We woke up on Friday to a cold rainy day with nothing to do. Andrea reminded me that the James A. McFaul Environmental Center (we call it the Wyckoff wildlife center) has a small indoor museum perfect for a short visit. So, off we went to check it out.
James A. McFaul Environmental Center (150 Crescent Ave., Wyckoff, NJ): The environmental center has 81 acres consisting of winding paths, woodland gardens, animal shelters, pond, a two-story observation platform, a covered picnic pavilion and a small museum. The center is open with free admision sunup-sundown. Museum hours are weekdays 8am-4:45pm and weekends 1pm-4:45pm. There are many paved paths perfect for strollers. See the map of their grounds. No pets. Click here for a list of their nature programs.
The bottom line: The inside museum is small but adequate for the attention span of young children. It will take about an hour or less to complete the two rooms. So, if you’ve ever payed to enter a large museum only to find yourself rushing your child along to get your money’s worth and hit every exhibit…that will not be the case here. Instead, you can take your time, relax and enjoy the wonderment your child gets from experiencing nature.
Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Demo (3/18): 9am, 10am or 11am. $5 pp. 2 & under free. Reservations a must. Rain or Shine. It’s outside so dress warm. They do not accept credit cards.
This is the building. There is a parking lot directly across the street. You can easily use a stroller.
There are two big tanks like this when you enter the lobby. The other tank held a huge turtle.
This is the view of the first room. You'll find tanks holding turtles, fish, snakes, insects, and a bunny and turtle in the center.
Tanks are just about a toddler's standing eye level.
See? Just about eye level 
They took the turtle out for us to see up close.
My son got up on the bench for a great view of this bunny.
The 2nd room. Tons of window to watch the wildlife.
Free to use. Great for an up-close look.
Benches to sit, relax and talk to your child as you watch the wilderness.
Large view from window. Lots of geese, ducks and birds flying by.
