61° · Mostly clear nowBest time: Wed 10 amSun on your face. That's the whole plan.
Nature centreDowden Terrace
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
- 4.8144 reviews
- Free
- Closed now
Alexandria city nature center in Dora Kelley-adjacent parkland with live reptiles and amphibians, microscopes and woodland trails.
Quick answers
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center in short
When is Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center open?
Mon–Tue closed; Wed–Sat 10 AM–4 PM; Sun closed. Hours checked on 4 November 2026.
When is the best time to visit Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Go in daylight. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center indoors or outdoors?
Both indoors and outdoors: partly covered, so it works in light rain.
Is Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center cost?
It's free to visit.
Do you need to book Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center?
No, you can walk in.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center?
About 60 minutes.
Where is Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center?
5750 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311.
Is Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking, wheelchair accessible restroom.
Status, rating and hours checked on 4 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 11:45 am
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Opens Wed 10 am.
In its favour
- Sun's out
- Best in the morning
61°
Mostly clear
- Feels
- 53°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 14mph
- 12pm
62° - 1pm62°
- 2pm63°
The next five days
Best time to go
When your plans and the weather actually get along. Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed nowmondayClosed
All hoursFewer hours
- mondayToday
- Closed
- tuesday
- Closed
- wednesday
- 10 AM–4 PM
- thursday
- 10 AM–4 PM
- friday
- 10 AM–4 PM
- saturday
- 10 AM–4 PM
- sunday
- Closed
Hours checked 4 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
- 2 Dora Kelley Nature Park · 4 min
Good to know
- Free to visit
- Walk-ins welcome
- Allow about 60 min
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible washroom
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.8from 144 reviews
Known for
- Live reptiles
- Microscope station
- Creek trails
- Birthday parties
What people say
- People like:
- Friendly staff, reptiles, clean facility
Around Dowden Terrace
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Leave with a jacket. Sunglasses all day.
JacketThe whole time
SunglassesThe whole time