Ricketson Nature Center

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Ricketson Nature Center


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Inside of Ricketson Nature Center

Facility Information

Brooklawn Park
New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: (508) 961-3015
Status: Open

Facility Information

Located in Brooklawn Park
Map of Brooklawn Park


Located in Brooklawn Park


The Ricketson Nature Center is a welcoming community space on the south side of Brooklawn Park, accessible via the Irvington Ct. park entrance, behind the Wilks Library. We offer hands-on programs in nature, science, and environmental education for visitors of all ages. Many of our activities are free or low cost, making it easy for everyone to explore and enjoy the natural world.

Inside the Nature Center, guests can engage in nature-focused activities and learning experiences. Outdoors, the Daniel Ricketson Nature Trail offers a peaceful walk through Brooklawn Park, where visitors can observe local plants, wildlife, and changing seasonal landscapes at their own pace.


The Nature Center is currently open for programs, with expanded public hours coming soon. We expect to open to the public during after school hours three days a week in December, and four days a week beginning in January. For the most accurate and up-to-date schedule, please visit the “Reservations and Activities” section below.


Ongoing & Seasonal Offerings

  • Monthly Special Events
  • December, February & April Stay-cation Programs for ages 6-12
  • Daily Nature Walks during open hours (weather permitting)
Come explore, learn, and connect with nature with us!

To view more photos please click here

To register for programs please click here.

Fee Schedule
Facility Rental Fees
The rate does not include additional set-up and breakdown time.  You must pay for all the time that is needed in the building.  Beach parking season begins May 15th and ends September 15th.  All rentals are 3-hour minimums.
 
**Please see fee schedule. **




Reservations & Activities

Click on an activity or reservation name for details or the date for the activity schedule.

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Program Event Teams Date Time
Trails of New Bedford-Fall 2025 Nature Play & Learn-After School Program Friday November 21, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Monday November 24, 2025 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Trails of New Bedford-Fall 2025 Nature Play & Learn-After School Program Friday November 28, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Monday December 1, 2025 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Trails of New Bedford-Fall 2025 Nature Play & Learn-After School Program Friday December 5, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Wôpanâak Introduction to Speaking Monday December 8, 2025 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Mass Audubon Climate Game Night Audubon’s Youth Climate Game Night Wednesday December 10, 2025 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Trails of New Bedford-Fall 2025 Nature Play & Learn-After School Program Friday December 12, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Trails of New Bedford-Fall 2025 Nature Play & Learn-After School Program Friday December 19, 2025 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM