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.

View 3D Scan Of Discovery Campus

  • When are you open?

    7 days a week 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

    • Member-only Extended Hours are 4:00 PM-6:00 PM on Wednesdays 

    Special closures can be found below 


    Note: Our school programs are scheduled every day of the week so in the event of rain, the Discovery Campus may be closed until 1:30 PM. Additionally, if rainfall occurs on the weekend, the Honor The Future room will be closed due to birthday parties moving indoors. 

  • Is there an admission fee?

    We have a suggested $15 donation for a group of up to 6 people, and a suggested $25 donation for groups larger than 6. This includes one snack pack for feeding an animal ambassador. Members are complimentary. 

  • Who are we?

    The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is a 501C(3) non-profit formed in 1990 to promote the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in its global context. We receive no funding from the government. Everything we do is supported by guests, Members, donors, and grants. 


    Our education programs operate out of the Discovery Campus, which is home to an extraordinary collection of hands-on exhibits, gardens, and live animal ambassadors, allowing visitors of every age to experience hands-on excellent environmental education. 

  • What do we do?

    Our Promise is that through excellent environmental education, every visitor becomes a Future Lagoon Steward and Watershed Warrior, empowered with one new practice to help Mother Earth and create a lasting positive impact on the environment. 


    Our Vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as we inspire future generations, so we all have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature...for all 


    Our Mission is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve the Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed.

  • What does it mean to be a Member?

    Through Membership, you too can make a difference in your community and enjoy excellent environmental education at the same time! 


    Just a few of the benefits include: no admission donation needed, 20% off Discovery Camps and Birthday Party Packages, 10% off everything in our Lagoon Treasure’s Gift Shop, and Daily Perks like BOGO snack packs on weekends! See more benefits on our website or ask the front desk! 


    Steward membership is $10/month for the entire year, for the entire family. 

  • Can I volunteer?

    Yes! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available for all ages (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Opportunities include trail maintenance & restoration, animal care, event prep, and more! 


    Learn more

  • Do you have trails?

    Yes! AHLF manages approximately 3.5 miles of trails surrounding the lagoon, including: Bayshore Drive Trail, Cove Trail, Hubbs Trail, Kelly School Trail, and the Discovery Campus Trail. 


    Get a trail map!

Certified Autism Center

Learn more about the accommodations offered and what it means to be IBCCES certified.

ACCOMMODATIONS

discovery cAMPUS exhibits

A gray and white bunny lays on a patterned rug next to a woven ball and pink bunny-ear house.
An exhibit room with display cases, artwork, and various artifacts related to a Western theme.
Microscope and open book with illustrations on a table near a window, lit by sunlight.
Plant growth stages displayed with a poster, cubes with plants, and cards on a white shelf.
A row of tires set into wood chip ground in a fenced yard, serving as an obstacle course.
Child's playroom: blue table and chairs, books, toys, and a window with natural light.

Kids Corner

Located in the Honor the Future room, enjoy coloring pages featuring our Animal Ambassadors, nature books, toys, and real dinosaur bones. With so much to explore, it’s the perfect place to take a break and pledge to being a Watershed Warrior.
Hallway with awards and a large dark rock on the left wall, leading to a doorway.

History Hall

Located between Experience Today and Honor the Future, learn about the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the Discovery Campus, with history dating back to 5000 BC.
Aquarium display with various fish swimming around rocks.
Two Madagascar hissing cockroaches on a white surface, one above the other.

Invertebrate Island

Located in the Experience Today room, meet some of the smaller creatures that share our planet—bugs! These spineless wonders have important roles, unique adaptations, and fascinating lives. 
Black phoebe bird perched on a green stalk with a white belly, dark wings, and a black tail.

Birds of Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Located in the Experience Today room, this photographic exhibition showcases local wildlife with stunning photos of over 20 bird species from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Meet year-round residents and migratory visitors, and explore bird nest replicas from more than six species.
Guinea pig with black, white, and brown markings, peeking out of a red plastic house in a cage.
Tan snake with patterned scales rests on a dark brown, leather tufted couch.
Two starfish with tan and brown markings in an aquarium.
A marshy landscape with green and brown vegetation, under an overcast sky.
Person brushing sandy soil in a brown container.
Pink flowering plant growing among rocks.
Clear plastic cylinder display suspended in a wooden frame, outdoors.
Aquarium with fish, connected to two gray tubs, next to a sign, set on wood chips.
Garden bed with yellow flowers and silvery foliage in front of a white fence and a street sign.
Purple fairy door in a tree stump, with moss, signs, and tiny shelves.
Large tortoise walking on sandy ground.
A speckled brown chicken with black accents stands in front of a red coop, another black chicken in the background.
Close-up of pig's snout covered in mud, pink skin, outdoors near a fence.
Hawk with brown and white feathers, gazing intently with a sharp beak and golden eyes.