The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10am – 4pm.
All outdoor exhibits are open: Raptors, Songbird Aviary, Adventure Playscape, Nature Trails, and the amazing Forest Canopy Walk. Our indoor exhibits are open: Birds Are Dinosaurs, Forest Exhibit, and Reptile Room.
"My daughter and I enjoyed our visit yesterday very much. You continue to do outstanding work to preserve the natural world and educate people about your mission. I was very inspired by all that I saw and experienced. I wanted to share a photo of the volunteer that inspired me with her kindness, wealth of knowledge, and expertise in the care and handling of the amazing birds currently on site."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"A must-visit! Perfect for social distancing - very safe and still so much to explore! The bald eagles were the highlight...and
the birds-are-dinosaurs exhibit is extremely well done, and the canopy walk is gorgeous (and easy even with little children)."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Fun place to go to and take your kids, close encounters with some of the most iconic birds - bald and golden eagles, snow owls etc., canopy trail is really cool."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Wonderful place for a day trip! Educational and amazing! Great staff that are helpful and very knowledgeable."
VINS Nature Center Visitor
"Awesome place to visit! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the birds are beautiful. The new treetop walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding pond, and the tall tower is a little scary! Come prepared to wear a mask and follow the safety guidelines set by the institute. Staff is very dedicated to making your visit a safe one!"
FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 14 – Explore the natural world as we hike the beautiful trails at the VINS Nature Center and prowl for owls. Find out “Hooo’s” out there making raucous noises in the nighttime forest and discover the secret life of New England’s nocturnal residents.
MARCH 22 – This class will explore the fundamentals of watercolor using raptors as models. Artist and VINS educator, Kelly Gadouas, has been painting with watercolor for over 25 years and will share tips and tricks for using this medium. This class will introduce several watercolor techniques including wash, wet brush, and dry brush to help students produce realistic-looking paintings and develop a color palette inspired by the beauty of nature.
MARCH 22 – Why did the salamander cross the road? Join a VINS educator to find out on an amphibian adventure! Learn what makes amphibians such amazing animals by playing games to see if you can hop as far as a frog or if you can find your way to a vernal pool.