# Tree Hill Nature Center Winter Animal Encounters & Forest Trails > Place to go for families in the Jacksonville area (FL). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Closed Sundays and major holidays - Where: Tree Hill Nature Center, 7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 - Ages: All ages welcome (hands-on petting barn, gentle forest trails, and butterfly/hummingbird gardens) - Price: $5 adults, $3 children (ages 3–17), free for toddlers under 3; discounts for military and seniors - Schedule: Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Closed Sundays and major holidays - Organizer: Tree Hill Nature Center - Official page: https://www.treehill.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/tree-hill-nature-center-winter-animal-encounters-and-forest-trails--listing-b9e295eecef431b4ed0f278c ## About Tucked away in the heart of urban Arlington, Tree Hill Nature Center preserves 50 acres of pristine hilltop forest, freshwater wetlands, and rolling ravines. This community sanctuary is designed for young explorers, featuring a hands-on petting zoo barn where toddlers can feed friendly pygmy goats, chickens, and heritage sheep. Children can marvel at rescued wildlife ambassadors in the natural history discovery center, including native gopher tortoises, corn snakes, and barn owls. Peaceful nature trails wander through dense pine hammocks, crossing wooden boardwalk bridges over flowing Arlington Creek. Families can explore the vibrant Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden, climb to the treehouse observation platform, or let little ones run freely on the natural play lawn. Winter weather creates brisk, refreshing trail conditions with clear views through the leafy hardwood canopy. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Central barnyard, museum center, and main boardwalk trail loops are fully stroller friendly; unpaved secondary trails feature gentle natural inclines suitable for rugged strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered wooden rocking chair pavilions overlooking the animal enclosures, with clean, air-conditioned family restrooms inside the welcome center. • Age Suitability: Ideal for infants and toddlers eager to meet farm animals, as well as elementary schoolers interested in Florida wildlife and forest ecology. • Sensory Tips: Gentle tactile stimulation at the goat petting corral; peaceful woodland trails provide quiet retreat spaces away from city bustle and street noise. ## Similar picks in Jacksonville - [Tree Hill Nature Center Thanksgiving Nature Trails & Animal Encounters](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/tree-hill-nature-center-thanksgiving-nature-trails-and-animal-encounte--listing-14a0b178d93f629ad96828f7) — Sat, Nov 28 · 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tree Hill Nature Center · All ages · From $5 · checked Nov 5. 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