Wells Reserve at Laudholm
There was an issue validating your request. Please try again later.

Campus paving begins April 15. Please refer to the Helpful Info page for updates regarding temporary changes to campus access. Trails remain open.

For Kids & Families

Programs and activities with a pre-K to teen focus.

We're on the front line in the battle against nature deficit disorder. Our children's programs combine arts and crafts indoors with exploration and experimentation outdoors.

In this section

Day Camps

Three-day and week-long camps packed with hands-on, science-based activities for kids ages 6 to 14. Explore field, forest, salt marsh, and beach in a protected reserve with a barn classroom and a well equipped teaching laboratory. Scholarships available.

Upcoming Day Camps

  • Jun 24-28
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: River to the Sea


    Monday, June 24, 2024 – Friday, June 28, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend a week by the water’s edge, from river to salt marsh to beach, spying on creatures large and small. For kids ages 9 to 12.

    More Info
  • Jul 1-3
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Nature's Wonders


    Monday, July 1, 2024 – Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend three days as a nature detective, exploring critters, plants, mushrooms, and more! For kids ages 6 to 8.

    More Info
  • Jul 8-12
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Aquatic Adventures


    Monday, July 8, 2024 – Friday, July 12, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend the week investigating stream, salt marsh, and beach habitats, exploring the homes of fascinating creatures along the way! For kids ages 6 to 8.

    More Info
  • Jul 15-19
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Critter Camp


    Monday, July 15, 2024 – Friday, July 19, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend the week on a wildlife safari, in search of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals! For kids ages 6 to 8.

    More Info
  • Jul 22-26
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Wildlife Watchers

    Program Full
    Monday, July 22, 2024 – Friday, July 26, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Bring a fascination and curiosity for wildlife and make incredible discoveries in forest, field, and water’s edge. For kids ages 9 to 12.

    More Info
  • Jul 29-31
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: River to the Sea


    Monday, July 29, 2024 – Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend three days by the water’s edge, from river to salt marsh to beach, spying on creatures large and small. For kids ages 9 to 12.

    More Info
  • Aug 5-9
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Naturalist Camp


    Monday, August 5, 2024 – Friday, August 9, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend a week of summer camp experiencing Nature by foot and kayak!

    More Info
  • Aug 12-14
    Kid's Camp

    Summer Camp: Aquatic Adventures

    Program Full
    Monday, August 12, 2024 – Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

    Spend three days investigating stream, salt marsh, and beach habitats, exploring the homes of fascinating creatures along the way! For kids ages 6 to 8.

    More Info

Family Nature Programs

A variety of programs ideally suited to families with kids in grades K to 5.

Upcoming Family Nature Programs

There are no upcoming events.

Story Walks

Seasonal stories posted along our trails help to keep kids excited for walks in the woods.

StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.

StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and was developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Our current walk begins on the Saw-whet Owl Trail. Learn more about this project.

Story Hours

For preschoolers and their caregivers, these programs combine a story book about nature with a simple craft and a short walk on one of the reserve’s easy trails. Second Thursdays, April to November. Free.

Upcoming Story Hours

Discovery Program

These self-paced trail guides are paired with activity backpacks that hold everything you need for a half-day of wonder and fun. Especially good for 6- to 12-year-olds.

Discovery Program Options

Water Wonders

Discover watersheds, the water cycle, estuaries, wetlands, and the beach with a mummichog mascot as your guide. Backpack contains estuary mystery bag, trivia cards, earth ball, binoculars and magnifiers, six field guides, Identiflyer with sound cards, and more.

Habitat Hike

Visit forest, field, and estuary habitats with a porcupine mascot, while exploring animal homes, life cycles, camouflage, and even scat! Backpack contains "green" lunchbox, binoculars and magnifiers, three puppets, four field guides, Identiflyer with sound cards, and more.

Time Travels

Complete a treasure hunt with a wild turkey mascot, learn about life on the farm, explore hunting and gathering, and investigate resources from the estuary. Backpack contains treasure map, animals bag, stone wall building kit, hour glass, binoculars and magnifier, gobbler call, measuring tape, and more.

Discovery Program Details

  • Ages: For ages 6 and up
  • Group Size: 1 trail guide per child recommended
  • Available: Year-round
  • Fee: $6 fee includes trail guide, backpack rental, and prize.

Trail Walks

Some of our trail walks are suitable for children, especially when accompanied by an adult. Check out our upcoming Guided Tours.

View Options