Educational Visits

Bring your group to Yerkes for a hands-on experience where science, history, nature, and the arts come to life.

Designed for Groups Like Yours

We welcome a wide range of youth groups, each with different goals, schedules, and ways of learning. These experiences are designed to meet you where you are.

School Groups

K–12 classes, homeschool groups, and school-based programs. Field trips and curriculum-connected visits that bring classroom learning to life.

Summer and Enrichment Programs

Day camps, enrichment programs, and seasonal groups. Flexible, hands-on experiences designed for exploration, curiosity, and discovery.

Scouts and Youth Organizations

Scouts, clubs, and community-based youth groups. Ideal for badge work, group outings, and shared learning experiences.

After-School and Extracurricular Groups

STEM clubs, community programs, and extracurricular groups. Great for extending learning beyond the classroom in a setting that feels different.

Learning In Action

Learning here connects across disciplines. Your group will engage with science, nature, history, and the arts through observation, inquiry, and exploration.

Observe and Investigate

Your group works with real scientific tools and concepts, from how telescopes function to how we study the sky, all through direct experience.

Ask Questions and Think Critically

Curiosity leads the way. They ask questions, make connections, and practice thinking through what they’re seeing.

Connect Across Disciplines

What begins with astronomy expands into history, landscape, design, and creative expression, reinforcing learning across subjects.

Build Lasting Understanding

Each experience reinforces key concepts while creating moments your group will remember. It’s learning that sticks because it’s experienced, not just explained.

Tours, Events, & News

Visit Options

Each visit is thoughtfully designed to support your group’s goals. Choose from guided experiences, flexible formats, and extended learning opportunities.

Guided Educational Visits

A 1.5-hour, staff-led experience aligned to your goals. Tour the observatory and take part in solar observing or a hands-on, NGSS-inspired activity.

Outdoor Self-Guided Visits

Explore the arboretum and grounds at your own pace, with the help of our map. A flexible option for groups who want time outdoors, space to explore, or a more informal learning experience.

Educator Professional Development

Support your teaching with NGSS-aligned programming designed to bring STEM concepts to life in the classroom.

Virtual & Outreach Experiences

Can’t make it to Williams Bay? We offer virtual visits, in-school programs, and participation in STEM nights and community events.

Let's Plan Your Visit

Ready to bring your group to Yerkes? Reach out to start planning an experience that will inspire curiosity long after your visit ends.