside Nature and Science Museum is a great place to take the kids today! Learn about the geology and biology of Union County.

The Trailside Nature and Science Museum is Union County’s Environmental Education Center and is located in the Watchung Reservation. There are 4500 square feet of interactive exhibits including an incredible 34 foot American beech tree that is home to dozens (hundreds?) of fascinating smaller exhibits such as this hawk’s nest. We were fascinated by the tree and spent a lot of time going up and down the stairs that surround the tree to make sure we had seen every little gem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the base of the tree you’ll find these shelled treasures.

 

 

You’ll also love the small room, hidden behind a black curtain, that houses rather boring looking rocks. But, push the button and the lights go out and a fluorescent light shows you why these rocks are so incredible!

 

 

Another of our favorite exhibits was this one, dedicated to the Hadrosaur, New Jersey’s State dinosaur.

 

 

 

Whatever you do, don’t miss the night room, hidden in another corner of the museum. Sit on the small steps and watch and listen as the sounds and sights of the night come alive in one of the most magical 5 minutes you’ll ever find in a museum.

Be sure to sit on the bench facing the garden for a while and watch the birds come and visit!