Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, a Wild Day Trip for Families

As a nature-loving parent, I recently took my family on a day trip to the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Millburn, New Jersey. The preserve is a 16-hectare oasis in the middle of suburban New Jersey, and it's an excellent destination for families with young children who want to explore nature and learn about the environment.

From the moment we arrived, I could tell that this was going to be a great day. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and they gave us a map of the trails and pointed out some of the highlights. We decided to start with the indoor animal exhibits, which were a big hit with my kids.

The exhibits are well-designed, and they provide a close-up look at some of the animals that call the preserve home. My kids loved seeing the displays about birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians, and they were full of questions for the knowledgeable staff. There's even a glass enclosure with honeybees where you can see them hard at work.

After spending some time indoors, we headed outside to explore the hiking trails. The sunlit trails wind through the woods, and there are plenty of benches for rest stops. We saw all kinds of wildlife on our hike, including birds, squirrels, and chipmunks.

The highlight of the hiking trail was the nature-themed outdoor play area. It was beautifully designed, and my kids loved climbing and jumping on the natural structures. The play area was a great way to get them excited about spending time outdoors and exploring the natural world.

One of the things I appreciated most about the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum was how family-friendly it was. The bathroom facilities were clean and easily accessible, and there were plenty of signs and markers to help us navigate the preserve.

As the day came to a close, we were all tired but happy. We had learned a lot about the environment and explored a beautiful natural area. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary is an amazing oasis of nature and wildlife to any family looking for a fun and educational day trip.