Three Lakes Nature Center & Aquarium

Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
400 Sausiluta Dr. Henrico, VA 23227
(804) 262-5055

Hours of Operation

December-February:
Saturday & Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

March-May:
Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

June-August:
Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

September-November:
Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium brings together three worlds-air, water, and land-for visitors to explore. The center features a variety of exhibits designed to give the visitor hands-on knowledge of the plant and animal life of the area. A 50,000 gallon aquarium also gives visitors a “fish-eye” view of the underwater world.

The exhibits in Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium introduce you to the wildlife living in the wetlands and woodlands of the park. Through simple self-guided tours appropriate for all ages, hands-on activities, and animal habitats, the Nature Center makes the world of nature come alive.

Programs are offered throughout the year at Three Lakes Nature Center. For a list of current programs and classes, please see the Preschool and Youth "At Your Leisure" pages (Nature & Outdoors section). 

For more information, contact Tom Thorp or Bekky Monroe at 262-5055.

Nature Programs

To the parents of children taking nature classes: Unless attending a family program, only children will be allowed in class. Parents and other family members may wait in the park or return for pickup at the end of the program.

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Preschool

Wormology 101
For ages 4-5. Tunneling through the topsoil, we'll explore the life of the earthworm, a slightly sticky, slightly gooey underground dweller. Play clothes suggested. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2CJ.114003 Sun, June 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Mudmania
For ages 4-5. Water plus dirt equals...you guessed it...MUD! Join us for some toe-wiggling fun as we discover the properties of soil and water. Play clothes suggested. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2CJ.114001 Sun, July 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Anthill Adventures
For ages 4-5. Follow along as we trace the trails of ants as they go about their daily activities. Find out what they are doing down inside their anthills and why they seem to be constantly working. Play clothes suggested. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2CJ.114004 Wed, Aug 4, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Fireflies
For ages 4-5. From glowworm to lightning bug, this interesting little insect lights up our summer nights with a mysterious brilliance. Learn how and why the firefly flashes out its signal. Play clothes suggested. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2CJ.114002 Sun, Aug 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Our Beautiful Butterflies
For ages 4-5. From egg to caterpillar to adult, the butterfly is one of our most beautiful and amazing insects. Join us as we go on a butterfly ‘hunt' in the park gardens. Play clothes suggested. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2CJ.114005 Sun, Sept 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6. 

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Youth

Insectigators
For ages 6-8. Investigate the world of insects as we examine the woods, meadows, and wetlands of the park. Bring along a net, if you desire! Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114009 Wed, July 14, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Dirt Lab
For ages 6-8. Young ‘prospectors' will travel through the park in search of interesting soils. They'll examine their findings back in the classroom ‘dirt lab.' Be sure to wear your ‘digging' clothes. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114010 Wed, Aug 11, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Cub Scouts

Webelos Scouts: Naturalist
For Webelos Scouts only. This class is for Webelos interested in requirements needed to earn their Naturalist activity badge. We will focus on wildlife and cover such topics as keeping an insect zoo, identifying birds, poisonous plants, venomous snakes and more. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114004 Wed, Aug 25, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Wolf Scouts: Birds
For Wolf Scouts only. Explore the world of birds as we present information that will help fulfill some of the requirements for Elective #13. We will learn about nesting, building bird houses and feeding our backyard friends. Afterwards, we will go for a hike to try to identify some of our native birds. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114002 Fri, Sept 17, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Bear Scouts: Sharing Your World With Wildlife
For Bear Scouts only. Do you know your feathered friends? We will focus on birds as we present information that will help with the requirements needed for this badge. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114001 Wed, Sept 22, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Girl Scouts

Junior Girl Scouts: Wildlife
For Jr. Girl Scouts only. Working on your Wildlife badge? Join us as we cover a number of the requirements in this class. Learn how to keep a nature journal, identify poisonous plants, endangered species and more. Live animals will be included in the presentation. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114003 Wed, July 21, 3-4 p.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.

Brownie Scouts: Animal Try-It
For Brownie Scouts only. What do you know about animals? This program is for Brownies wanting to learn about animals in order to fulfill requirements for their Animal Try-It badge. We will explore wild animals versus pets, animal behavior, animal sounds, and why animals may be in danger in our ever-changing world. Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2DJ.114005 Sat, Sept 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. $6.    

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Adults

Walk on the Wild Side
For ages 18 and older. Explore the intriguing world of nature at Three Lakes Park. Find out what seasonal changes are taking place outdoors with a classroom presentation followed by a guided trail hike. Always an adventure! Information: Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2EJ.114001 Wed, July 14, 9-10 a.m.
2EJ.114002 Wed, Aug 11, 9-10 a.m.
2EJ.114003 Wed, Sept 22, 9-10 a.m.
Three Lakes Nature Center. Free.
Registration required and available online.

Three Lakes Nature Walk
For ages 50 and older. Begin your day with an informative tour of Three Lakes Nature Center. You will see a variety of animals that call central Virginia home. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy eating at one of the picnic shelters or on a bench around the lake. Spend the afternoon on a nature walk around the lakes while viewing turtles, geese, ducks, snakes, and more. Nature walk is approximately 1.3 miles. Information: Aaron Reidmiller, 501-5137 or Bekky Monroe, 262-5055.

2FJ.018101 Tue, Sept 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Three Lakes Park. Free.
Registration required and available online.