Group Programs for Children & Teens at Wachusett Meadow
Contact Info
978-464-2712 |
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of fun and educational nature-based programs for scout troops, birthdays, homeschools, community groups, and more.
The widely diverse habitat and wildlife and an extensive trail system provides a wonderful setting and many program options including guided and unguided hikes, canoeing, snowshoeing and overnights.
→ Discover all the programs Mass Audubon educators offer across the state. Learn with us >
Program Types
Community • Scouts • Birthday Parties • Preschool • Homeschool • Party & Function Rentals
Community Groups
Your group can explore local ecology with Wachusett Meadow staff all year long! We serve all ages and types of groups including libraries, church youth groups, parent groups, and more.
Our programs can be tailored to fit a specific interest or setting. In addition to guided hikes, we also offer guided or unguided canoeing and snowshoeing.
Looking for group programs for adults?
Scout Programs
Wachusett Meadow offers programs for all levels of girl and boy scouts. Our qualified educators are available to lead guided explorations of the sanctuary highlighting many natural history topics, or we can design a program to fulfill the requirements of a specific badge.
Self-guided scout outings can also be arranged. Ask us about opportunities for Eagle or Gold Award projects!
Birthday Parties
Looking for a place to have a fun and memorable birthday for your child? Wachusett Meadow offers birthday party programs for children of all ages.
Our flexible options include in or outdoor party space, guided hikes, and activities focusing on a wide variety of nature themes.
Preschool Programs
Nature Adventures for Young Folks is a two-term enrichment program for ages 3.5–6. We encourage young children to enjoy and explore the outdoors by emphasizing curiosity, listening and observation skills, and an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The programs are a mix of hands-on activities, experiments, nature walks, songs, stories, demonstrations, and open play. This is a 4 hour drop off program. Children bring a lunch and snack from home and all children should be fully potty trained to participate. Preschool Story Hour is a flexible option for parents to enjoy a story, craft, and a walk with their child (ages 2.5–6). These programs cover a wide variety of nature themes, and families may register for individual sessions.
→ Registration for the spring session of Nature Adventures opens in December.
All upcoming preschool programs >
Homeschool Programs
Our homeschool programs are designed to encourage children to connect and interact with the environment through investigation and science-based learning, and with each other through group building and games. We offer both single-session topics and multi-session program series covering comprehensive topics.
Most programs include indoor portions as well as time outdoors exploring the sanctuary. Participants receive handouts or “home projects” to help further their learning and to share with their families.
Upcoming Homeschool Programs >
Search the School Program Catalog >
Party & Function Rentals
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary has both indoor facilities and outdoor function space available to rent for private and public groups and organizations.
The sanctuary’s expansive landscapes and historic buildings offer a scenic, natural setting for events such as meetings, retreats, and other gatherings.