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Children & Family Programs

Discover the wonders of nature with your little ones through our hands-on workshops featuring farm animals, creative crafts, and outdoor exploration activities designed especially for children and families. From farm chores and meeting barnyard animals to building fairy houses and exploring the forest's natural habitats, our family programs foster curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

​Upcoming Events

  • Full Moon Hike
    Full Moon Hike
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Jan 03
    Jan 03, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
    Merck Forest and Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Experience the magic of the moonlit forest!
  • Homeschool Homesteaders
    Homeschool Homesteaders
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Jan 08
    Jan 08, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Join our Homeschool Homesteaders cohort as we explore the farm and experience how the land can teach and feed us!
  • Second Saturdays at Manchester Community Library
    Second Saturdays at Manchester Community Library
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Jan 10
    Jan 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    MFFC field educators provide seasonally themed environmental science learning and facilitate exciting and hands-on nature-based activities for kids ages 6+
  • Kits & Cubs
    Kits & Cubs
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Feb 25
    Feb 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Bring your toddlers and preschoolers (18 months to 5 years old) for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Every session is packed with nature-themed activities, songs, stories, and take-home crafts designed to spark curiosity.
  • Meet the Lambs
    Meet the Lambs
    Sat, May 16
    May 16, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Spring is bursting from all corners of Merck Forest, from the farm to the fields to the forest.
  • Fall Foliage Wagon Ride
    Fall Foliage Wagon Ride
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Sep 26
    Sep 26, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Climb aboard for a tractor-pulled wagon ride through the vibrant fall foliage!
  • Kits & Cubs
    Kits & Cubs
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Dec 19
    Dec 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Introduce your little ones to the wonders of nature with Merck Forest's Kits and Cubs program! This engaging nature experience is specially designed for children ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers.
  • Ornament Making Workshop
    Ornament Making Workshop
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Dec 18
    Dec 18, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Merck Forest and Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    For makers of all ages!
  • Wreath Making Workshop
    Wreath Making Workshop
    Sat, Dec 13
    Dec 13, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Kick off the holiday season and create your own festive wreath with greens sourced right from Merck Forest!
  • Second Saturdays @ Manchester Community Library
    Second Saturdays @ Manchester Community Library
    Sat, Dec 13
    Dec 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    Meet up around the campfire with Merck Forest & Farmland Center field educators to craft some birch bark decorations to brighten up your holiday season!
  • Wreath Making Workshop
    Wreath Making Workshop
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Dec 07
    Dec 07, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Kick off the holiday season and create your own festive wreath with greens sourced right from Merck Forest!
  • Sat, Nov 08
    Nov 08, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    Drop in at the Manchester Community Library to meet a Merck Forest field educator for outdoor exploration, games and activities!
  • Sat, Oct 18
    Oct 18, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    Foliage fun at the Manchester Community Library! NOTE: This month’s “Second” Saturday will take place on the THIRD Saturday, October 18.
  • Tue, Oct 14
    Oct 14, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    Head to the Manchester Community Library for story time and a free book to take home!
  • Exploring Environmental Art: Found-Wood Sculpture with Lee Williams
    Exploring Environmental Art: Found-Wood Sculpture with Lee Williams
    Sat, Oct 04
    Oct 04, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Merck Forest & Farmland Center, 3270 Rte 315, Pawlet, VT 05761, USA
    An NEA Big Read program in collaboration with the Manchester Community Library.
  • Second Saturdays @ Manchester Community Library
    Second Saturdays @ Manchester Community Library
    Sat, Sep 13
    Sep 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Manchester Community Library, 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
    Drop in at the Manchester Community Library to meet a Merck Forest field educator for outdoor exploration, games and activities!
  • Cabin Trail Run
    Cabin Trail Run
    Sat, Sep 13
    Sep 13, 2025, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT
    Rupert, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Lace 'em up and run the hills with us! Choose the 7-mile or 1-mile Family Fun Run!
  • Meet and Feed
    Meet and Feed
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Aug 16
    Aug 16, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    Merck Forest and Farmland Center, 3270 VT-315, Rupert, VT 05768, USA
    Join MFFC staff on afternoon wellness checks on the farm animals.

Be Part of Our Story

Whether you're planning your first visit or deepening your connection, there are countless ways to engage with Merck Forest & Farmland Center.

Discover programs and experiences that will inspire your curiosity for nature.

Merck Forest & Farmland Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring curiosity, love, and responsibility for natural and working lands.

© 2025 Merck Forest & Farmland Center. All rights reserved. Designed and developed by LONDONmiddlebury.

Address

3270 Route 315

Rupert, VT 05768

Contact

(802) 394-7836

info@merckforest.org

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