On a recent beautiful day (one of many recent beautiful days), my family visited Fernbank Museum of Natural History to experience the new outdoor experience which is Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest.
This expansive development offers something new and exciting for Fernbank visitors who already enjoy visiting the musuem for its indoor programming. Now, you're invited to get outside - and even take a walk in the woods! Explore nature in this all-new outdoor experience featuring dramatic highline trails, elevated tree pods, hands-on exhibitions and immersive nature experiences.
WildWoods, which features new outdoor nature exhibits, is immediately adjacent to the museum, located outside the boundaries of the protected forest. It is divided into several sections including "Adventure Outpost" and "Nature Stories".
Nature Stories features three individual exhibits designed for ages 8 and under. My kids, who are 9 and 11, actually loved this area. Go figure! It's not meant for older kids though - but since we were there at a quiet time I figured it was fine to let then enjoy it.
Nature Stories features three individual exhibits designed for ages 8 and under. My kids, who are 9 and 11, actually loved this area. Go figure! It's not meant for older kids though - but since we were there at a quiet time I figured it was fine to let then enjoy it.
Adventure Outpost is supposedly geared for kids 9-12. Honestly I'm not sure why. The rope bridge and climbing areas are fun for kids of most ages (assuming they are tall enough). My older kids thought it was cool, but they were ready to move on to the forest pretty quickly. Expect younger kids to want to stay and play here.
You'll walk across the bridge below before getting to the forest. Look for the bug houses and sweetgum trees on the way!
Ready for a hike? Fernbank Forest is one of the largest old-growth urban forests in the country. Now open for self-guided tours, this is a living laboratory where you’re likely to encounter birds, butterflies, wildlife and or course amazing trees. CLICK HERE for some visitor tips, and don't forget to pick up a map so that you don't get lost! The inner loop is approximately .8 miles (note that this is unpaved - you're in a forest!), and the outer loop is 1.7 miles. No food or drink, other than water, is allowed.
MORE ABOUT FERNBANK FOREST
Fernbank Museum’s work inside Fernbank Forest is focused on ecological restoration, including trail management, pond restoration, removal of invasive species, and creating an ecological balance for native species.
Learn more about Fernbank’s sustainability efforts, including the ongoing restoration of Fernbank Forest. Fernbank, Inc., which is familiarly known as Fernbank Museum of Natural History, was founded in 1939 to preserve and protect Fernbank Forest, making it one of the oldest environmental conservation not-for-profit in the United States. The conservation of Fernbank Forest remains a vital part of Fernbank Museum’s mission today.
Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre old-growth hardwood forest located in metropolitan Atlanta. Fernbank Forest is located within the museum’s campus, and can be accessed through 10 acres of new educational paths and exhibitions located in WildWoods. CLICK HERE to read what makes Ferbank Forest really special.
HOURS/ LOCATION/ TICKETS
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404.929.6300
Open 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday; 12pm to 5pm Sunday.
The Museum is open 363 days a year, closing Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
*I received complimentary admission to Fernbank Museum of Natural History in return for this write up. Opinions, however, are entirely my own.
