Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Raptors Up Close
2025-12-19 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-18 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-16 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-15 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-14 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-13 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-12 11:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Natural Wonders
2025-12-19 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-18 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-17 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-16 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-15 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-14 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-13 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.

Raptor Feeding Time
2025-12-18 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-17 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-16 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-15 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-14 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-13 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-12 14:00 - 14:30
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.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2025-12-18 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-17 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-16 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-15 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-14 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-13 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-12-12 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.

Paint, Sip, & Soar
2025-12-13 16:00 - 17:30
Paint, Sip, & Soar
Saturday, December 13 / 4 – 5:30 PM
$20 General Public, $18 VINS Member
This class is full. Join the waitlist.
Join a VINS Educator for a painting class featuring a live raptor model. Get up close and personal with one of our avian ambassadors and garner techniques in painting from life, all while learning about raptor natural history and anatomy.
Beginner artists can paint along with a step by step demo, while experienced artists can challenge themselves with the rare opportunity to paint one of these majestic birds from life. Round out this experience while sipping on some warm hot chocolate as you paint!
Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Registration fee covers the cost of refreshments and materials (easel, apron, palette and brushes may be taken home by participants at the end of the event).
