The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is your next nature-based family-friendly experience that’s enjoyable year round. The institute sits on 47 acres of forests in a beautiful setting situated along the Ottauquechee River in the picturesque town of Quechee, Vermont. With plenty of opportunities to learn, move, and engage with Vermont’s natural beauty, it’s a sure fire win for our family’s priorities.

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Family Friendliness

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Year Round Experiences

Canopy Walk

If you do anything in the institute, make sure you try the canopy walk. Hands down.

Nature Trails

The nature trails make for an easy adventure through the a beautiful deciduous wood. The McKnight trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly. With a hard packed surface, this one accommodates a wide range of abilities and easy on the littlest legs. These trails connect to the state forest, and so your ramblings can continue on as long as you choose.

Safety was clearly a priority in it’s construction. My very afraid-of-heights self feels perfectly content letting my 3 and 5 year old gallivant 100 feet above the ground. The flooring is made from rough grate, so snow and ice are not an issue in the winter. High sides and an inch of clearing between the railings and flooring make for a worry free parenting experience. You won’t need to endure high blood pressure spikes on this adventure. A large width accommodates for large strollers and is ADA compliant.

The first stop is a large rope spider web for climbing. If you don’t mind climbing while staring at a ground 4 stories underfoot. The kids (and adults) love to burn off energy here or stop for a next-level hammock type rest.

The second stop takes you to the “eagles nest”, an offshoot of the walk. Here you’ll find a great eagle-eye view and an interesting eagle’s nest sculpted from metal rods. It’s lovely.

Next, you’ll find the tree house. This is a gigantic tower with spectacular views overlooking the Ottauquechee River and mountains beyond. It’s a big climb with a couple levels. Children can manage to the first level just fine as long as they’ve mastered stairs. I choose to carry my youngest up to the highest level as the stairs are a narrow metal spiral staircase. You do you.

Much signage along the path includes interesting information about local forest ecology and conservation as well as kid-friendly tidbits. The kids love to imagine how many giraffes have to stand atop one another to reach our height.

If you’re someone who likes to stop and smell the leaves, you’ll feel right at home here.

Songbird Aviary

This is a peaceful place for a low key stroll. The pebbled winding pathway snakes through a natural songbird habitat. It’s always pleasure to listen to their chorus and take in the beautiful colorful feathers. If anyone is needing a restful stop to balance out the excitement and physical activity, this is it.

Indoor Nature Center

This is a well-designed indoor space. There are a variety of hands on ways to explore natural science concepts suitable for kids of all ages. The youngest littles love the hideaway space in the tree that makes up the center of both levels.

All children will love climbing the stairs and heading across the glass bridge to the slide. The slide leads outside, so you may need eyes in different directions. There is a glass wall and door to the inside at the base of the slide, so it’s thoughtfully designed. It’s our intentional spot to warm up on the coldest days, or grab significant shade on a hot day.

Natural Playscape

We like to bookend our trip here. A climbing wall, inclined spider web, long underground tunnel, and log balance structure are opportunities for exploration and risk-taking. There’s a bench with a sun sail for rest, if sitting on the sidelines is your preference. It’s entirely pleasant.

Birds of Prey Habitats

Along a covered pathway, you’ll find easy to view rehabilitation habitats for a variety of birds of prey. We’ve seen bald eagles, crows, a variety of hawks and owls species. Each habitat setup includes a synopsis of where/how/when the bird was found along with information about the bird species. This is a self-guided tour to take at your leisure. Since it’s covered, it’s a nice option on a rainy or oppressively sunny day.

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Daily Shows and Educational Opportunities

Animal Encounter

Any human who adores animals will enjoy this encounter. Especially if you like seeing them up close and personal. During this show an educator shares the story about an ambassador animal, their adaptations, and other unique facts. It closes with an opportunity to interact. What a treat that it’s a daily opportunity.

Songbird Aviary Tour

Songbird aviary tours are available daily. An educator is present to share how you can support songbird habitats in your own backyard. We’ve always found the staff to be knowledgeable and warm with our children.

Raptor Feeding

While we’ve never been present for raptor feeding time due to naptime schedules, we plan to take advantage of this opportunity as our children grow. During this time, you are welcome to come learn about the raptors while they enjoy a meal.

Homeschool Packs

As a homeschooling family, I’ve come to appreciate our local community’s resources. VINS provides a variety of homeschool resources ranging from thematic packs to borrow to science symposiums. In a former life as an educator, my students participated in the symposium and it was a stellar experience. VINS was organized and supported us throughout the entire journey. Their environmental education staff are amazing, helpful and supportive.

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It’s an entirely magical experience. A stroll through the wooded area on the way to the walk takes you through a colorful display. Whimsical fairy houses and other delightful features throughout the trees. The colorful glow is mesmerizing and oddly warming during the winter months. Honestly, the wooded walk is an experience in and of itself. Our kids loved playing and exploring among the colorful tree trunks.

Beyond the whimsical wood, lights illuminate the canopy walk for an otherworldly treetop experience. Our family opts for a climb and hang out at the spider web to start. It can get a little rowdy, so be prepared to drum up courage and help out your littles if necessary. After that we strolled the treetops, ending with climb to the top of the “snow drip” tower. On a clear night, it’s a beautiful view of the night time sky if that’s your thing too.

It’s an easy yes for us in the dark days of winter when our family is searching for adventure. Since it’s dark by 4:30 around the winter solstice, we pack a picnic dinner to eat at the institute. Upon arrival, we eat a warmed dinner from our thermos (baked beans) around the fire. It’s a nice way to warm us for our wintery adventure.

Vermont is absolutely stunning year round. VINS is a wonderfully Vermont-y space. It’s a family-friendly experience with access to beautiful flora and fauna, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Ecological conservation is the common thread through it all. We’ve gone on many family-friendly adventures, and this is in my top 3 favorite places to take my family. It’s sure to please and delight. Get together. Get in nature. Get to VINS.