Springbrook Nature Center

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Exterior of Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, Minnesota

Address: 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, 55432
Upcoming Events: Jump to Springbrook Nature Center Events

Website Springbrook Nature Center
Phone (763) 572-3588

A hidden gem nature destination, Springbrook Nature Center is located in Fridley just off University Avenue across from Northtown Mall. The park has 127 acres of diverse native habitats and wildlife, including prairies, oak and aspen forests, oak savannah, and extensive wetlands. Among its features is three miles of hiking trails, floating boardwalks, and an interpretive center with live animal exhibits. The park and interpretive center are free to visit and there is plenty of free parking. Restrooms are found inside the nature center.

Collage of 2016 updates to Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, Minnesota - butterfly art - water bottle filling station - recycling bins

Springbrook Interpretive Center

The Interpretive Center was completely rebuilt in 2016. Visitors will find interactive exhibits, live reptiles, amphibians and fish and amenities like a water bottle station and restrooms. The renovation more than doubled the indoor space, with added exhibits as well as classroom and event space. Besides the aesthetics of the building, it was built to be sustainable with bird-friendly glass, geothermal heating & cooling, pervious concrete parking lot and a green roof.

One of my kids’ favorite exhibits was a giant anthill tunnel that they could crawl through. They also enjoyed playing with the natural blocks and viewing the live snakes on display. Parents will appreciate that the updates also include practical things like a water bottle filling station and family restrooms.

Nature playground at Springbrook Nature Center

As part of the second phase of the park’s update, an outdoor amphitheater and nature based play area were added. In the warmer months, this is a nice children’s play area for young kids (and adults) to dig in wet sand and get creative with natural elements. The nature play area remains open all year, but the water pump is turned off during the frozen months. Dress for the weather.

Kids playing in the sand at Springbrook Nature Center
Springbrook Nature Center

Family walks at Springbrook Nature Center

Springbrook is a nice place for a family walk (or snowshoe in the winter). There is an inner and outer trail so families can choose the length and difficulty of their hike. As with any woodsy walk, don’t forget water bottles, bug repellent, and sun protection. We had no problem pushing a jogging stroller through the paths but left it on the trail when we explored deeper. Stop by the Interpretive Center to check out a free activity backpack. Topics rotate and backpacks available for check out daily, on a first come first serve basis.

Springbrook Nature Center

More family adventure walk ideas

  • Snowshoe Both snowshoes and kicksleds are available to rent in the winter months.
  • Birdwatch Either print the bird scavenger hunt on Springbrook’s website or pack your birding kit.
  • Search & find Print a scavenger hunt or design your own. Things you might find include:
    • Ponds (easy); frogs and/or turtles (a little harder)
    • Wooded areas (easy); deer (a little harder)
    • Prairie lands (easy); specific native plants (a little harder)
    • Oak savanna (easy); A hawk (a little harder)

Note that dogs are not allowed at Springbrook Nature Center. Leave your pup at home for this trip.

Family fun at Springbrook Nature Center

The center offers a variety of both free and paid activities and events. Family fun includes Springbrook Nature Center’s events — all ages programming, concerts, outdoor exploration and an indoor interpretive center with fun exhibits. Sometimes staff offer online activities.

Springbrook’s Bird Banding programs

Public Bird Banding programs typically run monthly at 6:30am in the summer months and 7am or 7:30am in the cooler months. Watch for dates on our calendar.

Collage of kids playing with natural blocks at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley Minnesota

Birthday parties at Springbrook Nature Center

Creative birthday party packages

Birthday parties at Springbrook are geared toward children ages 4-11 and last 2 hours, including 45 minutes with a naturalist. The park provides the room, tables, coverings, and chairs. Hosts bring any food, refreshments and special decorations. You will want to consult the park’s facility rental policies. Many party decorations and add-ons are not permitted (ie: streamers & confetti) or discouraged (ie: helium balloons).

Outdoor adventures – private program

Outdoor Adventures is a private all-ages program for up to 15 people with topics such as survival, archery, pond exploration and insect discovery. Times available Monday-Sunday from 10am-11:30am or 2pm-3:30pm. Call 763-572-3588 for more information. This could be a budget-friendly option for a birthday group if you don’t need the party space. Find more ideas for birthday parties in the parks: Twin Cities Birthday Parties for Kids: Party in the Park.

DIY parties

For DIY birthday parties, families can rent the the pavilion, which has a roofed picnic area, indoor space with a sink, refrigerator and microwave, as well as electricity and restrooms. Indoor spaces are also available to rent either with or without the outdoor pavilion. Call 763-572-3588 to learn more. Note that the pavilion is closed November through April.

Summer camp at Springbrook Nature Center

Summer camps are offered for weekly sessions June – August for kids ages 4-14 with half-day camps for the preschool age kids and full-day camps for grade school age children. We include Springbrook in our annual summer camp guide, where we update dates and prices for camps each year.

More information

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Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.

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