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Afterschool visits


Single-visit program

WOW: Wonders on Wednesdays
A free afterschool program on Wednesday afternoons
1:00-5:00 pm, September–May

WOW is a free program for community-based youth and afterschool groups of all ages. Bring your group to the museum to discover some of the wonders of the natural world.

Investigate the galleries with Discovery Guides and see:

  • A 1,600-pound amethyst geode from Brazil
  • The world's only mounted Kronosaurus, a 42-foot-long prehistoric marine reptile
  • The goliath beetle, largest beetle on Earth
  • The 6 million-year-old shell of Stupendymus geographicus, the "astonishing turtle," over seven feet long

Participate in hands-on activities with museum specimens and find out how scientists learn about the natural world.

Explore the museum with a special activity. In the Animal Detectives Activity, kids look closer at the museum’s collections to figure out which animals are pictured. While exploring, kids will compare animals and explore themes like camouflage, body coverings, and adaptations like beaks and feet. Download and print out a copy for each student to bring with you to the museum.

Repeat visits are encouraged; with over 12,000 objects, it’s easy to discover something new every visit. 

Groups of 10-30 students and a 1:5 ratio of adults to children are ideal. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Groups from Chelsea, Charlestown, Everett, Malden, and East Boston are welcome to visit the museum any weekday from 1:00-5:00 pm under a special extended version of the WOW program.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact the Education Department at 617.495.2341 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please schedule your visit early, space is limited.

WOW: Wonders on Wednesdays is made possible by support from Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC


Multiple-visit programs

The museum is exploring partnerships with out-of-school programs. If you're interested in discussing a multiple-visit relationship with us, please contact the Education Department at 617.495.2341 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .