Family Fun at Long Pasture

Ready for some outdoor adventure? We’ve got all kinds of fun programs and activities for you and your friends and family!

Nature Play

A massive 250-year-old tree that fell in Barnstable Village has been transformed into a Nature Play Area. Here, kids can crawl through the hollow "stump tunnel," climb tall branches, and test their balance on our flexible balance beams and carved "branch bridge."

It also features a one-of-a-kind musical pebble harp that creates entertainment with musical tones from pebbles cascading over metal strings. And burgeoning young artists can use the art easel for expressing themselves in new ways.

Enjoy watching a Purple Martin colony and colorful bird garden while relaxing on our picnic tables and benches adjacent to the play area.

Quest

On an hour-long walk, follow the rhyming clues to navigate and learn about this sanctuary's wildlife, habitats, and land use history.

The journey takes you through several habitats including a slice of salt marsh thick with peat, tidal flats on Barnstable Harbor hiding thousands secretive creatures, pockets of sandy beach anchored by wind-swept dune grass, a pond where basking turtles startle and slide out of sight, peaceful woodland paths shaded by trees of several species, and acres of meadows vibrant with wildflowers and butterflies. 

Focus your senses to listen for birdsongs, scan for signs of wildlife, and experience the textures and fragrances of nature.

You can download this Quest or pick up a printed copy at the sanctuary. Enjoy your adventure!

Nature Preschool

Nature Preschool Explorers at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable is a nature-based preschool for ages 3–5 that promotes whole-child readiness and helps children develop a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. Learn more about the licensed preschool