Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Newhall, CA
Free
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.8(1,247 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Reviewers report a nature centre with live snakes, birds of prey and a stream kids play in. The parking lot had filled by late morning on one visit. The main trail is easy underfoot until the far end, where reviewers describe steep, slippery ground. One found a tick on a dog afterwards.
This free foothill nature center features live-animal exhibits — birds of prey, tarantulas, snakes, and an active beehive — plus oak-shaded creek trails. It's also home to the historic "Oak of the Golden Dream," the site of California's first documented gold discovery in 1842, and hosts free Saturday family nature walks and animal presentations.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
- Restrooms
Happening near here
- Old Town Newhall Farmers MarketNewhall · 3 mi · 8:30am–1pmFree
- Santa Clarita Certified Farmers' MarketSanta Clarita · 4 mi · 8am–12pmFree
- Granada Hills Certified Farmers MarketGranada Hills · 8 mi · 6pm–10pmFree
- Northridge Certified Farmers Market & Family FestivalNorthridge · 10 mi · 5pm–9pmFree
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Maya Devi★★★★★
Beautiful, beautiful hike, especially in the spring! Once you start to notice things are going uphill, prepare for an abrupt change of pace and scenery. After a peaceful, mild stroll, the hike turns into a mean workout. Not impossible, just a very abrupt change. Please pick up trash as you go and don't disturb the wildlife! :)
2 months ago
- Chris Morris★★★★★
A fun place to go with the kids. You can view exhibits showcasing native plants and animals, including live birds of prey, tarantulas, snakes, and a turtle. And then there is a stream that the kids love to play in! Parking lot filled up by 11:30 but we found a spot! There are many hiking trails but I didn't go on any.
5 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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