big bear discovery center

We called the center asking about trails for back country skiing and then stopped by later in the day. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. Being from the east coast, we were not familiar with the trees and the staff helped us identify the ones we were curious about.

Several years ago, we visited the Big Bear Discovery Center and enjoyed it immensely. This year, we took our daughter there and there was nothing to see other than a few taxidermied animals and a fluorescent mineral collection. The only saving grace was that it was free.

Sadly, we were greeted by a dirty parking lot. What I mean by that is cigarette butts, children's clothing, dirty diapers, food wrappers and dog poop. Shame on the people who come up and exploit nature at its best! The Center itself is great with an outdoor children's play area, they have story time and other activities too. The only thing missing is the gift shop and snack bar they used to have but I'm sure it got too expensive to run with all the budget cuts. If you have kids and/or plan on doing some outdoor activities, you should put this place first on your list to visit.

This is a great educational center. It also has a bunch of great hiking trails behind the building or nearby. The staff is helpful and it also has a description of the local wildlife.

This was a real nice place to spend a couple for our daughter to burn off some energy. There were other kids playing there so it was nice. All the discovery areas were hand made but we were disappointed that they were not well maintained...no chalk for drawing on the chalk board, the spider net had a gapping hole the kids had to avoid falling through and a number of other areas that needed some TLC. Call those volunteers and get them to help...this would be something I would be glad to do if I lived closer!! The building exhibits were very nice for discovery and the front desk folks were able to renew our military yearly parks pass as well!

Planning a trip on the 1st. Is there any snow up there. Taking a bunch of family and friend's. Would be nice for some to see first time snow.

our families went on a hike the day after thanksgiving - so nice...no snow but kids still had fun - nice center for younger kids with interactive stations...my first time in big bear and i was pleasantly surprised - quaint little town with some nice restaurants and shops...everyone very friendly : )

Staff was friendly and nice, really helpful. They helped me get my adventure pass/campfire permit in less than five minutes.

We spent a short time here and walked the trail. Worth a short visit if you are on the North side of the lake.

Nice exhibits on birds and animals of the area, geology, solar observatory; pick up detailed visitor guide newspaper on outdoor activities, maps, brochures. Worth a stop early in your trip.

We walked the .7 mile each way from our first visit to nearby Serrano Campground. It was a very easy, enjoyable walk on a paved walkway. Scenic and enjoyable.We were welcomed by two park rangers upon entering the discovery center. There are a number of educational exhibits and interactive exhibits. Quite a bit of information about the local history and wildlife, and plants of San Bernardino and Big Bear area. Center is free to enter and you do not need an adventure pass for the area. They do, however, have the option of purchasing the pass here, if needed for local hiking trails etc. There were many wonderful handouts of the local trails available for the taking. Children might enjoy the exhibits with the black bear and skulls of local animals.

Did not know basic info. on tours. Computers did not work.Guide on Kyack, ended tour, 1 hour early. Not worth the highprice, lower prices at dock.

Stopped by here for some information on local trails and such. They are a knowledge bunch and offer several classes and hikes through the local area. A must stop if your looking for outdoor fun in the Big Bear region.

This little national forest information center has a few displays and lots of kid activities. There is a nice EZ hike and the staff is well informed and very helpful. It's a good first stop if you are a hiker and want info, and you can get your access passes, too.

We loved stopping at the Discovery Center. The Nature Discovery Zone walk is wonderful and can be enjoyed by all ages. Be sure not to miss the Marimba! There are guided kayak tours and nature walks. Our low points were the people inside the building. The desk is always crowded, we think by people wanting to reserve spaces for guided tours. In addition, when we tried to ask questions of a uniformed person sitting at an exhibit, she ignored us completely. Very odd. But the outside makes up for the indoor exhibits. Be certain to make this a stop on your trip to Big Bear!