the discovery Campus
The Discovery Campus is an extraordinary collection of hands-on exhibits, gardens, and live animal ambassadors allowing visitors to “taste nature.”
taste Nature
Visit the Agua Hedionda Discovery Campus
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation operates the Discovery Campus. We are open to the public, but we primarily serve families with school-aged children who care about the environment, the watershed, and the local community. These families come to Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation for active ways to involve their kids in fun, hands-on, educational experiences that give them a sense of accomplishment.
Discovery Campus Hours
- 7 days a week 9am - 4pm
You do not need to make a reservation to visit the Discovery Campus.
The Discovery Campus is stroller accessible.
Preschool Playdates and the Academy of Environmental Stewardship are paid outdoor programs that require advance registration. These do not affect guest access, and all exhibits remain open—except on rainy days, when kids' programs move indoors.
Special Hours:
Sept. 20th - Open from 9 AM to 1 PM
Oct. 4th - Open from 12 PM to 4 PM
Oct. 18th - Open from 1 PM to 4 PM
Oct. 19th - Open from 9 AM to 11 AM
Oct. 25th - Closed all day
Discovery Campus Cost
- We have a suggested $15 donation for a group of up to 6 people.
- If you plan to bring more than 6 guests, please give us a call.
- Members are complimentary.
Steward memberships cost as little as $10 a month for the entire year.
Your membership allows us to keep our Discovery Campus operational, actively provide environmental programs, maintain access to trails, and restore conservation areas.
Visit our Membership page to view our membership levels and benefits.
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Questions about scheduling contact:
Certified Autism Center
Our organization has worked with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). Our staff has completed training and certification in best practices when assisting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. By undergoing additional autism-specific training, the goal is for our team to be better equipped to provide better service and experiences to all.
Click to learn more about what it means to be a Certified Autism Center
Click to learn about the accommodations offered on The Accessibility App
SCHOOL PROGRAM HOURS
School Program hours, 9:30am - 1:15pm, August - May
From 12:25pm - 1:15pm during the school year, visiting schools are inside the Discovery Center for presentations. Indoor access is limited during this time.
discovery cAMPUS exhibits
Invertebrate Island
Meet some of the smaller creatures that share our planet, bugs! These spineless wonders have important jobs, unique adaptations, and interesting ways of life. Learn all about these fascinating creatures and see them up close! All of the animals currently living in Invertebrate Island are species that can be found in our local regions, from the coast to the deserts.
Birds of Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Photographic exhibition. This beautiful display of local wildlife photos features over 20 different species of birds that were photographed at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Some are year-round residents while others visit the Lagoon to eat and rest while on their annual migratory journey. In addition, we also have bird nest replicas from over 6 types of birds!