Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

Reservations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased online in advance.

Member Benefits

Your membership with the Friends of the WNC Nature Center gives you exclusive benefits all year round!

  • Free daily admission to the WNC Nature Center, plus early entrance at 9:30 am
  • 10% discount at the Nature Center Gift Shop
  • Discounts on programs, summer camp, and special events
  • Free or half-priced admission to 450 zoos, aquariums, and science centers nationwide
  • Access to the members-only Cubs & Kits Club for households with children ages 3 to 12
  • Annual member button, available for pick up from the Membership Office each year starting in March (one per member household)
  • Monthly member benefits (see below for calendar)

2023 Monthly Benefits

Your membership gets you special monthly discounts, offers, and rewards throughout the year! Check out the monthly perks* below!
*All benefits are subject to availability, change, or cancellation without prior notice. Must present valid Friends of the WNC Nature Center Membership Card for benefits. Discounts are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

December Member Benefit Highlights

Stop by the Membership Office during the month of December to pick up your free Nature Center tote bag!
Limit one per member household, while supplies last.

January

Free Hot Cocoa

Brrr, it’s cold! Bring your own travel mug and membership card to the Gift Shop when you visit the WNC Nature Center for a free hot chocolate!

Limit one per member household per day.


February

Free Hot Cocoa

Brrr, it’s cold! Bring your own travel mug and membership card to the Gift Shop when you visit the WNC Nature Center for a free hot chocolate!

Limit one per member household per day.


March

BFF Weekend

Bring a Friend for Free on March 11 or March 12! To get your BFF ticket, simply show your membership card and let us know you brought a friend!

Limit one BFF ticket per member household per month on select dates only.

April

20% off Red Fox Adoptions

We're celebrating our red foxes' birthdays with an adopt discount for all levels!

Email Membership with your ID to get your discount code.

May

Brews & Bears Member Discount

Walk the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand! Members get $5 off tickets to all four events this summer.








June

NC Arboretum Membership Swap

WNC Nature Center members will enjoy free, daily admission for 1 standard car to the NC Arboretum during the month of June! Special programs or events may incur a fee. Members can also join the NC Arboretum during June and receive a $20 discount on an annual membership!
Click for Details

July

Brews & Bears Member Discount

Walk the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand! Members get $5 off tickets to all four events this summer.







August

50% Off at the Hands On! Children's Museum

WNC Nature Center members can enjoy half off daily admission to the Hands On! Children's Museum in Hendersonville during the month of August!





Click for Details

September

20% off Goat Adoptions

We're celebrating our goats' half-birthdays with a goat adopt discount for all levels!

Email Membership with your ID to get your discount code.


October

BFF Weekend

Bring a Friend for Free on October 14 or 15! To get your BFF ticket, simply show your membership card and let us know you brought a friend!

Limit one BFF ticket per member household per month on select dates only.


November

Critter Check Up Member Discount

Get tickets for our kid-favorite event happening on December 9! Critter Check Up lets your child bring their favorite plush animal for a checkup with our volunteer veterinarians! Members get a child ticket discount.

December

Free Nature Center Totebag

Stop by the Membership Office on your next visit to the WNC Nature Center with your membership card to get a toad-ally cool tote bag!

Limit one per member household, while supplies last.