
Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen
A charming nature center and jam kitchen celebrating Thornton Burgess, with beautiful gardens, wildlife, and delicious homemade treats.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming nature center and jam kitchen celebrating Thornton Burgess, with beautiful gardens, wildlife, and delicious homemade treats.
"Absolutely gorgeous garden and museum to visit. Definitely recommend stopping by here."

🚗 Car is Essential
You'll need a car to reach the center. Parking is available.
💳 Payment Methods
Note that they do not accept cash for purchases; credit card reader issues have been reported.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildflower Garden & Trails
Outdoor grounds
Wander through a beautiful garden with storybook trails, perfect for families and nature lovers.

Jam Kitchen & Mercantile
Indoor shop
Sample and purchase delicious homemade jams, honeys, and unique gifts in a charming setting.

Discovery Center & Library
Indoor exhibits
Engage with nature exhibits, learn about local wildlife, and explore a cozy library with a focus on Thornton Burgess.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Donation-Based Entry
Plan for Jam-Making Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is Essential
You'll need a car to reach the center. Parking is available.
💳 Payment Methods
Note that they do not accept cash for purchases; credit card reader issues have been reported.
🧸 Toddler Playroom
A cute indoor play area for toddlers has a small fee per child.
📚 History & Nature Focus
Ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts, especially fans of Thornton Burgess.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is Essential
You'll need a car to reach the center. Parking is available.
💳 Payment Methods
Note that they do not accept cash for purchases; credit card reader issues have been reported.
🧸 Toddler Playroom
A cute indoor play area for toddlers has a small fee per child.
📚 History & Nature Focus
Ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts, especially fans of Thornton Burgess.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The gardens, pond, and wildflowers offer lovely spots for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and engaging nature exhibits. The homemade jams and unique gifts from the mercantile are a significant draw, and the connection to Thornton Burgess's legacy adds a charming, nostalgic element. While some note that certain activities require advance booking and payment methods can be inconsistent, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and nature lovers.
"Really enjoyable experience at the Jam Day event!!! So peaceful, and the jam was phenomenal!
I love the library and history room too!"
Kristy Johnson
"Absolutely gorgeous garden and museum to visit. I visited during the Hydrangea Garden Tour. I'm so happy I was able to visit this spot. The gift shop is awesome, and the lady there was so helpful, and she helped me pick out the next book I am going to be reading, which is all about Thorton Burgess. I can't wait to start it. The garden is absolutely beautiful, and I love how the trails have the storybook along the path. Great place to go with the whole family. Definitely recommend stopping by here."
Janet Stiles
"We went on a Saturday morning. This is a nice area for small, quiet gatherings to sit in the open and admire nature. There are two areas in which you can sit by the water and watch the turtles. They have a library and a story time for kids along with a craft area (we were not there for that, and it has a fee). There are opportunities to make your own jam in an old-fashioned kitchen. However, it requires registration and scheduling. The gift shop features many unique items relative to the author, Thomas Burgess, of the Peter Cottontail stories. No cash is accepted for purchases, and there were issues with their "Square" credit card reader."
Tina Haight
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen is located at 6 Discovery Hill Rd, East Sandwich, MA. A car is necessary for access, and there is a good-sized parking lot available.
Public transportation options are limited in this area of Cape Cod, making a car the most convenient way to reach the center.
While specific directions depend on your starting point, the center is situated in East Sandwich, MA. Using a GPS or mapping service is recommended.
Yes, there is a good-sized parking lot available for visitors at the Green Briar Nature Center.
Visiting without a car can be challenging due to the location. It's best to arrange for a ride or consider a taxi service if you are unable to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Nature Center is donation-based, meaning you can contribute what you feel is appropriate. Donations are accepted and appreciated to support the center's operations.
The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and also for a period around the holidays.
For general admission, no advance booking is required as it's donation-based. However, specific activities like jam-making require advance registration and scheduling.
Yes, some activities like the indoor play area for toddlers have a small fee per child. Jam-making sessions also require registration and may have associated costs.
