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Tree Hill Nature Center

4.6

·901 reviews·Jacksonville, United States

A 50-acre urban wilderness preserve in Jacksonville, FL, offering nature trails, animal exhibits, and an indoor nature center for hands-on learning.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow

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Tree Hill Nature Center

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 50-acre urban wilderness preserve in Jacksonville, FL, offering nature trails, animal exhibits, and an indoor nature center for hands-on learning.

4.6

(901 reviews)

"A wonderful experience for families with young kids! It's a hidden gem, especially for families with little ones."

TIP

Bring Cash for Goat Feed

Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 901 reviews

Type

Park

Address

7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, USA

Website

treehill.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Petting Zoo Fun

Outdoor Animal Exhibits

Feed the friendly goats and interact with other farm animals. A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike!

Nature Trails

50-Acre Preserve

Explore diverse habitats on well-maintained trails, perfect for a peaceful walk and wildlife spotting.

Indoor Nature Center

Main Building

Discover local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits, snakes, and turtles.

Wildflower Garden

Near Amphitheater

A serene spot to relax and admire the beauty of native Florida wildflowers.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Jacksonville can get hot! Visit Tree Hill Nature Center in the cooler mornings or late afternoons to enjoy the trails and animals comfortably. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.

Plan for Animal Encounters

While the indoor exhibits offer a glimpse of wildlife, the outdoor areas are where you'll find goats, chickens, and sometimes even alligators! Bring cash for goat feed to make the most of these interactive opportunities.

Best Times

When

Weekday Mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Crowd

Low

When

Late Afternoon

Why

Animals are active, cooler

Crowd

Medium

When

Spring & Fall

Why

Pleasant weather

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tree hill nature center #treehillnaturecenter #thingstodoinjacksonvillefl #familyday #jacksonvilleflorida

@hayleyereid

56 likes • 2.5K views

Bring Cash for Goat Feed

Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Tree Hill Nature center in Jacksonville Fl is definitely a nice little spot to take the kids. #nature #kidsactivities #summervibes #animals

@tia.chanel

14 likes • 311 views

Our hidden gem! Tree Hill Nature Center is located in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, FL. Tree Hill has been an establishment since 1971, and is located on a 50 acre preserve with various trails and animal exhibits to explore. Admission prices are $5 per adult (military, teacher, student, first responder, senior $4), $3 for children (3-17) and free admission for the little ones under three. We...

treehillnaturecenter

110 likes • 1.7K views

Check for Special Events

They often have educational programs and events perfect for families. 📅

Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Picnics are welcome! :water_buffalo:

We love Tree Hill Nature Center! They have a great deal on the family membership❤️thingstodoinjacksonville #jacksonvillemoms #jacksonvillemomblogger #blackmomvlogger #funthingstodowithkids #funmoments #jacksonvilleflorida #jaxfl #floridalife #floridaliving #treehillnaturecenter #naturelovers #movementismedicine #movement #exploration

theillestmom

25 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Goat Feed

Small bills are best for purchasing feed to interact with the goats! :moneywithwings:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to natural terrain, so good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Check for Special Events

They often have educational programs and events perfect for families. 📅

Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Picnics are welcome! :water_buffalo:

Consider an Annual Membership

Great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. 🎟️

What Travellers Say

4.6

(901 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tree Hill Nature Center is widely praised as a delightful hidden gem, especially for families. Visitors love the peaceful trails, the engaging animal encounters, and the educational aspects of the indoor nature center. The kind and passionate staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, making it a highly recommended spot for a fun and enriching day out.

"This place is wonderful! Me and my adult age daughter wanted to get some steps in and figured we’d give this place a shot. It was so peaceful and the landscape was beautiful. A Florida rainstorm had just moved through and dropped buckets of rain, so we didn’t venture through all the wooded paths, but we did do almost all of it. There’s goats and chickens and pigs and alligators and also an indoor space with some snakes and turtles. We enjoyed ourselves and will be back when it’s sunny. We are adults and didn’t do all the trails and we were there about 2 hours. If it was drier, we may have been there a little longer. Highly recommend!"

laura micalizzi

"Wonderful experience for families with young kids!
We had such a great time at Tree Hill Nature Center! It’s a hidden gem, especially for families with little ones. My kids loved feeding the goats and were thrilled to pet the turtles. The nature walk to the amphitheater was peaceful and easy for small kids to handle, and the butterfly garden was a beautiful spot to relax.

What really stood out was the amazing staff – they encouraged us to get goat food as a reward for potty training, which totally made their day. It’s rare to find a place where the staff are so thoughtful and go out of their way to create a special experience. Highly recommend for anyone with young children looking for an educational and fun outdoor adventure."

Annie Rose

"I took five of my grands there just yesterday and it was wonderful. The open air, the trails, the animals, and the amphitheater were nice to explore. It felt very organic, not like a zoo. We took our time and toured outside, then went inside on both floors. This was very educational and my grands really enjoyed themselves. Ages 12 to six. We will come back again. Also, the staff were very kind."

Michelle Tuetken

What People Like

Peaceful nature trails

Engaging animal exhibits

Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can be hot in summer

Some trails muddy after rain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tree Hill Nature Center is located at 7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it's a convenient spot for a family outing in Jacksonville. +1

Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center strives to be accessible. Some trails are paved or boardwalks, and there are efforts to make the center accommodating for visitors with mobility challenges. +1

The nature center is typically open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any holiday closures or special hours.

Information on public transportation routes to Tree Hill Nature Center is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival for most visitors.

While it's an urban wilderness preserve, many visitors find the trails peaceful and less trafficked, especially on weekdays. It offers a quieter nature escape within the city.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-17). Discounts are available for military, teachers, students, first responders, and seniors ($4). Children under 3 are free. +1

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. You can typically pay upon arrival.

Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center offers annual memberships, which can be a great value for frequent visitors.

Parking is available on-site and is typically included with admission.

While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to have cash on hand, especially for purchasing goat feed, as some smaller transactions might be cash-only.

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can see goats, chickens, and alligators in the outdoor exhibits. The indoor nature center features snakes and turtles. +1

Absolutely! The center boasts a 50-acre preserve with various nature trails, offering a beautiful outdoor experience.

Yes, Tree Hill Nature Center is a great spot for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy it in designated areas.

The indoor nature center includes interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, and displays of local wildlife like snakes and turtles.

It's highly recommended for families with young children. Kids love the petting zoo, interactive exhibits, and easy-to-navigate trails.

📸 📸 Photography

The wildflower garden, animal enclosures, and scenic trail views offer great photo opportunities. The diverse wildlife also provides unique shots. +1

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the animals and the natural beauty of the preserve.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional or commercial photography might require special permits, so it's best to inquire if you have specific needs.

Besides the farm animals, keep an eye out for native Florida wildlife like birds, turtles, and various plant species.

Absolutely! The 50-acre preserve offers a variety of natural landscapes and wildlife, making it a fantastic location for nature photographers.