It was opening day at Vernon's Allan Brooks Nature Centre on Sunday and hundreds of people showed up to enjoy the festivities.

Allan Brooks Nature Centre aims to connect visitors with the Okanagan’s unique and varied ecosystems, flora and fauna.

"Allan Brooks Nature Centre represents tremendous opportunity to the community to come out and reconnect with nature," said Aaron Deans, executive director, Allan Brooks Nature Centre. "We're providing opportunities to get away from the screens and get back into the green."

"Here at the nature centre, we have the grassland trail that circumnavigates the property so you get 360-degree panoramic views."

The centre gives visitors a unique look at wildlife and while exploring nature.

"We have a grassland trail pond and a pond learning centre," Deans said.

Kids and adults bravely lined up for their chance to hold a real snake on opening day.

"We are always looking for great people to join our community," he said. "Become a member, come out to an event this year, see what it's all about."

"It's really the support that you [the community] give us that allows us to do more and better things."

Many new and exciting family friendly events are planned this season at the nature centre.