Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Raptor Feeding Time
2026-03-30 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-03-31 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Raptor Feeding Time
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Join our raptor care-givers for feeding time! Learn about the habits and history of each of the resident raptors at VINS as you watch them enjoy their daily meal.
Held in the Raptor Exhibits.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Natural Wonders
2026-03-31 10:30 - 11:00
Natural Wonders
10:30 AM – 11 AM
Join us on a journey of discovery through the wonders of the natural world. Designed for families with young children, this short interactive program explores a range of engaging topics including animals of New England, animal engineers, and local habitats.*
Location changes daily – inquire at the Nature Store.
*Includes a live animal on Saturdays and Sundays only.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptors Up Close
2026-03-31 11:00 - 11:30
Raptors Up Close
11 AM – 11:30 AM
Take flight with us on an unforgettable experience! We’ll show you the unique nature of some of the world’s most highly skilled predators – raptors! In this live bird demonstration you’ll gain an up-close view and an in-depth understanding of these majestic birds.
Held in the Hawkfly or Neale Pavilion.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2026-03-31 12:30 - 12:50
Songbird Aviary Tour
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Spend some time in the Songbird Aviary! Our docents will familiarize you with this special group of birds and point out the ways you can make a great habitat for these important creatures in your own backyard.
Held in the Songbird Aviary.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Forest Storytime
2026-04-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-09 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-16 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-23 10:30 - 11:00
Forest Storytime
Winter Sessions: JAN 8, 15, 22, 29, FEB 5, 12
Spring Sessions: MAR 19, 26, APR 2, 9, 16, 23
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Join an Educator for our early learner’s storytime sessions. We’ll read stories, play games, sing songs, and laugh with puppets. Each session will focus on a different topic to learn about animals, plants, or other wonders of nature. This experience is designed to help promote connection, exploration, curiosity, and joy for the outdoors.
This program is for children 5 and younger. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to purchase admission tickets at the Nature Store – you’ll be directed to the location on campus.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Owl Festival
2026-04-25 09:00 - 17:00
Owl Festival
Saturday, April 25 / 9 AM – 5 PM
Tickets available starting April 1!
Join us for a day of all things owl! Meet live owls from all different habitats and discover their life stories. Join in a craft inspired by owls, and play games to test your own owl skills. Learn all about the amazing world of owls and how you can help the ones in your backyard.
Whoo are those mysterious birds in the trees at night? Meet some owls that might call your backyard home for an all day event here at VINS! Learn about where owls live, what they eat, and how to help protect the wild owls near you. What can you do to help wild owls near you? With live owls, scientists, storytellers and more, it is sure to be an amazing day!
Details and full schedule coming soon!

Fairy Hunts
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Fairy Hunts
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026 (Fairy Festival)
10 AM – 4 PM
Included with Admission to VINS Nature Center
Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure. Learn about and connect with the natural world and discover a little magic along the way. You never know who is waiting for you behind the next tree or resting under the next bush.
After the hunt, get hands-on in nature by using natural materials to build your very own fairy house in VINS’ Fairy Town.
Wings and fairy costumes are encouraged!
Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Fairy Hunts
2026-07-04 10:00 - 16:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Fairy Hunts
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026 (Fairy Festival)
10 AM – 4 PM
Included with Admission to VINS Nature Center
Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure. Learn about and connect with the natural world and discover a little magic along the way. You never know who is waiting for you behind the next tree or resting under the next bush.
After the hunt, get hands-on in nature by using natural materials to build your very own fairy house in VINS’ Fairy Town.
Wings and fairy costumes are encouraged!
Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Fairy Hunts
2026-08-22 10:00 - 16:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Fairy Hunts
Saturday, August 22, 2026 (Fairy Festival)
10 AM – 4 PM
Included with Admission to VINS Nature Center
Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure. Learn about and connect with the natural world and discover a little magic along the way. You never know who is waiting for you behind the next tree or resting under the next bush.
After the hunt, get hands-on in nature by using natural materials to build your very own fairy house in VINS’ Fairy Town.
Wings and fairy costumes are encouraged!
Recommended for ages 4 and up.
