Scalloping Field Trip

Join the Maria Mitchell Aquarium Manager, Chelsea Petrik, on a scalloping adventure! As we collect and observe bay scallops, we will learn all about their biology and the challenges they face. Waders and hand nets will be provided!

This trip requires a valid shellfish permit in order to take home bay scallops. For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2304/Shellfish-Permit. Each individual keeping scallops must have their own permit. A permit is not required for participants who are not keeping scallops.

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older.

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 13 and older. Scalloping Field Trip meets at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability. Registrants will be notified of the exact location via email before the day of the program. The location may change closer to the program date in accordance to scallop trends - participants will be notified of location changes.

All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required as this program meets off site. Registration closes 2 hours before the start time of the program. Personal transport to and from the meeting location is required to participate. The smallest pair of waders we have is an adult size 6. If you have a youth participant who wishes to attend the program, you must provide them with their own waders.

The MMA cannot make any guarantees regarding the number of scallops caught. The purpose of this program is to experience scalloping in a sustainable, educational setting while learning about Nantucket bay scallops and their ecological, financial, and cultural importance

DATES:

October 2 - November 19

Days and Times vary

Please view our calendar

COST: $50

Members receive a 20% discount

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or

email: Chelsea Petrik

Weekend Crafting at Hinchman House

Join MMA staff for nature-inspired crafting, where young makers and their families can explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on projects. From building mini habitats to creating art inspired by local wildlife, each session sparks curiosity, imagination, and learning. Whether you’re painting, assembling, or experimenting with natural materials, Weekend Crafting is a perfect way to engage with science, art, and nature all at once. Come curious, leave with a masterpiece! At least one adult must sign up with children.

This program is designed to be interesting for children ages 3 and older.

This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street, Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time. 

DATES:

October 24 - December 12, 2026

Days vary. Please view our calendar

COST: $20

Members receive a 20% discount

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: ekermani@mariamitchell.org

Sensational Science

Join MMA naturalists to on a "spooktacular" exploration into the world of science! For Halloween weekend, we will grow your own ghostly crystals on a Halloween pumpkin using simple household ingredients.

This program meets at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum located at 7 Milk Street, Nantucket. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 5 and older. All registered children must be accompanied by a a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required for this program due to material prep.

Potion Making October 31

DATES:

October 24 - December 12, 2026

COST: $20

Members receive a 20% discount

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: ekermani@mariamitchell.org

MMA Steam Squad

Join us for an exciting, hands-on STEAM Club designed specifically for students in grades 6–8. Each session invites participants to explore the intersections of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through creative challenges, guided investigations, and collaborative projects.

From designing and testing inventions to analyzing natural phenomena and

building artistic interpretations of scientific ideas, students will grow their curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Each month features a new theme and a fresh opportunity for discovery.

This program is perfect for middle schoolers who enjoy exploring, making, experimenting, and thinking in new ways—no prior experience necessary.

DATES:

October 30

November 13

December 12

3:00PM - 4:00PM

COST: $10

Members receive a 20% discount in cart

Owl Prowl

Night-time has always had a mysterious appeal, which brings out a whole new cast of avian and other creatures. It requires patience, and a shift of consciousness from sight to hearing. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds. We will watch for owls as they begin their nightly activity. While an owl sighting is not guaranteed, you will certainly be able to observe several fascinating nocturnal animal species.

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. This program meets at the MMA Administrative Office at 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.  Flashlights or headlamps will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own lighting. Pre-registration is required for this program. Registration deadline: 4pm, the day of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled and participants notified via email.

DATES:

Thursdays

September 24

October 8, 29

November 12

December 3

Times vary with sunset

COST: $30

Members receive a 20% discount

For private group inquiries:

Call 508.228.9198 or email:

ekermani@mariamitchell.org

"Look Up!" at Loines Observatory

Join our astronomers for an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. Get a chance to view the moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and even distant galaxies through the MMA’s telescopes! Learn more about the constellations, phases of the moon, the planets, and why eclipses happen.

This community-centered stargazing program is designed to be engaging and interactive for Nantucket students, educators, and families of all ages but with a special focus on young adults and students of K-12 grades learning about the Nantucket night sky.

This program will take place at the Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatory located at 59 Milk Street Extension. Registration is required for this program which begins promptly at event time. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. In the event of inclement weather (rain or thunderstorm threat), the event will be cancelled. Please check our website on the day of the event for updates on weather related cancellations, we will post by 5pm if the event will be cancelled.

COST:  $10

Free to Nantucket Island Residents

DATES:

Friday

November 13

8:30PM - 9:30PM

For school group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org  for more information.

Thanksgiving Eve Open Night: Stargazing at Loines Observatory

Join our astronomers at Loines Observatory for a special Thanksgiving edition of Stargazing with bourbon & brownies and hot cider for the kids on the deck. MMA is offering two sessions: 7:00pm - 7:45PM and 8:00PM - 8:45PM, the 7pm session is best for families with small children. 

Our astronomers will lead an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky and guide you in viewing astronomical objects through our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and our modern 24-inch research telescope. Get a chance to view the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies!

This program begins promptly at the event start time, please arrive 10 minutes before the program start time. Please dress for the weather conditions at the time of the event, as this program takes place outside. This program is geared toward all ages, but children are welcome to register with an adult guardian. At least one adult must sign up with children. 

This program meets at the MMA Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street, Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required for this special Thanksgiving edition of Open Night. This program is weather contingent and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather (rain or thunderstorm threat). Please check our website on the day of the event for updates on weather related cancellations, we will post by 5pm if the event will be cancelled.  Members will see their discount at checkout in cart once logged into your online account.

Contact email: programs@mariamitchell.org

Cost per adult participant: $40

Cost per youth participant: $20

DATES:

Wednesday, November 25

7PM

*PM

COST:

Adults $40

Youths $20



Members receive 20% discount in cart

For private group inquiries:

Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org