Vermont science and nature centers offer a world of unexpected adventure

Vermont > State > Families and Kids > Science and Nature

Vermont is an unsurpassed classroom for science and natural history with indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits and programs for children and adults. There are countless museums, nature centers, walking trails, live animal feedings and more to enjoy. Discover hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Learn maple sugaring from sap collecting through candy making. You can pick your own fruit, flowers and vegetables, take a farm tour, meet bees, and participate in harvest days.

Taste of the Fields Summer Camp - Photo Credit Vera Chang and Shelburne Farms

Follow these links for : Scenic Drives - Hiking Trails - State & Local Parks

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

4472 Basin Harbor Road Vergennes, VT, 05491 Phone: 802-475-2022

The science and natural history of Lake Champlain is a large part of the offerings of this museum, which also describes the military and industrial history of this northern Vermont region. Twelve exhibition buildings, a functioning forge, and a replica gunboat gives adults and kids plenty of range and variety to see and explore at this fascinating regional museum.
Hours: Late May to mid-October, Daily 10am - 4pm. Admission is free.

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

7599 Route 9 East West Marlboro, VT, 05363 Phone: 802-464-0048

This natural history museum is located at the Hogback Mountain and, here, you and your family can take a deep dive into hundreds of specimens of native New England birds and mammals. Bonus: you can go hiking and biking on land right next to the museum.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $3, Kids 5-12 $2, 4 and Under Free.

Birds of Vermont Museum

900 Sherman Hollow Road Huntington, VT, 05462 Phone: 802-434-2167

The name of the museum says it all: exhibits, observation area, nature trails, carving demonstrations.
Hours: Summer (May-Oct.) Weds-Sun 10am - 4pm, Mon-Tues by appointment. Winter (Nov.-Apr.) By appointment only.
Admission: Adults $7; Seniors $6; Ages 3-17 $3.50. Members always free. Please call for group rates.

Montshire Museum of Science

One Montshire Road Norwich, VT, 05055 Phone: 802-649-2200

This personal, warm, and intimate museum brims with enthusiasm for science and for sharing a love of science. Lots of hands-on exhibit and activities -- both in the building and outdoors -- demonstrate and perform principles of science and physics. The outdoor area offers walking trails and teaching exhibits adjacent to the trails. Science Park features water exhibits during the summer.
Read a detailed description, including information on hours and admission, at our Vermont museums page.

ECHO Leahy Center at Lake Champlain - Burlington, VT

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

1 College Street Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone: 802-864-1848

Many, many forms of marine life, from fish to reptiles are on display here, including at live animal feedings that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. The Awesome Forces Theater is an eye-opener. There is a gift shop, too.

Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) Nature Center

6565 Woodstock Road (Route 4) Quechee, VT, 05059 Phone: 802-359-5000

Outdoor exhibits of owls, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey, flight demonstrations, ecology programs about the landscape and wildlife of Vermont, walking trails, and a nature shop featuring science kits, field guides, binoculars, toys and gifts.
Hours: Year-round, Open Daily 10am - 5pm.; Wild Bird Rehab Area is currently closed.
Admission: Adults $18; Seniors, College Students, Educators and Veterans $17, Ages 4-17, $15, Members and 3 & Under Free.

American Museum of Fly Fishing

4070 Main Street - US Route 7A Manchester, VT, 05254 Phone: 802-362-3300

At this homage to fly fishing, fans and practitioners can see a huge collection of angling art gear. Enjoy galleries, historic information, a gift shop and more.
Hours: June to October: Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 4pm ; November to May: Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $5; Children 5-14 $3.

Merck Forest and Farmland Center - Rupert, VT

Merck Forest & Farmland Center

3270 VT Route 315 Rupert, VT, 05768 Phone: 802-394-7836

Merck Forest is open to the public free every day year-round. This conservation area includes forests, a farm, hiking trails, and camping. Educators offer workshop programs for children and adults on many topics of ecology. Events include pick your own flowers and vegetables, farm tours, meet the bees, mushrooming, and harvest day.

New England Maple Museum

4578 US Route 7 Pittsford, VT, 05763 Phone: 802-483-9414

Learn the science of how maple syrup is extracted from sugar maple trees, from bark to evaporator. See demos of sap collecting and syrup making. Taste the results!

Green Mountain Audubon Center

255 Sherman Hollow Road Huntington, VT, 01238 Phone: 802-434-3068

This 255-acre center offers five miles of trails through northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and other habitats that are home to birds, amphibians, and beaver. In late winter, stop by the sugarhouse to watch maple sugar making. During the summer, visit the butterfly garden. At The Barn, check out the Discovery Room, with interactive displays and activities. Lookout Rock offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

1302 Main Street St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819 Phone: 802-748-2372

A handsome Victorian building in this cool northern city is the home of more than one hundred thousand exhibits from nature, from hummingbirds to fossils. Visitors also can learn about the daily life in rural communities for bygone times. Also: giant bears and the mysteries of astronomy!
Hours: Open Year-round, Daily 10am - 5pm. Call for planetarium show times.
Admission: Members always free with your card; Adults $12; Seniors & Children 5-17 $8, Under 4 Free. Planetarium shows are $7 for non-members.

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