Families across Central New Jersey have a new reason to bundle up and head outdoors this winter as Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton opens its doors each Sunday for a rotating series of free, hands-on programs designed to connect children and parents with the natural world. Running weekly through mid-February, Family Sundays transform the center into a welcoming hub of storytelling, crafts, wildlife learning, and interactive exploration.
Each session takes place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and is open to all ages without registration, making it an easy and accessible weekend outing for local families. The winter schedule is thoughtfully structured to keep each visit fresh and engaging. Early January sessions invite children to create eco-friendly crafts during “Valentine’s for Nature,” while other weeks focus on feeding resident animals, experimenting with STEM-based games, and gathering around the fireside for seasonal story hours. The rotation repeats through February, giving families multiple opportunities to experience different activities without repetition.
Located at 157 Westcott Avenue, Tulpehaking Nature Center serves as the educational gateway to the Abbott Marshlands, one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the region. The center’s name is derived from a Lenape word meaning “Land of the Turtle,” a fitting tribute to the area’s Native American heritage and its enduring connection to the Delaware River’s tidal freshwater marshes.
Inside, visitors encounter a thoughtfully curated blend of permanent and rotating exhibits. Live turtles and a resident snake introduce children to native wildlife, while hands-on displays explore local plants, regional ecosystems, and the archaeological legacy of the Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark. Interactive bird exhibits allow young visitors to hear authentic bird calls, and a beaver-dam themed reading nook offers a quiet place to relax and explore nature-themed books.
The three main exhibit rooms host changing art and science installations throughout the year, showcasing photography, mixed-media artwork, environmental studies, and creative displays inspired by the surrounding marshlands. These exhibits are included with general admission, which remains free to the public.
Beyond the walls of the building, families can enjoy miles of nearby trails for walking and wildlife observation. Birdwatching, turtle spotting, and seasonal river views add to the immersive experience, reinforcing Tulpehaking’s role as both an educational center and a natural retreat.
Family Sundays are part of a broader commitment to community wellness and outdoor engagement highlighted within Explore New Jersey’s lifestyle coverage, offering families an opportunity to step away from screens, breathe fresh winter air, and learn together through hands-on discovery.
With no admission fee, rotating activities, and a welcoming environment for all ages, Tulpehaking Nature Center’s Family Sundays are shaping up to be one of Hamilton’s most enriching winter traditions, blending education, creativity, and nature into a simple but memorable weekly ritual.
