Homeschool Programs

The 2018-2019 Homeschool Series are:

Be A Scientist

Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4
Ages 7 to 10
There are many types of scientists - from Dendrologist to Ornithologits. Become a scientist as you develop and test predictions and partiipcate in and conduct experiments. Learn how to use keys and books to identify living and nonliving ecosystem components that make New Hampshire unique. Investigate a different scientific field of study each month.

Cost: $9/member child per session; $11/non-member child per session
An adult must participate with children at no additional cost. Each additional adult pays child fee.

Using Our Five Senses

Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4
Ages 4 to 6
How do we understand and interpret the world? With our senses of course! Learn all about your senses and put them to work as you explore what types of information we get from each one. Learn how animals use their senses. The focus is on a different sense each month and the last session is a celebration of them all.

Cost: $9/member child per session; $11/non-member child per session
An adult must participate with children at no additional cost. Each additional adult pays child fee.

Homeschool programs are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and NH College and Career Ready Science Standards. Homeschool groups qualify for school rates and custom programs.

For questions or to schedule your homeschool program contact Sarah Wall, Visitor Services Manager, at 603-968-7194 x 47 or email

Homeschool programs at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Cailin Nelson, 08/03/18
Very nice place, clean and informative. Different from other places - lots for kids to learn hands on. I was a little apprehensive due to the cost and not many animals but felt like it was worth every penny. I would recommend packing a lunch and taking advantage of the trails - make a full day out of it.
Kimberly Wright, 06/12/19
We enjoyed our visit to Squam Lakes Nature Center. The exhibits were informative and animals were out and about. Nice clear trails to walk. The kids interactive play area and barn was impressive. The gift shop was a bonus-with many books and misc items to purchase. We were interested in the lake cruise but unfortunately it was not available due to school groups on the day of our visit. Keep up the good work for New Hampshire nature!
Barbee & Hayden, 09/03/18
Great enclosures for the animals with water features and lots of shade! And for taking pictures, no cage lines in my pictures because they use thick glass for viewing. Animals looked very healthy especially the lion she was fat :) Loved the walking trails too. It was just lots of fun and we will be back when its not so hot!
Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.
Shaun Wyndman, 08/18/18
This is a very pricey cross between a zoo and a nature trail. The science center features several exhibits relating to the animals in the area. It also has exhibits relating to conservation etc. They offer animal shows, demonstrating live animals several times a day, and feedings three days a week, so check the schedule to see if your favorite is on display. In addition to the move animal exhibits the center features several walking trails offering an opportunity to see local wildlife and plant life. Most tree species are marked for easy identification of the local foliage. There is also a ninety minute boat tour of squam lake available for an additional fee.