Program Rates and Resources
Important Information
School Program &
Field Trip Rates
| Program | Exhibit Trail Open May–October | Exhibit Trail Closed November–April |
| Indoor Program 45 minutes | $12.00 per student | $7.00 per student |
| Indoor Program 30 minutes | $11.00 per student | $6.00 per student |
| Outdoor Program | $14.00 per student | $10.00 per student |
| Trail Only | $10.00 per student | |
| Virtual | $150 per program | $25 discount per program when scheduling two or more programs for the same school. |
| Lake Education Program | $225 per boat max 12 students per boat | No cruises run during the off-season. |
Fees and Discounts
- Indoor, Outdoor, and Lake Education Program fees include admission to the live animal exhibit trail (when the live animal exhibit trail is open).
- The minimum fee for Indoor or Outdoor programs held at the Science Center is $140.
- There is no minimum fee for live animal exhibit trail use only.
- There is $1 discount per student if two programs are reserved for the same class on the same day.
- One adult is free for every five students. Additional adults pay the student fee. Paraeducators with a 1-on-1 student are free
| Program | Price |
| Indoor Outreach Program | $7 per Student plus mileage |
Fees
| Travel Distance to Your Location | Minimum Fee |
| Within 25 miles of the Science Center | $140 Minimum fee per program |
| 25 miles or further from the Science Center | $225 Minimum fee per program |
- Schools that schedule programs out of state must pay any “out-of-state” permit and testing fees.
- Round trip travel fee of $1/mile applies for all programs at your school.
- If you cancel your reservation within 1 month of the program date, there is a 25% charge.
- If you cancel your reservation within 2 weeks of the program date, there is a 50% charge.
- Cancellations due to school closings will be accepted and no charges will be incurred.
- Cancellations due to weather are not accepted, except for lightning or severe snow or ice.
- A rescheduling fee of $25 applies to all date changes that occur within 1 month of the program date.
- “No Shows” will be charged full price.
Tips for Your Trip
Things to Know about Field Trips
Live Animal Exhibit Trail
Our Live Animal Exhibit Trail is open May 1–November 1.
Getting Here
Arrival and Registration
- Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your first class. Please plan to arrive no earlier than 9:15 AM.
- Upon arrival, students should stay on the bus while one teacher registers the group at the Welcome Center office.
- Payment may be made by check or cash.
- The teacher registering should know the total number of children and the total number of adults attending.
- One adult will be admitted free for every five students.
- All others will be charged the student rate regardless of age or membership status.
- Paraeducators are admitted free.
Program Length
In addition to driving time, allow time for registration and a restroom visit.
Indoor: One-hour sessions featuring live, native New Hampshire wildlife.
Outdoor: Most programs are one hour and fifteen minutes in length. See individual descriptions to verify program length.
What to Wear
Plan ahead and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the season, activity, and weather.
Remember sturdy shoes and insect repellent.
Lunch
Your group may bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available outside and under a covered pavilion. In wet weather, indoor space is available. Your group will be assigned a bin under the picnic pavilion to store lunches while on the trail and in programs. No food or drink (other than water) is permitted on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail or inside the classroom areas.
Trash
The Science Center is a carry-in, carry-out facility. Please bring your own trash bags.
Gift Shop
The Howling Coyote Gift Shop is located in the Welcome Center. Items for sale include nature-related books, t-shirts, cards, and toys. Open May 1 through November 1. All revenues support our educational programs. Please enter the gift shop in groups of no more than eight students at a time. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Trail Q&A
Lake Ecology Data
View Squam Lake data going back to 1993 and see how the lake has changed.
Rotifers, copepods, and phantom midges share our lakes! Since 1993, students have studied the Squam Lakes up-close, collecting plankton samples and measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature.
Lake Ecology Data
Each link will open in a new tab for reference and download.
NatureWorks
NatureWorks was developed and produced by New Hampshire Public Television and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
NatureWorksDiscover the natural world and the connections that make nature work in this 16-part series for students in grades 3-6. Student host Patrice Forrester and Senior Naturalist Dave Erler of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, explore the ways living things interact with the world around them. NatureWorks is designed to align with state and national science frameworks and standards and is a great way to introduce young people to the natural sciences.
Awards for NatureWorks:
- NatureWorks Awards 2002 Notable Children’s Video “Using an entertaining and informative style, sixteen 15-minute programs explore concepts for understanding ecology and environmental issues. Snappy photography, exciting natural footage, animation, and a lively soundtrack make this an engaging experience for children.”
