American Robin near the VIC building (22 April 2013).

Children's Nature Programs:
No School Days at the VIC: Spring Break
14-18 April 2014 | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Signs of spring at the Paul Smiths VIC: Ring-necked Duck on Heron Marsh, Trout Lily on the Boreal Life Trail, Hermit Thrush near the VIC building.Signs of Spring: Ring-necked Duck on Heron Marsh, Trout Lily on the Boreal Life Trail, Hermit Thrush near the VIC Building

Come to the VIC to learn and play!  We will visit a variety of subjects related to the season – and what an exciting season it is! So many plants and animals are waking up and claiming territory.  Woodpeckers have begun their mating drums; purple finches have begun to claim territory with their beautiful songs.  Spring ephemerals are pushing up through the snow, and buds are bursting.  Snow fleas are prevalent, and eggs and larvae are plentiful for the hungry waking hibernators.  Chipmunks are out chirping and warning intruders.  Melting ice reveals otter play.  We will listen to the sounds of the forest, find tracks in the mud, smell the spring flowers, touch tree bark, and create adventures together.

Purple Finch 12 May 2013Pre-registration is required for each day.  You can reserve now until 5 PM, 9 April by calling 518-327-6241, or emailing mberrus@paulsmiths.edu

Bring your clothes for playing outdoors, rain or shine.  Don’t forget your rain jacket, outdoor pants, rain or hiking boots, extra socks, hat, and gloves.  Minimum class size is 4. The fee is $35 per person, $25 for Friends of the VIC. 


No School Days at the Paul Smiths VIC

This event is part of VIC's No School Days Program, which provides half-day and full-day environmental education sessions to teach children aged 7-11 to become VIC eco-explorers, learning about the natural world in the Adirondack Mountains.   Activities include: hiking, exploring the marsh, playing games, and making arts and crafts. Fun is number one, while we develop sensory awareness, creative thinking, listening comprehension, and empathy. No School Day programming is led by VIC Educator Michelle Berrus. For additional dates when No School Days programming is offered, click here. This program is supported by Friends of the VIC.



Nature Programs for Children | No School Days: Spring Break Printable Flyer

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.