Live Animal Outreach Programs

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center outreach Invite us to bring live wildlife programs to your site or enjoy a virtual presentation for your group!

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center animal outreach programs feature live animals and are led by our expert naturalists. Select from a variety of informative and inspiring programs or let us create a customized program to match your interests.

"All of the students, no matter what the age (and believe me, I’m including all the adults that attended in this statement), were enthralled by all the animals and learned so much. …it was an extraordinary worthwhile experience, and quite simply, great!"

Outreach Program Reservation Request Information for Schools

Fill out my online form.

In-person Programs:

In-person live animal outreach programs are are led by expert naturalists with three live animals for a one-hour program at your site. See rates below.

Virtually Wild Programs:

Unable to bring groups together at your facility? Bring our live animal outreach programs to your group in the comfort of their own homes. Our Virtual Live Animal Outreach programs are 45 minutes in length, taught by our expert naturalists, and feature two live animal ambassadors. Programs are best for 40 or fewer logins. See rates below.

How does a Virtual Outreach Program work?

Science Center Naturalists connect securely to program participants via Zoom. This platform allows us to incorporate a lot of interactivity into the program and provide a more personal experience for program participants.
We utilize all recommended security features for Zoom meetings. During the program, participants will not be able to unmute themselves or screen share, and comments in the chat will not be visible by other program participants.
Live animals are right in front of the camera, giving program participants a closer look than they may get at an in-person program.
The host organization will need to have participants register in advance of the program. The maximum number of participants (logins) is 100, but participants will have a much better experience with a group size of 40 or fewer so that we can include as much interactivity during the program as possible. If you have more than 40 interested families, we suggest you schedule multiple programs.
We will send you the Zoom link via email. You provide the link to registered families directly. We ask that you do this the day of the program. Do not post the link on a publicly visible website.

2024 Library Summer Reading Program

A Wildlife Adventure
There are many adventures to be had in the outdoors. Join a naturalist from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to meet three live animals that you could see on your next outdoor adventure! Learn about the places they live, what they eat, and the adaptations that help them survive.

Library Cost:

In-person: $275 per program (discounted non-profit rate) plus mileage.
$25 discount per program when scheduling two or more programs for the same organization.

Programs for All Ages

Animals with Bad Reputations
Can you think of any conflicts wildlife have with people? The public image of some animals is often inaccurate and can result in negative attitudes. A Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist will introduce you to live animals that have a bad “rep” and help you consider the good side of these wild neighbors.

Animals in Winter
Winter means cold, ice, snow, and shorter days. How do New Hampshire animals survive these conditions? Join a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Naturalist to meet live animals up close and find out about various successful adaptations they use to cope with the stresses of winter.

Creatures of the Night
How do wild animals find food in the dark or escape predators? You don't have to stay up late to get a close look at elusive nocturnal creatures. Meet live creatures of the night with a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist to learn surprising details of their adaptations, which make them well-suited for night life.

Hawks and Owls
Join a Science Center naturalist to meet live raptors that call New Hampshire home. Compare the fascinating similarities and differences between hawks and owls to discover how they are perfectly suited to the habitat niche they each fill.

New Hampshire Wildlife
Are you curious about the critters that inhabit the Granite State? Join a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist to meet wild animals that you could encounter in our forests, fields, or wetlands. Discover what makes them well-suited for life in New Hampshire.

Turtles of New Hampshire
Did you know New Hampshire is home to seven different species of turtles? Join a Science Center naturalist to meet several live turtles all native to New Hampshire. We will learn how to tell them apart, where they live, what they eat, and even what they do in winter.

Why Do Animals Do That?
Why do animals throw up when they're not sick? Why do they gnaw on wood if they don't eat it? With a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist and live animal ambassadors we'll explore some of wildlife’s unusual behaviors and reveal the benefits of these peculiar habits.

Looking for something else?
We can customize programs to meet your needs.

Live Animal Outreach Program Rates

In-person Program	In-person Non-profit Program
$350 - one program reserved	$275 - one program reserved
$325 - 2 to 6 programs reserved	$250 - 2 to 6 programs reserved
$300 - 7 or more programs reserved	$225 - 7 or more programs reserved
Virtual - $225	Virtual - $175

In-person programs add round trip travel fee of $1/mile.

Materials to help you promote your event

Each press packet below contains a link to a press release for your organization to customize (Word document) and high resolution images. Please see our Media Kit for Science Center logos and other media assets.

Animals in Winter

Press Release

PHOTO: Porcupine

PHOTO: Screech Owl

Animals with Bad Reputations

Creatures of the Night

Press Release

PHOTO: Bat

PHOTO: Great Horned Owl

PHOTO: Opossum

PHOTO: Saw-whet Owl

New Hampshire Wildlife

Press Release

PHOTO: Broad-winged Hawk

PHOTO: Porcupine

PHOTO: Red-tailed Hawk

PHOTO: Screech Owl

PHOTO: Wood Turtle

Owls of New Hampshire

Press Release

PHOTO: Saw-whet Owl

PHOTO: Great Horned Owl

PHOTO: Screech Owl

Turtles of New Hampshire

Press Release

PHOTO: Wood Turtle

PHOTO: Blanding's Turtle

PHOTO: Box Turtle

Why Do Animals Do That?

Programs for Schools

Grades Pre-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

Vic Deadly, 10/10/23
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a nature lover's dream. With engaging live animal presentations, informative exhibits, and scenic trails, it offers a perfect blend of education and enjoyment. The center's commitment to wildlife conservation shines through, making it a must-visit gem in the Lakes Region.
Alistair McLean, 08/18/24
Went on a weekday and was there for a good 90 minutes with our 3 year old. All rescued or orphaned animals and a good variety of animals across the site. There was also a dinosaur display with a variety of animatronic dinosaurs in and around the site. This appears to be temporary. Large play barn and slides meant that there was a good place to blow off steam too. Large picnic area as well for those bringing lunch with them. Free parking and EV charging points. Gift shop was nice, good mix of stuff.
Rachel Stoudt, 08/09/21
My husband and I really enjoyed the trails and exhibits. It's very family and child friendly. They've done a lot of updates since I had last visited. The animals are neat although we went at a time where many were sleeping. I can't wait until my next visit. The cost of entry is definitely worth it.
rob settimo, 07/14/24
Mark Leonard, 10/11/24
As a NH Guide, I visited the Science Center this week with a tour group from Pennsylvania. We enjoyed a talk by Victoria, one of the Center's Naturalists, on three of the animals in their care. My group was genuinely excited to learn so many interesting facts and Victoria kept everyone's attention, especially when she introduced us to Skunk 24. Not to be out done, we all enjoyed the presentation on the Blandings turtle and the Barred Owl. All positive comments from my group as we left the Center that day. Great program!