Field Trips and School Programs

Make learning come alive at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center!

Give your students the opportunity to connect to the natural world. All programs align to Next Generation Science Standards and New Hampshire Career and College-Ready Science Standards.

In-person Programs:

In-person school programs at the Science Center or at your school. These unique and up close encounters give your students the opportunity to discover and connect with nature. All programs at the Science Center from May through October include admission on the live animal exhibit trail.

Indoor Programs / 1 Hour

Indoor programs provide unique and up close encounters with live native New Hampshire wildlife, either here or in your classroom. Program length: 1 hour

Outdoor Programs/ 1.5 Hour

Outdoor programs offer hands-on explorations of fields, forests, and ponds at the Science Center or the natural areas in your own schoolyard. Program length: 1.5 hours

Lake Education Program/ 1-2 Hours

Lake Education Programs give your students an opportunity to study the ecology of Squam Lake aboard pontoon boats. These two-hour programs accommodate a maximum of 36 students. Each program includes an introduction and wrap-up in the classroom. If your class size exceeds 36, you can split the group with one half enjoying the live animal exhibit trail while the other half participates in the lake program, and then switch the two groups. Program length: 1.5 to 2 hours

Live Animal Exhibit Trail:

School groups may walk the 3/4 mile live animal exhibit trail during the trail season (May 1 - November 1) without a scheduled program. Contact us for availability.

Virtually Wild Programs:

These interactive 45 minute live animal programs engage your students with two live animals. Students can join from the classroom or elsewhere. Programs are limited to one classroom per program to facilitate interactivity. All programs include a post-visit activity that students can do at home. Virtual programs are private for your class using a unique, nonpublic link, utilizing all recommended Zoom security and privacy features. If your school is not able to use Zoom for security reasons we can make special accommodations for Google Meet.

School Program Rates

Request a School Program

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School Programs by Grade

Grades Pre-2

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Grades 9-12

Homeschool Programs

Resources for Teachers

For questions or to schedule your field trip complete the Request a School Program form on this page or email

School Program Rates*

*Minimum program fees apply

Field Trips to the Science Center	Exhibit Trail Open May, June, September, October	Exhibit Trail Closed November 2 - April 30
Indoor Program/ 1 Hour	$8.00 per student	$5.00 per student
Outdoor Program/ 1.5 Hour	$11.00 per student	$7.00 per student
Trail Only	$7.00 per student
Virtual	$150/program	$25 discount per program when scheduling two or more programs for the same school.
Lake Education Program	$225 per boat

The minimum fee for programs held at the Science Center is $100.
There is $1 discount per student if two programs are reserved for the same class on the same day.
One adult is free for every five students. Additional adults pay the student fee. Paraeducators with a 1-on-1 student are free.
Indoor and Outdoor Program fees include admission to the live animal trail.
There is no minimum fee for exhibit trail use only.

Science Center Programs at Your School
Indoor	$6.00 per student plus mileage
Outdoor	$7.00 per student plus mileage

For schools 25 miles or less from the Science Center, there is a minimum fee of $125 per program.
For schools 25 miles or further from the Science Center there is a minimum fee of $200 per program.
Schools that schedule programs out of state must pay any "out-of-state" permit fees.
There is also a round trip travel fee of $1/mile.

Things to Know about Field Trips

All programs align to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and New Hampshire Career and College-Ready Science Standards.

Relevant Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations are listed for each program. The materials and activities presented during programs and provided in follow-up lessons help students reach the Performance Expectations. Grades listed are guidelines based on NGSS connections. Teachers may select programs that meet their needs.

Programs at your school

We can bring live animal programs to you! These programs are the same as the ones taught at the Science Center by expert teacher naturalists. Select from our program offerings or customize a program for your specific interests.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your reservation within 1 month of the program date, there is a 25% charge.
If you cancel your reservation within 2 weeks of the program date, there is a 50% charge.
Cancellations due to school closings will be accepted and no charges will be incurred.
Cancellations due to weather are not accepted, except for lightning or severe snow or ice.
A rescheduling fee of $25 applies to all date changes that occur within 1 month of the program date.
"No Shows" will be charged full price.

For questions or to schedule your field trip complete the Request a School Program form on this page or email

Cindell C, 02/15/20
Wonderful place for kids and adults! Beautiful wildlife, well maintained, easily navigable. I'd buy a season pass and go every morning if I lived closer.
Sandra Lungariello, 06/10/18
My Husband and I stopped here on the way home from visiting Mt. Washington, and we were pleasantly surprised! It was very clean and well maintained, and there were a lot of healthy active animals. We did the live animal exhibit trail...I’m pregnant and wanted something nice and easy. We took our time and it took about 2 hours (if you have kids, there’s so much to do with them, like a playground and picnic area). There were many benches, most of it was in the shade, no big hills, and it was very stroller friendly and handicap accessible. It was so educational, and lots of care and thought went into all of the exhibits, great for kids and adults! Can’t wait to take the baby back here in a few years!
Spookymumma Baker, 08/06/19
Favorite place to go with the kids! We get a membership every year and it’s extremely worth it!!! Love all the animals and play areas for kids, let’s them be independent enough that moms and dads still feel good about it. I remember going here as a child and I am so thankful my kids get to as well! The trail takes about an hour ish or more depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The dinosaurs that they have short term are some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Over all: go here, is amazing!
Jenny Brooks, 02/08/19
Something to do in every season for everyone who has an interest in Wildlife and Nature. We've been to the Raptor Spectacular day in September and the Winter Walk in January. Both were excellent value for money.
Sarah Lindahl, 04/19/19
Such a beautiful place. Awesome for all ages - great place for learning, exercise, and fun. Variety of animals, plants, and things to do! Love coming here.