New hands-on exhibit combines early childhood development with environmental education through immersive play experiences
VINS Nature Center proudly announces the opening of the Beaver Lodge for Young Explorers, an interactive exhibit designed specifically for VINS’ youngest nature enthusiasts. This innovative space invites children ages 0-3 to discover the fascinating world of beavers—Vermont’s most influential ecosystem engineers—through sensory-rich play and exploration.
The new exhibit transforms learning about wildlife into an adventure playground where toddlers and babies can develop crucial motor skills while building connections to the natural world. Just as beaver kits learn about their environment through play, young visitors will engage all their senses in this thoughtfully designed space.
“We’re thrilled to offer families a dedicated space where our youngest visitors can begin their lifelong journey of environmental discovery,” said Chris Collier, Senior Director of Operations & Exhibits. “The Beaver Lodge for Young Explorers recognizes that meaningful nature education starts in early childhood, fostering curiosity and wonder that will shape the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The exhibit features an impressive array of interactive elements, including:
- A climbing structure to improve gross motor skills and provide opportunities for imaginative play
- A gentle slide mimicking how river otters slip down a bank into the water
- Crawl-through tunnels to get inside the lodge with a small beaver hidden underneath
- Child-height mirrors where young ones can pull up and see themselves
- A tactile station featuring natural materials like sticks to experience different bark textures
- Custom artwork of animals and plants found around a beaver lodge
- Soft play area with a thick rug for crawling babies
- Flip doors with latches to build fine motor skills
- Spinning fish, frogs, and butterflies for a visual and auditory experience
- A marble wall for a visual and auditory experience
The Beaver Lodge for Young Explorers represents VINS’ continued commitment to environmental education for all ages. By starting with the youngest learners, the exhibit helps cultivate a generation that will grow up understanding their role as caretakers of Vermont’s natural heritage. VINS commitment to environmental education will continue as local students grow and experience VINS School Programs, where VINS Educators visit local preschools and elementary schools, and as visitors age and experience more at the Nature Center themselves.
The Beaver Lodge for Young Explorers is made possible through a generous grant from The Butler Foundation, whose support enables VINS to expand access to high-quality environmental education experiences for families throughout Vermont and beyond. The exhibit is now open to the public as part of regular VINS Nature Center admission.
To learn more about the exhibit, visit our website.