Adventures in Nature
Nantucket Bird Walk with Ginger Andrews
Explore Nantucket’s birdy landscapes and hidden nooks with local bird guide and Inquirer and Mirror columnist, Ginger Andrews. With so many varied habitats so close together, the Island is a great place to look and listen for birds. Our location out at sea makes for a fascinating mix of migratory species and year-round residents.
Dry humor—always useful in a foggy environment—natural and human history, unexpected rarities, and other stories fill out the picture. Children 8 and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loner binoculars available. Wear sensible shoes, dress for the weather.
This program meets at the MMA 33 Washington Street property at 7:45 AM. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date. Pre-registration is required as this program occurs
off-site. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.
DATES:
Friday
October 10
7:45AM - 10:00AM
Saturday
October 18 and 25
7:45AM - 10:00AM
COST: $30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: info@mariamitchell.org
Full Moon Nature Walk
Join Joanna Roche on a peaceful one hour walk (up to 2 miles on uneven terrain) under the light of the full Moon. Discover the legends and narratives of the past and present. Enjoy the tranquility of the quiet night sky and learn about our Moon's current themes and its important symbolism.
Our complimentary under the moon experience meets at a rotating location, you will be emailed with the walk location on the day of the program. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled and participants notified via email. This walk is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. Dress for the current weather conditions and bring your flashlights or headlamps!
DATES:
October 6, Harvest Moon
7:00PM - 8:00PM
November 5, Beaver Moon
6:00PM - 7:00PM
December 4, Cold Moon
6:00PM - 7:00PM
COST: $10
Free to Nantucket Island Residents
For inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: info@mariamitchell.org
Scalloping Field Trip
Join the Maria Mitchell Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, 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/Recreational-Shellfish-Permit.
Each individual must have their own permit if you are keeping scallops - one permit does not cover a group.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 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.
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
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 7. If you have a youth participant who wishes to attend the program, you must provide them with their own waders.
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: cnorman@mariamitchell.org
Weekend Crafting at Hinchman House
Unleash your creativity at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum! 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.
Cost Per Participant: $20

DATES:
October 12 - December 14
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
Feed & Meet the Animals
Feeding Frenzy
Join MMA Aquarists and staff on a tour as they feed the ever-hungry creatures at the Aquarium before it opens to the public. You will learn all about the fascinating marine animals as you observe their unique feeding behaviors. This is a great way to learn about the diverse marine animals in the Nantucket Harbor and beyond.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children. This program meets at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium at 32 Washington St. All registered children must be accompanied by at least one registered adult to participate in this program.

Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.
DATES:
Fridays & Saturdays
September 5 - October 10
9:00AM - 9:45AM
COST:$100
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 5 guests.
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
cnorman@mariamitchell.org
Ravenous Reptiles
Join MMA staff on a tour as they feed the hungry animals at the Natural Science Museum! Learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more at the MMA Natural Science Museum! You will get to learn about and interact with several of the MMA Natural Science Museum educational animals. This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close, especially if you love animals.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 4 and older. This program meets at the MMA Natural Science Museum at 7 Milk Street, Nantucket MA.
All registered children must be accompanied by at least one registered adult to participate in this program.
Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.
DATES:
September 5 - November 9
Saturdays & Sundays
9:00AM - 9:45AM
Fridays
12:00PM - 12:45PM
please see our calendar
COST:$20
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
ekermani@mariamitchell.org
Nature Storytime
Enjoy this program designed for the young explorer in your family! During each session, a MMA educator will read a nature or science themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal friends, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. This is a recurring program, but the specific focus and materials provided will change each week.
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:
September 6 - December 13
Fridays
3:00PM - 3:45PM
Saturdays and Sundays
11:00AM - 11:45AM
COST: $15
Youth Members: Free
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email: ekermani@mariamitchell.org
Marine Storytime
Enjoy this program designed for the young aquatic in your family! During each session, a MMA educator will read a marine or science themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal friends, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. This is a reoccurring program, but the specific focus and materials provided will change each week.
This program is designed to be interesting for children ages 3 and older. This program meets at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street, Nantucket MA. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time.
DATES:
Fridays & Saturdays
September 5 - October 10
9:15AM - 10:00AM
COST:$15
Youth Members: Free
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
cnorman@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 14
6PM - 7PM
For school group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org for more information.
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 11
October 2 & 9
Times vary with sunset
COST:$30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
Open Night: Stargazing at Loines Observatory
Join our professional astronomers for Stargazing Open Nights at Loines Observatory. Get a chance to view an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. The MMA will host Open Night Stargazing through November with Special Editions for Halloween & Thanksgiving Eve . Please see our CALENDAR for dates and times.
MMA staff will 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! Learn about the cutting-edge research being conducted by Maria Mitchell Observatory astronomers and interns and get all your astronomy questions answered!
This program is designed for all ages. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. This program meets at the MMA Loines Observatory at 59 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 the event start time, please arrive 10 minutes before the program start time as late arrivals may be turned away. Please dress for the weather conditions at the event time, as this event takes place outside. 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 program will be cancelled. Members will see their discount at checkout in cart once logged into your online account.
DATES:
Wednesdays & Fridays
Please view our CALENDAR for full program times and listings.
COST: Adults $25, Youths $15
Members are free discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email
programs@mariamitchell.org
