The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

The Robert and Elizabeth Karplus Outdoor Nature Lab

Open Wednesday - Sunday
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

All Ages

Accessible

Explore nature in our backyard in this all-new outdoor experience at The Lawrence! Begin a journey of discovery in nature that you can follow wherever your curiosity takes you. From nature journaling to binoculars, you will learn about skills and tools that you can use to observe nature anywhere there is a patch of green.

Follow your curiosity

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Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

Grab one of our self-guided scavenger hunts to get a taste of everything the Outdoor Nature Lab has to offer! Explore nature, make your own observations about local flora and fauna, and more. You can even take your scavenger hunt home with you upon completion.

  • Binoculars
    Binoculars are available to be used for bird watching, pollinator observations, views of the bay, and general use around the ONL. These can be paired up with one of our scavenger hunts or identification guides to further their experience.
  • Hand Lenses
    Grab one of our hand-lenses of assorted sizes to observe our natural world up-close. Choose any of our hand-lenses and practice making observation, looking for patterns, asking questions, and uncovering the hidden secrets of nature.
  • Up-Close Viewers
    We have 2 different types of closed-magnifying viewers you can use to put natural artifacts inside for closer examination and discovery.  Anything can go into these viewers except for living things (such as bees, wasps, butterflies, etc.). They can examine flowers, acorns, leaves, fungus, lichen, and more!
  • Nature Journaling
    Use our clipboards, colored pencils, and blank paper to create your own nature journal. Practice recording observations and questions, as well as capturing what you see all around you.
  • Macrobands (Weekends Only)
    Cameras, even the one on a cell phone, can be a powerful way to explore natural phenomena. Try adding a macro lens with our flexible, elastic macrobands to reveal detail that your naked eye might have missed!

Facilitated Activities (When Available)

If you are looking for a more in-depth experience with one of our educators, facilitated activities are available! Step up to one of our state-of-the-art high definition spotting scopes and learn from our staff how they work and what you can use them for when making nature observations. Plus, participate in a guided exploration of nature artifacts ranging from sticks and leaves to bark beetle galleries and more. Practice asking questions and making observations about the natural world around you.

Who are Robert and Elizabeth Karplus?

The Outdoor Nature Lab is named in honor of Robert & Elizabeth Karplus. Learn more about their legacy and connection to UC Berkeley and The Lawrence Hall of Science.

Learn More

Plan Your Visit

Admission

General

Age 3+: $20

Kids under 2: FREE

Members: FREE

Learn More >

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