Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is the place where creativity and curiosity come together to help visitors connect with Yosemite’s natural world.
Season Dates: April 6 – October 16, 2026
Hours: 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday (7 days a week starting May 3, 2026)
Admission: Free
Filled with natural materials, art supplies, field guides, and exhibits highlighting the park’s plants, animals, and landscapes, the center invites visitors to explore displays, sketch nature specimens, and discover how artists and naturalists observe and interpret the world around them. Through hands-on activities and nature exploration, visitors of all ages are encouraged to slow down, look closely, and discover the beauty of Yosemite in new ways!
The Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is free and open to park visitors during scheduled hours, with open studio activities and workshops offered throughout the season:
Short kids’ art workshops are offered May – September as staffing allows but our self-guided activities are always available.
All kids’ art activities and workshops are offered free of charge.
Kids must be supervised by an adult when participating in workshops and activities.
Activities and programs change regularly and reflect the seasons, offering fresh inspiration throughout the year. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick creative break or joining a class, Happy Isles Art & Nature Center provides a welcoming place to explore nature through art.
Getting to Happy Isles:
- Take the FREE Yosemite Shuttle from anywhere in Yosemite Valley and get off at Shuttle Stop #16
- Park and walk to Shuttle Stop #16, then follow signs to our center