No, the center does not accept cash for purchases in the mercantile. They primarily use a credit card system, though there have been reports of issues with their card reader.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, a beautiful wildflower garden, and a pond with turtles. Inside, there's a discovery center with nature exhibits, a library, a craft area, and a mercantile shop selling jams and gifts.
Yes, there's an indoor play area for toddlers (with a fee), story time, and craft opportunities. The storybook trails outside are also engaging for kids.
You might spot turtles in the pond and rabbits on display inside the center. The nature exhibits also provide information about local fauna.
The Jam Kitchen is where jams are made and sold in the mercantile. The actual jam-making experience for visitors requires advance registration and scheduling.
Yes, the center has clean restrooms available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mercantile shop offers a variety of delicious homemade jams, honeys, and other unique goods. While there isn't a full restaurant, these items make for great snacks or souvenirs.
Yes, you can participate in jam-making sessions, but this requires advance registration and scheduling. It's an old-fashioned kitchen experience.
Visitors highly recommend the wildflower and blueberry whipped honeys. Many also praise the phenomenal jam made during events like Jam Day.
The center is described as a nice area for small, quiet gatherings to sit in the open and admire nature, suggesting some informal seating or open spaces suitable for picnics.
While not explicitly stated, the presence of open spaces for quiet gatherings suggests that bringing your own food for a picnic might be acceptable.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The gardens, pond, wildflowers, and scenic trails provide numerous beautiful spots for photography.
The wildflower garden, the pond with turtles, and the storybook trails are particularly picturesque. The charming mercantile also offers unique photo subjects.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within the indoor exhibits or mercantile.
You can photograph the turtles in the pond and the rabbits on display inside. Please be respectful and avoid disturbing the animals.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's advisable to check with the center directly or adhere to general local regulations regarding drone usage in public spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the play area, kids can enjoy story time and craft activities. The chance to see rabbits and turtles adds an exciting element of wildlife discovery. The donation-based admission makes it an accessible outing for families looking for an educational and enjoyable experience without a hefty price tag.
📚 History Buffs & Book Lovers
The center's connection to Burgess's stories makes the outdoor trails particularly engaging, as they often incorporate elements from his beloved tales. The gift shop also offers a selection of books and merchandise related to the author, allowing you to deepen your connection to his literary world.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for wildlife like turtles in the pond and the rabbits on display. The center's focus on local nature and its preservation makes it an inspiring destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and learning about the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Thornton Burgess
The library and history room offer a quiet space to delve deeper into Burgess's stories and the natural world he so vividly described. It's a place where children can connect with classic literature and learn about the animals that inhabit their own backyards, fostering a love for nature and reading.
Many visitors, especially those familiar with Burgess's work, find the center to be a nostalgic and heartwarming destination. The gift shop also features many unique items related to the author, allowing you to take a piece of his world home with you.
A Taste of Tradition: Jam Making
While the jam-making sessions require advance registration and scheduling, they are highly recommended for those seeking an immersive experience. The jams and honeys sold in the mercantile are also a major draw, with visitors frequently praising their phenomenal taste. Popular choices include the wildflower and blueberry whipped honeys, making the mercantile a must-visit for foodies.
Even if you don't participate in a jam-making session, the mercantile shop itself is a delightful place to explore. It's stocked with a variety of unique items, and the staff are often noted for being helpful in assisting visitors with their selections.
Nature's Embrace: Gardens and Wildlife
The walking trails are short but charming, often featuring elements inspired by Thornton Burgess's stories, making them engaging for all ages. Visitors can enjoy spotting wildlife, such as turtles in the pond and rabbits on display inside the center. These natural elements contribute to the center's mission of fostering an appreciation for the environment.
These outdoor areas are also highlighted as excellent photo opportunities, with the colorful gardens and tranquil pond providing picturesque backdrops. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and capture beautiful memories.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit