Adventures in Nature
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:
Saturday
November 29
7:45AM - 10:00AM
Wednesday
December 17
7:45AM - 10:00AM
COST: $30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email: info@mariamitchell.org
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
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
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 29
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
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
Join MMA's Field Ornithologist Ginger Andrews as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds during our Owl Watch program.
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. We will watch and listen 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.
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. Bundle Up! - Bring a chair, blankets and prepare to be quiet and patient to comfortably sit and listen for Owls and other night time creatures! In the event of inclement weather - this program will pivot to an indoor program. Pre-registration is required.
Cost Per Participant: $30
Registration deadline: 2pm, the day of the program
Contact email: ekermani@mariamitchell.org
DATES:
Thursdays
November 13, December 4
4:00 PM
COST:$30
Members receive a 20% discount in cart
For private group inquiries:
Call 508.228.9198 or email:
Adult PROGRAMS AND COURSES
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 MMA's Field Ornithologist Ginger Andrews for a two part workshop 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
Cost Per Participant: $30
Contact email: programs@mariamitchell.org
COST: $30
DATES:
November 15
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
December 13
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email email: programs@mariamitchell.org






