What is there to do with kids in Southern Vermont? March Events for Youngsters at the Nature Museum

GRAFTON, VT - This March, The Nature Museum will offer unique, open-air adventures for youth. The Nature Museum's natural science camps are instructive, hands-on experiences that get youngsters outdoors and exercising their minds and bodies. Accredited environmental educators teach lessons that build resiliency skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

Brave Bears Camp for ages 6-9 is slated for Monday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday, March 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Brave Bears includes fun, hands-on indoor and outdoor experiences that cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world. Time spent in nature increases health, happiness, and well-being in kids. The Nature Museum builds confidence and independence by teaching nature wilderness skills in a safe and fun group environment. Kids should bring a hearty bagged snack, lunch, and a water bottle carried in a backpack, and wear appropriate late winter clothing and gear appropriate for a day of adventure. Cost is $30.

Mighty Acorns Club, a pre-school program for young explorers to discover the wonders of nature, is designed for budding naturalists aged 3-5 and their caregivers. The club meets on the third Thursday of every month of the school calendar year. On Thursday, March 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. the topic will be Marvelous Maple Syrup. Oh so good, this local product is cherished by all, but where does it come from and how is it made? Children will learn about how a tree makes sap, how to tap for the sap and the process of making sap into syrup. This preschool club meets inside the Museum and explores the outdoors on a variety of adventures to field, forest and pond throughout the 90-minute hands-on program. Children should be dressed accordingly. Cost is $5 per child. Caregivers are free. Drop-ins are welcome, although preregistration is encouraged.

Kindred Spirits welcomes all ages. Join environmental educator, Jay DeGregorio on Saturday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for Kindred Spirits: Magnificent Migrations. Many species of animals migrate as an adaptation to help them be successful. Did you know the Artic Tern travels 40,000 miles during migration but then some native amphibians only travel a few hundred feet? During this program we will explore the how and why of animal migration. Admission is by donation, please RSVP.

The Nature Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Thursday, year-round.

Open to the public since 1989, The Nature Museum at Grafton focuses on the region's plants, animals, and geology. Hands-on exhibits, dioramas, and mounted specimens engage learners of all ages and connect visitors to the natural world in New England. Visitors can crawl through an underground bear den; dig for fossils; find out about bats, bees, and catamounts; and learn about animal adaptations by dressing up as their favorite creature. Gift store offers engaging books, and other nature-inspired wonders.