Adventures in Nature
Pop-up 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. You never know what may turn up.
Transportation will not be provided for this offering and registrants must have a vehicle to participate. This program convenes at the MMA Admin parking lot at 4 Vestal Street 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 recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Cost Per Participant: $30
Contact email: jgurley@mariamitchell.org
DATES:
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
7:45 - 10:00AM
More dates coming in 2026! Please view our calendar.
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:
Dates are scheduled monthly around the full moon.
Please view our calendar.
COST: $10
Free to Nantucket Island Residents
For inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: info@mariamitchell.org
Feed & Meet the Animal, and science fun
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:
Beginning January 10, 2026
Saturdays & Sundays
9:00 - 9:45AM
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:
Beginning January 10, 2026
Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 - 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
MMA Steam Squad
Join us on the third Friday of each month 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.
Seeking Sounds of Saw-Whet Owls
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 MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, to listen for the calls of Saw-whet owls and a variety of nocturnal animals and birds. We will watch for Saw-whets as they begin their nightly activity. While a sighting is not guaranteed, you will certainly be able to observe several fascinating nocturnal animal species.
At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. This program meets at the MMA at 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA.
Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline: 2pm, the day of the program
Contact email: ekermani@mariamitchell.org
DATES:
Thursdays
January 8, 2026
February 5, 2026
March 5, 2026
Times are sunset dependent.
COST: $30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
Art After Hours: Paint and Sip with Nikoline Bohr
Experience the Natural Science Museum after dark during this special art program. Guided by artist Nikoline Bohr, you’ll create a personalized work of art in a calm and inviting setting while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Connect with fellow participants, explore your creativity, and take home your finished piece as a lasting keepsake.
This program is designed for adults and meets at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street.
Pre-registration is required, and registration closes at 3 PM the day before the program. All materials are provided.
Adult PROGRAMS AND COURSES
Birding 101:
An exploration of the unique avian life of Nantucket
What is the allure of birding? We have always looked to birds to tell us what is happening in the world around us but there are almost as many ways to enjoy birds as there are birders. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, to find your own unique birding style, with tips and suggestions to find and identify Nantucket's varied avian life.
This program convenes at the MMA Research Center parking area at 2/4 Vestal St. at 12:45PM. This workshop is a 2 in 1 series.
Children 8 and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loaner binoculars are available for use. Wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather at the time of the program.
This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date.
Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Part 1: Introduction to Birding
-Field Guides
-Bird Feeding
-Specimens, Sketching, and Note Taking
Part 2: Birding Field Trip
-Bird Identification
-Habitats and Homes
-binoculars and Telescope Configuration for viewing
DATES:
January 17, 2026
1:00 - 4:00PM
COST: $30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email email: programs@mariamitchell.org
MMA Learning Lab:
Vision Map 2026 with Joanna Roche
MMA Learning Lab – a series of 90 minute workshops on a range of topics designed to spark curiosity, brought to life by MMA experts and special guests. Our program kicks off on January 9th, in person at 8:30am with a Vision Mapping workshop facilitated by MMA Executive Director Joanna Roche.
Create a roadmap to your year with a discussion, prompts, visual tools and your personal brand of creativity. Make 2026 and your vision for yourself a reality with a good planning session, a dose of energy and encouragement, and leave with a tool that helps you achieve your goals.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults. This program meets at the MMA Research Center, 2 Vestal St. Nantucket MA.
Pre-registration is required, supplies will be provided, as will coffee and a light snack.