- Winner of the 2001 International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen Award
- Winner of the 2001 Parents’ Choice Home Video Group Recommended Winner
- Winner of the 2001 Gold International CINDY Award
Tips for Your Trip
School Program &
Field Trip Rates
| Program | Exhibit Trail Open | Exhibit Trail Closed |
| Indoor Program 45 minutes | $12.00 per student | $7.00 per student |
| Indoor Program 30 minutes | $11.00 per student | $6.00 per student |
| Outdoor Program | $14.00 per student | $10.00 per student |
| Trail Only | $10.00 per student | |
| Virtual | $150 per program | $25 discount per program when scheduling two or more programs for the same school. |
| Lake Education Program | $225 per boat max 12 students per boat | No cruises run during the off-season. |
Fees and Discounts
- Indoor, Outdoor, and Lake Education Program fees include admission to the live animal exhibit trail (when the live animal exhibit trail is open).
- The minimum fee for Indoor or Outdoor programs held at the Science Center is $140.
- There is no minimum fee for live animal exhibit trail use only.
- There is $1 discount per student if two programs are reserved for the same class on the same day.
- One adult is free for every five students. Additional adults pay the student fee. Paraeducators with a 1-on-1 student are free
| Program | Price |
| Indoor Outreach Program | $7 per Student plus mileage |
Fees
| Travel Distance to Your Location | Minimum Fee |
| Within 25 miles of the Science Center | $140 Minimum fee per program |
| 25 miles or further from the Science Center | $225 Minimum fee per program |
- Schools that schedule programs out of state must pay any “out-of-state” permit and testing fees.
- Round trip travel fee of $1/mile applies for all programs at your school.
Things to Know about Field Trips
Live Animal Exhibit Trail
Our Live Animal Exhibit Trail is open May 1–November 1.
Getting Here
Arrival and Registration
- Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your first class.
- Upon arrival, students should stay on the bus while one teacher registers the group at the Welcome Center office.
- Payment may be made by check or cash.
- The teacher registering should know the total number of children and the total number of adults attending.
- One adult will be admitted free for every five students.
- All others will be charged the student rate regardless of age or membership status.
- Paraeducators are admitted free.
Program Length
In addition to driving time, allow time for registration and a restroom visit.
Indoor: One-hour sessions featuring live, native New Hampshire wildlife.
Outdoor: Most are 1.5 hour sessions depending on the program, including a short introduction inside, followed by outdoor activities, and ending with an indoor summary. See individual descriptions to verify program length.
What to Wear
Plan ahead and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the season, activity, and weather.
Remember sturdy shoes and insect repellent.
Lunch
Your group may bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available outside and under a covered pavilion. In wet weather, indoor space is available.
Trash
The Science Center is a carry-in, carry-out facility. Please bring your own trash bags.
Gift Shop
The Howling Coyote Gift Shop is located in the Welcome Center. Items for sale include nature-related books, t-shirts, cards, and toys. Open May 1 through November 1. All revenues support our educational programs.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Trail Q&A
Lake Ecology Data
View Squam Lake data going back to 1993 and see how the lake has changed.
Rotifers, copepods, and phantom midges share our lakes! Since 1993, students have studied the Squam Lakes up-close, collecting plankton samples and measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature.
NatureWorks
NatureWorks was developed and produced by New Hampshire Public Television and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
NatureWorksDiscover the natural world and the connections that make nature work in this 16-part series for students in grades 3-6. Student host Patrice Forrester and Senior Naturalist Dave Erler of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, explore the ways living things interact with the world around them. NatureWorks is designed to align with state and national science frameworks and standards and is a great way to introduce young people to the natural sciences.
Awards for NatureWorks:
- NatureWorks Awards 2002 Notable Children’s Video “Using an entertaining and informative style, sixteen 15-minute programs explore concepts for understanding ecology and environmental issues. Snappy photography, exciting natural footage, animation, and a lively soundtrack make this an engaging experience for children.”
- Winner of the 2001 International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen Award
- Winner of the 2001 Parents’ Choice Home Video Group Recommended Winner
- Winner of the 2001 Gold International CINDY Award
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel your reservation within 1 month of the program date, there is a 25% charge.
- If you cancel your reservation within 2 weeks of the program date, there is a 50% charge.
- Cancellations due to school closings will be accepted and no charges will be incurred.
- Cancellations due to weather are not accepted, except for lightning or severe snow or ice.
- A rescheduling fee of $25 applies to all date changes that occur within 1 month of the program date.
- “No Shows” will be charged full price.