FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a daily highlight at Exploration Station! Our students enjoy a variety of local adventures that make the most of Nantucket’s natural beauty. With abundant trails, parks, and beaches just a short drive away, we prioritize time outdoors as a core part of our curriculum. Nature-based experiences are essential for children’s social, emotional, and physical development. Exploring the natural world fosters curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Lily Pond
Lily Pond is a beautiful wetland park located in downtown Nantucket and managed by the Land Bank. It features a boardwalk, wetland habitats, and an open field—providing endless opportunities for children to explore, observe, and play.
The Oldest House & Coffin Park
These historic and scenic properties sit side by side. The Oldest House, owned by the Nantucket Historical Association, is surrounded by a kitchen garden, a majestic old tree, and even live goats! Nearby trails wind through a small bamboo grove, over a boardwalk, and into a wooded area perfect for adventure.
Reyes Pond Trails
Located on Polpis Road, Reyes Pond offers a mix of diverse plant life, a tranquil pond, and scenic walking trails. A favorite spot includes a large hill for running and a nearby pine forest that invites quiet exploration and imaginative play.
Masquetuck
Tucked off Polpis Road, this hidden gem offers woodland trails with vernal pools, low tree branches for climbing, and a path leading to the harbor. At the water’s edge, children can observe fiddler crabs among the sea grasses during warmer months.
Sconset Playground
This charming playground, located on the east side of the island in the village of Sconset, is ideal for our younger students. It’s a favorite for its size, simplicity, and child-friendly design.
Discovery Playground
Known affectionately by the children as the “Green Playground,” this science and discovery-themed space includes accessible features and encourages interactive, imaginative play.
The Labyrinth
Just behind the Discovery Playground is a peaceful labyrinth and a wide playing field. It’s a quiet place to walk and reflect—and nearby, children can often spot animals at Valero’s Farm next door.
The State Forest
While we don’t use the disc golf course, the State Forest provides a fantastic natural playground with pine forests, walking trails, and plenty of space for building forts and free play.
Beaches
On warm days, we love to head to the beach to dig in the sand, observe coastal wildlife, and simply enjoy the beauty of the shoreline.
Squam Farm
This property has woodland trails, vernal pools, wetlands, open fields, old trees, and so much to explore in nature.
Sanford Farm
This walking trail overlooks Hummock Pond and open rolling hills. The wide trail leads to a small pine forest that is perfect for a game of hide-and-seek!
Jetties Beach
The off-season at Jetties is the perfect time to visit and play at the playground, watch the ferries, and take a walk around the beach to see if there are any treasures in the sand.
The Whaling Museum
Every year our class makes ornaments for the Festival of Trees and we always visit to see all off the trees. The children’s playroom is an exciting place to play for our preschoolers!