South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center

3000 W Carson Dr, Littleton, CO 80120, USA

Address:	3000 W Carson Dr, Littleton, CO 80120, USA
Phone:	+1 303-730-1022
Site:	sspr.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	Closed 12–4:30PM 12–4:30PM 12–4:30PM 12–4:30PM 9:30AM–4:30PM 9:30AM–4:30PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 36

Davis Peticolas

This is the one of the jewels of Littleton, CO. The Carson Nature Center is the hub of the South Platte Park. The park has great biking and excellent walking paths. There are beaver dams and lots of birds, fish and other wild life. The Center is a great place to take kids to see a variety of interesting exhibits. There are live animals (snake, turtle, salamanders, and fish). There are a variety of interesting exhibits featuring history of the area and wildlife. One of the greatest attractions is an interactive river table. Kids and adults can see how water shapes the land and how erosion works. Come early because it is easy to spend several hours just on the river table alone.

Adam Livingston

Small, educational center with a few interactive demonstrations for kids on the Platte River wildlife and some live animals (a box turtle, snapping turtle, black widow spider, a bunch of fish and sometimes a snake). They have a really big sand table with flowing water for demonstrations on erosion. Its run by volunteers who are all pretty nice. The parking situation is usually challenging on weekends as people park here to use the trails.

Stephen Holst

This is a really nice place to visit especially with kids. The nature center is free and gives the kids (and adults) a little background information before heading out into nature. Plan on bringing water shoes or getting your feet wet and maybe even a net for catching little critters.

Jennifer Lingo

my happy place. but the fishing is not as good as it was five years ago. it may be the fish are eating good or.. there are too many fishers out there...like me. but alot of snakes. what makes me sad is the riders of the tails killing the toads.. riders please be more careful.

Harper Jocque

Great park for easy interesting river walks and bird watching. The nature center has aquariums and lots of information about the parks ecosystem and history. There are events ranging from guided nature hikes to kids activities to canoe instruction.

Randall P. Carver

I love this place. The paved path runs all along the platte, and there are side trails all over. No off leash areas, but if you have a well behaved dog, its easy enough to find out of the way places to throw sticks :) Bob loves it here :)

River Wilde

Tiny parking lot (unless I missed a second one). Nice clean trails. Lots of people but lots of space as well. Overall great for an in city escape. Just made friends with some drunks guys floating down the river in a raft. Thats cool.

Bryan Donaldson

A lovely place to go take a walk with the kids. My nephew loved learning to throw rocks in the river. The whole family can make a good go of it with the nicely manicured trails and educational material.

Jeannette Auman

The Carson Nature Center is a hidden gem in South Platte Park. There is a lot to do and learn, for both adults and children. South Platte Park offers amazing classes and outdoor programs, too.

Andy Duvall

Beautiful place for bird and nature walking. Informative visitor center with knowledgeable staff. A nice get away within easy reach of Denver and suburban areas.

Debra Johnson

Easy walk. If you are walking to explore take the dirt path not the gravel one by the bike path. We saw ducks, rabbits, birds, dogs, and people. Beautiful views!

Jason Wightman

Great place to take the kids for a quick walk if you cant make it to the mountains. Throwing and collecting rocks along the river is always a good time.

Nancy Nixon

A great place for walking, running, and biking, with accommodating trails and nice wildland. Its closed on Mondays, but the other days have good hours.

K:.:

SO MUCH FUN! I loved walking along the river with friends and looking at all the wildlife. Ran into a wolf spider one though...... that was scary!

Cindi Watson

Ranger Beth is the best! Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and loves kids. That area is so rich in history and beautiful. Love the trails.

Rob Martinez

Very interesting history about the area and the Platte River flood back in the 1960s. A lot of info on local wildlife too.

Daniel Larson

Great place for bike riding and a leisurely hike. Nature center has critters and activities for kids.

Dan Shields

Fun and informative. Mostly aimed at kids. Small with limited exhibits.

Frontier Tech

Parking lot is kind of small but, the location and trails are great.