Field Trips
Contact Us
Field Trip Rate
In-Person at VINS
$11.50 per Youth
Free for School Staff
$13.50 per Parent Chaperone
Virtual
$200 per Virtual Field Trip
Advanced booking required.
Nature Center Hours
VINS Nature Center
10am to 5pm Daily
Wild Bird Rehab is Open
Accepting Calls Only
802.359.5000 x212
8am to 5pm
Field Trips to the Nature Center
At the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, your students will be immersed in a rich learning experience. Our field trips are designed to work with and enhance your curriculum, making every visit to VINS a valuable experience for your students. All of our field trips are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
VINS has been a leader in environmental education since 1972. Our staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge in outdoor education, the natural sciences and teaching methods. We’ll work with you to deepen the connections between your learning goals in the classroom and your outdoor exploration at VINS. Classes are able to explore the VINS campus before and after their lesson and enjoy on-site educational programs at no additional cost. Hold your Field Trip in our Outdoor Classroom for an immersive forest experience.
To schedule a field trip, contact our Lead Experience Navigator at 802.359.5000 x221 or fill out the Field Trip Form.
VINS Field Trips COVID-19 Protocol
- VINS Field Trips will maintain all health guidance, as well as direction from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, as it relates to public outdoor spaces.
- All Field Trips to the VINS Nature Center will take place in our open-air, Outdoor Classroom or our new August Pavilion (outdoor).
- Seating in our Outdoor Classroom or August Pavilion will allow for social distancing between students, chaperones and educators.
- VINS Educators and Field Trip participants will wear masks at all times (required for any unvaccinated participants per VINS policy).
- Hand sanitizer and/or handwashing will be provided for Field Trip participants to use before and after handling materials.
- All materials will be sanitized prior to and after use.

Outdoor Classroom
Choose from a variety of topics and work with our educators to personalize the educational experience to meet your students’ needs.

YEAR-ROUND FIELD TRIP
Stream Ecology
Experience the power of moving water with our Stream Table.

YEAR-ROUND FIELD TRIP
Climate Change and Bird Migration
See how climate change affects all organisms -- including birds.

FALL/SPRING FIELD TRIP
Forest Monitoring
Investigate how our forests are changing over time.

FALL/SPRING FIELD TRIP
Home Sweet Habitat
Discover where animals make their homes in the forest.

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP
Home Sweet Habitat
Help Otis the Otter find his home as we investigate habitats.

FALL/SPRING FIELD TRIP
Animal Adaptations
Explore how animals have adapted to their ecosystem.

WINTER FIELD TRIP
Chickadee Landing Station
Join in on this unique bird feeding experience!

SPRING/SUMMER FIELD TRIP
Explore VINS
Enjoy independent exploration of the VINS Nature Center.
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
The children were spellbound! We definitely will return next year!
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
Thank you! Despite the weather challenges en route to VINS/Randolph, this day was an unqualified success! The children had a blast, learned so much, and were bubbling with enthusiasm and sharing facts with each other even back in the classroom.
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
My students absolutely loved today!!! I specifically loved how you introduced my students to the conditions of ecosystems with your slide presentation, carefully chose the activities, and allowed us access to the trails, playspace, and raptor exhibits. Meeting the Harris's Hawk was special. I will continue to put this field trip in my winter plans.
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
VINS Field Trip Participating Teacher
Enhancing Classroom Curriculum with On-Site, Place-Based Education
Explore the natural world with hands-on lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.