Post updated March 23, 2020
We love everything about the Audubon Center in Greenwich. Located in the heart of back country Greenwich, CT, it’s the main Audubon sanctuary in the the town (there are seven of them). Containing 285 acres of hiking trails, woods, wetlands, lakes, vernal ponds and fields, it is actually the National Audubon Society’s first environmental education center, having opened in 1942.
From where we live in Westchester, it’s a 20 minute drive up the Hutch and Merritt Parkways, so not far at all. But those quick 20 minutes take you to back country Greenwich, where the rolling fields and long, windy roads are a totally different feel from where we live in our urban suburb.
People often associate Greenwich with the Long Island Sound, Todd’s Point or Greenwich Avenue, with all of its ritzy stores. But Greenwich is a big town, and “back country” Greenwich is a big part of it. If you are a nature lover like myself, then you will be drawn to the lushness of the landscape and the open land and woods; it’s hard to believe you’re only 45 minutes from New York City.
We have taken the kids a few times before and they love it; the Audubon traverses such a wide expanse of land (seven miles worth of trails) and is adventurous and you can bumble around and discover something new every time. On our most recent visit, we decided to take a trail that winds around and eventually goes to Mead lake, where we circumvented the lake and made our way back again, crossing over a stream and waterfall and spotting all sorts of birds and little creatures.
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The woods felt like a forest (maybe they technically are) and the lake was quite serene. I think what struck me the most though was how green and bright the foliage was against the grayness of the sky. It was so unbelievably lush that at times it didn’t feel like Connecticut, but some place more exotic. That’s what I really love about this Audubon – it’s a quite beautiful and unique spot, and when you’re in it, you feel like you’ve been whisked away.
In addition to the seven miles of trails, there is the Kimberlin Center, which has a children’s learning center, a gallery, exhibits and conservation events. The Audubon has a calendar full of children’s activities, including a Family Adventure and Campfire Night. Fun! There is a lot to show your little ones. If you and your kids enjoy spending time in nature, definitely head to the Audubon Center in Greenwich. It’s an easy escape that can take as long or little time as you want.
And the best thing about it – it’s so big you feel like you have the place to yourselves. It’s never once been crowded when we’ve been.
Other Connecticut posts you might enjoy:
Weekend Guide to Beach Madison, CT
A Day at Grace Farms: Where Architecture Meets Nature
What a beautiful place! 🙂
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Thanks Jackie! It really is.
gorgeous place!!:)
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Thanks West! 🙂
Lovely!
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Thanks Jay!
We live less than 5 min from the Audubon and have already enjoyed it for hiking, hawk watches, etc. A few minutes from the Audubon is the the Fairchild Audubon which is beautiful for walking, etc — very peaceful with hardly anyone there. Both Audubons are great places to visit with or without children.
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You bring up two good points for those reading this – yes, the Greenwich Audubon has an awesome Hawk Watch program (I think in October?) which people rave about. And the Fairchild Audubon is great too – smaller but yes with hardly anyone there and very pretty.
Have never been – seems like a great place to go!
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Thanks Elaine – the boys would love it!
I might have to visit this! We always visit friends in Briarcliff Manor and this would be a cool thing to do nearby. I agree with you that most people don’t realise how big Greenwich really is.
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Yes it’s so true. Briarcliff Manor..never been..we almost looked there when we moved out of the city but it was too far of a commute. But I have been wanting to explore around there :).
I was amazed at the size of the giant hostas. Would love to walk through and see what is growing. If you go again would love to see more of the foliage
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Next time you are up here we can go :).