Environmental Discovery Center

Hidden gem! I took 4 kids under 4 to this place and had a blast! Art, play area, rude pool, live animals, stuffed animals, butterflies, do much! And free! Very cool place!

Based on the other two reviews, we opted for the EDC over Howarth Park. While my daughter probably would’ve enjoyed Howarth a lot, my wife and I both wanted something more low key that afternoon.
The EDC was perfect. A laidback experience for us parents but still very stimulating for the kids. The exhibits are very interactive and the kids get to touch everything! We also got to feed some of the animals.
We only met one staff person but she was extremely pleasant and so accommodating with all my daughter’s requests.
There’s plenty to see, but it’s not overwhelming. Starfish, mussels, anemones, corn snakes, turtles, even hissing cockroaches.
Just a quick tip: if you follow the paved path from the parking area, you’ll end up at the bathrooms and the trailhead. It’s easy to miss the EDC because it’s actually at a higher level than the bathroom building. So if you’re facing the trailhead, turn left!

There is so much to do at the Environmental Discovery Center, it is fun for all ages. Everything is hands-​on here, making it a great place for kids to play and explore. My 2 year old loved the tide pool, where he could touch the sea stars and the spiny sea urchins. He had a great time crawling through tunnels, meeting the corn snakes, tortoise, coloring at the craft table, and working on the computer. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and provided us with information throughout our visit. We got to bring our dog, too, who got just as much attention as the other animals there. She loved it. There are also led nature hikes that teach about the native plants and animals of the area.
There is a cost for parking, but the admission if free. We love the EDC and will be going back and bringing friends. It’s right by Spring Lake and Howarth Park, so it can be a part of a fun filled day.

This place is a HIDDEN GEM in Sonoma County! Our kids have so much fun here – and it’s FREE! There’s a man-​made tide pool full of sea stars, sea urchins, sea anemones, crabs, and our current favorite – the sea scallop, that often opens and shuts and squirts water at unsuspecting onlookers! All of these can be touched live as they go about their business of living. This place is a hands-​on ‘mini museum’ where our kids can climb around, make crafts, touch corn snakes and tadpoles, see scorpions glow turquoise and watch a tortoise get fed. There’s also a small computer lab where our older child can create his own park and fill it with animals while learning about biodiversity and what happens if there’s an imbalance of predator/​prey in the park. Pretty cool. The staff here are wonderful, friendly and informative. Afterward, we go for a nice walk down to Spring Lake to watch the ducks and geese and listen to all the birds. This is a wonderful place to spend the day!