Nature Play Area at Long Pasture

What is a Nature Play Area?

Nature Play Areas add more ways for people to connect with nature by encouraging self-directed, informal play. Unlike static, traditional playgrounds, nature play areas give children the chance to solve problems and construct their surroundings through natural elements and unstructured exploration.

Explore Long Pasture’s Nature Play Area

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.

Where to Find It

On the lawn at the Nature Center, a few feet from the harbor overlook.          

Good to know

You can enjoy watching a Purple Martin colony and colorful bird garden while relaxing on our picnic tables and benches adjacent to the play area. Great for snack time and watching the fun unfold!