Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
400 Sausiluta Dr. Henrico, VA 23227
(804) 262-5055

Hours of Operation

December-February:
Saturday & Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

March-May:
Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

June-August:
Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

September-November:
Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

Three Lakes Park and Nature Center bring together the three worlds of air, water, and land for visitors to explore. The Nature Center is a 6,500 sq. ft. facility featuring a variety of exhibits designed to provide hands-on experiences. The 50,000 gallon aquarium also gives visitors a "fish-eye" view of the underwater world.

The exhibits in the Nature Center will introduce visitors to the plant and animal life native to the area and wildlife living in the wetlands and woodlands of the park. By providing an assortment of live exhibits, dioramas, and interactive displays, the Nature Center offers something for every field of natural interest and is appropriate for all ages.

Programs and tours are held throughout the year at Three Lakes Park & Nature Center. For a list of current programs and classes, please see the Preschool and Youth "At Your Leisure" pages (Nature & Outdoors section).

For more information, contact Tom Thorp or Bekky Monroe at 262-5055.

Nature Programs

Class Registration: For information on how to register for these classes, see the Registration page.

To the parents of children taking nature classes: Unless attending a family program, only children will be allowed in class. Parents and other family members may wait in the park or return for pickup at the end of the program. 

~ Family & Friends ~

Sharks: Built to Hunt
For all ages. With razor-sharp teeth, a streamlined torso and keen sense of smell, the shark is at the top of the underwater food chain. Their extraordinary predatory skills both fascinate and frighten humans, although the shark has more to fear of human activities. Join us in the classroom as we explore the intriguing features of sharks. Information: 262-5055.

Wed, June 27, Aug 1 & 29, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. Free.

Mega-Monsters: Dinosaurs
For all ages. Far back in time, huge beasts roamed the planet, both animal and plant-eaters. As well, smaller dinosaurs lived among them, dwarfed in their shadows. Join us to learn about some of the dinosaur species, their diets and behaviors. Information: 262-5055.

Wed, July 11 & Aug 8, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. Free.

SSSlither!: Snakes
For all ages. There are many myths about snakes, old tales told from long ago, most of which depict snakes as being evil. Meet in our classroom to learn why snakes are beneficial to our world, how they fit in the food chain and why we should do our best to protect these misunderstood reptiles. Information: 262-5055.

Wed, July 18 & Aug 15, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. Free.

Rugged Reptiles: Turtles
For all ages. Most people think turtles move slowly through life, taking their time as they march across the land. Many species, however, can be lightning fast. One thing turtles have in common, though, is the shell they portage in their maneuvers. This covering is actually a part of the skeletal structure which protects their soft bodies from harm. Meet in the classroom to explore our turtle world. Information: 262-5055.

Wed, July 25 & Aug 22, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. Free.

~ Preschool ~

Bubbles
For ages 4-5. One of the joys in life is blowing bubbles and watching them float along in the air. Join us as we mix up a soapy batch outdoors and explore the wonder of these iridescent little orbs. Play clothes suggested. Information: 262-5055.

1CJ.114012 Fri, May 25, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Nature’s Nursery
For ages 4-5. High up in the trees little nestlings are chirping. Young bunnies are racing through the grass. Spring is the time for new baby animals of all kinds. Explore the life of these newborns and how their mothers care for and protect them. Information: 262-5055.

1CJ.114011 Fri, Apr 27, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6. (Registration available now for this Winter/Spring program.)

Bubbles
For ages 4-5. One of the joys in life is blowing bubbles and watching them float along in the air. Join us as we mix up a soapy batch outdoors and explore the wonder of these iridescent little orbs. Play clothes suggested. Information: 262-5055.

1CJ.114012 Fri, May 25, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6. (Registration available now for this Winter/Spring program.)

Mudmania
For ages 4-5. Water plus dirt equals...you guessed it...MUD! Join us for some toe-wiggling fun as we discover the properties of soil and water. Play clothes suggested. Information: 262-5055.

2CJ.114010 Fri, June 8, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Fireflies
For ages 4-5. From glowworm to lightning bug, this interesting little insect lights up our summer nights with a mysterious brilliance. Learn how and why the firefly flashes out its signal. Information: 262-5055.

2CJ.114020 Fri, Aug 24, 10-11 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Cricket’s Song
For ages 4-5. One small voice calls out at night, a chirp from a very lonely cricket. Join us as we find out how Cricket became lost from his friends and then happily reunited. Information: 262-5055.

2CJ.114030 Thur, Sept 6, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

~ Youth ~

Fish n’ Franks
For ages 6-12. Registration of a paying adult is required. Enjoy an afternoon by the water learning how to fish. We will also take a break to roast hot dogs over a fire. Any participant 16 and older must bring along a freshwater fishing license. Instructor: Tee Clarkson. Information: Dee Donnelly, 501-5147.

2DJ.029680 Sun, June 17, 3-6 p.m.
Three Lakes Park. $7.50 per person. Register by June 11.

Brownie Scouts: Bugs
For Brownie Scouts ages 5-9. Interested in learning all about bugs? Join us as we learn about creepy crawlers and leaf hoppers then take a hike in the park as we explore the world of bugs up close. Only registered participants and their leaders may attend. Information: 262-5055.

2DJ.114200 Thur, Sept 20, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Webelo Scouts: Naturalist
For ages 8-12. This class is for Webelos interested in requirements needed to earn their Naturalist badge. We will focus on wildlife and cover such topics as wildlife watching, poisonous plants, venomous snakes and more. Only registered participants and their leaders may attend. Information: 262-5055.

2DJ.114100 Sat, July 21, 9-10:30 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.