Great places to learn for kids of all ages

Part of the fun of going to a new place, whether for a weeklong vacation or a day, is exploring and learning something new. Tupper Lake is home to award-winning attractions that engage minds young and old, offering memorable and fun learning experiences and activities. All you have to do is bring your curiosity!

The Wild Center

Six million acres of mountains, trees, birds, fish, bears, and so much more. That's the Adirondacks and the place to learn about it all is The Wild Center: The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. The museum's interactive exhibits, live animals, and hands-on activities are all enjoyable and inspiring. Meet raptors, watch river otters frolic, get eye-to-eye with a northern pike, and learn about the first Adirondack residents, the Iroquois, and their relationship to the land.

Having taken in the indoor delights and gained a better understanding of Adirondack nature, step outside into nature itself and strap on a pair of snowshoes for a walk on The Wild Center's trails. Travel through pine forest and past the winding Raquette River. The woods are still busy with birds and small mammals in the winter, so keep your eyes and ears open! After your trip to The Wild Center, you just might enjoy the outdoors and the Adirondacks even more.

Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory

The Adirondacks have five-star hotels, but how about a billion-star view? Tupper Lake is known for dark skies that make stargazing a remarkable treat and the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is the place to take it all in and learn more about the night sky.

From its downtown classroom and observatory overlooking Little Wolf Pond, the Sky Center's staff and volunteers offer workshops on stargazing and astrophotography, science demonstrations, and regular (weather dependent) stargazing through the center's array of telescopes. On any given night of observation, you might be able to view a planet, nebula, or even another galaxy for a truly memorable learning experience.

At the Sky Center classroom, every Friday means kids activities! Kids become interstellar explorers learning about planets, galaxies, space exploration, meteorites, and more through crafts, games, and other fun activities. Little ones just might be become inspired to be the next generation of astronomers and astronauts.

Tupper Arts

Located in the heart of historic downtown, Tupper Arts is a destination for visual art, music, and dance. Browse current exhibits featuring the work of local artists — fiber arts, photography, and pottery are among the many pieces Tupper Arts has featured — or pop in for a class. Offerings are always changing, but you might find yourself painting, creating fused glass ornaments, or sewing your own Christmas stocking. There is also gift shop full of works by local artisans so you can take home something unique to add to your own collection.

One Friday a month, Tupper Arts opens the "grotto" for teenagers to spend time being creative in their own space. Whether they're interested in acting, trying a bit of stand-up, or singing, these evening activities offer teenagers a fun, comfortable place to have fun and express themselves.

Tupper Lake is a community that thrives on art and science, and sharing those passions with residents and visitors. Whether you're an art enthusiast or love looking up at the stars, you'll find something to engage and delight you and your kids.

Start planning your Tupper Lake adventure today by exploring places to stay, where to get a great meal, and uniquely Tupper events.