Home to nature-oriented educational programs, all aspects of green living, and exhibits, the Chandler Nature Center is the perfect place to learn about the wonders of nature and experience the great outdoors.
Things to Do at the Chandler Nature Center
An in-town oasis for exploration, the Chandler Nature Center is a place to discover learning through adventure. Located in the heart of Southeast Chandler, the Center is dedicated to offering affordable recreation and leisure opportunities, emphasizing nature, science, and the environment.
From nature hikes in the park to Southwest garden maintenance to “Meet the Creature” exhibits, there are various ways to connect with your natural surroundings.
Discover why the Chandler Nature Center was named Best Nature Center by Best Things Arizona by exploring our Break Time Recreation Guide or Calendar of Events.
Every month, the Chandler Nature Center offers free drop-in programs that do not require pre-registration.
- Meet the Snakes | First Wednesday and Friday for each month, 3:30 p.m.
- Plant Clinic | First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
- Family Bird Walks | First Saturday of every month, every 30 minutes starting at 8 a.m. (November - April)
- Trout Time | Second Friday of every month, 3:30 p.m.
- Chandler Solar System Walk | Self-guided during open hours
- Outdoor Discovery Field Packs | Self-guided during open hours
There are so many ways to explore at the Chandler Nature Center! Read through the seasonal Break Time magazine to see what fun activities are available. Registration and participation fees may be required.
Break Time is published quarterly.
- Spring (March - May): Available the third Friday of January
- Summer (June - August): Available the third Friday of April
- Fall (September - November): Available the third Friday of July
- Winter (December - February): Available the third Friday of October
For young adventurers aged 3 to 5 years old, Building Blocks at the Nature Center is a great way to get a head start on learning!
Learn about Building Blocks
Each year, photographers in the area are invited to focus their lenses on nature, showcasing the awe-inspiring and diverse natural world around us. Be inspired by the great outdoors, and submit the photos you capture!
*Note: Submissions for the 2025 Photo Contest are now closed*
Embrace your passion of nature and volunteer at the Chandler Nature Center! There are a variety of volunteering opportunities available. Get started at the link below.
Flash Fiction Writing Contest is Open!
Oct. 1 - 31
It's time to put pen to paper! The Flash Fiction Writing Contest is now accepting entries. In 500 words or less, create your original work of prose or poetry to the theme: The Sounds of the Sonoran Desert.
Writers may submit one entry per person in their age category: Youth (7-12 yrs), Teen (3-17 yrs), and Adult (18 yrs+).
Park Steward Program
Park Steward Kickoff | Planting Project
Oct. 18 | 9 - 11 a.m.
Chandler Nature Center
4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler 85249
Open attendance is welcome for this event, where you can learn more about the program. No sign-up necessary, just show up if you're interested in learning more! Call 480-782-2890 with any questions.
Are you passionate about conservation and conservation? Looking for a way to combine your love of nature and volunteerism?
Explore the Park Steward Program! Learn from subject matter experts and get involved with hands-on projects.
Facility Rentals
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone moment or planning a meeting or a seminar for a nonprofit group, the Chandler Nature Center multi-purpose rooms and pavilions are great venues to serve you and your guests. Review our Rental Guide for more information.
Upcoming Events
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Chandler Nature Center is home to six “Meet the Creature” exhibits: Desert Hairy Scorpion, Desert Blonde Tarantula, Gopher Snake, King Snake, Desert Tortoises, and Apache Trout.
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Visit the marvelously-metallic Mineral Cave where you can examine minerals sourced from mines deep beneath Arizona's mountains.
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Activities and exhibits change periodically, so check in frequently to see what’s new.
-
The Chandler Nature Center offers a wide array of engaging and educational public programs for early childhood, youth, and adults.
-
An adventure brought to life, the Nature Center offers grade-specific activities designed to complement educators’ lesson plans while providing an interactive learning environment that’s adaptable to all learning styles.
-
Great place to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities range from offering a helping hand in the Community Education Garden to Park Weekend Clean-up to feeding the Center’s reptile friends.
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With 113 acres, a beautiful lake, 4.5-miles of hiking trails, tranquil pavilions and much more, Veterans Oasis Park hosts plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities.
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The Owl's Nest Nature Store offers a variety of environmentally-friendly and nature-oriented gifts and accessories; our products are carefully crafted and curated to make active learning attainable, easy, and fun for all ages.
-
The Nature Center is a Building Blocks location, offering classes that create a positive, play-based learning environment. Classes build a strong foundation that helps early learners aged 3-5 prepare for school success.
-
Chandler Nature Center is home to six “Meet the Creature” exhibits: Desert Hairy Scorpion, Desert Blonde Tarantula, Gopher Snake, King Snake, Desert Tortoises, and Apache Trout.
-
Visit the marvelously-metallic Mineral Cave where you can examine minerals sourced from mines deep beneath Arizona's mountains.
-
Activities and exhibits change periodically, so check in frequently to see what’s new.
-
The Chandler Nature Center offers a wide array of engaging and educational public programs for early childhood, youth, and adults.
-
An adventure brought to life, the Nature Center offers grade-specific activities designed to complement educators’ lesson plans while providing an interactive learning environment that’s adaptable to all learning styles.
-
Great place to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities range from offering a helping hand in the Community Education Garden to Park Weekend Clean-up to feeding the Center’s reptile friends.
-
With 113 acres, a beautiful lake, 4.5-miles of hiking trails, tranquil pavilions and much more, Veterans Oasis Park hosts plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities.
-
The Owl's Nest Nature Store offers a variety of environmentally-friendly and nature-oriented gifts and accessories; our products are carefully crafted and curated to make active learning attainable, easy, and fun for all ages.
-
The Nature Center is a Building Blocks location, offering classes that create a positive, play-based learning environment. Classes build a strong foundation that helps early learners aged 3-5 prepare for school success.