With 20+ exhibition spaces, there is plenty for your students and chaperones to experience and explore!
Field trips from June through September are free of charge for any K-12 school in any county that is part of the Adirondack Park; Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Oneida, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington. Reservations at least two weeks in advance are required. During the museum’s closed season, field trips requests are subject to staff availability. Contact the School Programs Department
Home School Day is the fourth Wednesday of September: September 27, 2023.
Homeschool families with at least one school-aged child (5-17 years old) are free of charge for admission on that date. In addition to our wide variety of exhibition spaces, there will be presentations and take away lessons.
Youth and Scout groups and Summer schools please contact the School Programs Department to ask about discounted pricing for your self-guided visits. Please book at least two weeks in advance. Invoicing is available if scheduled and contracted at least three weeks in advance.
College groups of five or more (students and instructor) also receive a special rate. Pre-book at least two weeks in advance by writing education@theadkx.org. Invoicing is available if scheduled and contracted at least three weeks in advance.
Your self-guided experience will take you through more than 20 buildings. Students will learn the history and traditions of the people and places that made the Adirondacks world famous. There are numerous interactive exhibits to engage students’ attention and further their understanding of this region.
See more below!
To alleviate overcrowding at popular exhibits we have designed some pathways for large groups. Break down into smaller groups and use these pathways to explore the museum at your own pace.
Best for grades 3-5
Curriculum Connections:
• Simple machines
• Early domestic life
This program is a great way to end – or begin – your simple machines science unit. Educators briefly discuss the six simple machines and their functions using photos from the museum collection to show the machines in action. Students will have an opportunity to examine our artifacts and determine what simple machines work together to make up some complex machines. If you choose, you may follow up the presentation with our Gadgets & Gizmos Scavenger Hunt.
Best for Kindergarten – 2
Curriculum Connections:
• Habitat
• Omnivores
Students will get an in-depth look into the life of New York State’s 2nd largest mammal. Educators discuss the family life, feeding habits, and habitat of the black bear. The program finishes up with an examination of the problems of living in close proximity to this loveable omnivore.
Best for grades 3-5
Find the simple machines that make up the complex machinery used in the Adirondack region.
Download Gadgets & Gizmos Scavenger Hunt
(For best results, print double-sided, landscape on 8.5”x 11” (letter) paper, and flip on the short edge.)
Best for 5th grade and older
The zombie apocalypse is upon us! Team up your students for the Adirondack Undead challenge. As students visit each exhibit, they use their creativity and critical thinking skills to locate items that will help them survive when the zombies arrive. Earn points for each item found, friendly competition between teams is encouraged.
Download the Adirondack Undead
(For best results, print double-sided, landscape on 8.5”x 11” (letter) paper, and flip on the short edge. Fold in half to create a booklet.)
Best for Kindergarten – 2
Engage your students with this search-and-find activity. Students search five of our exhibit spaces to find objects related to an old-fashioned camping adventure.
Download the Searching for Adventure Scavenger Hunt
(For best results, print double-sided, landscape on 8.5”x 11” (letter) paper, and flip on the long edge.)
Best for PreK through 1st grade
Discover the ways people of the past traveled around the mountains, lakes and roads of the Adirondacks! Your youngest students will work with their chaperones and group leaders to Find artifacts in our exhibits, Imagine and Share their thoughts on how travel long ago differs from the ways we travel today, and Do short activities that help them take a closer look.
Download the Incredible Journey – Transportation Guidebook
(For best results, print double-sided, landscape on 11” x 17” (menu) paper and flip on the short edge. Fold in half to create a booklet.)
Best for PreK through 2nd grade
Enjoy our grounds and gardens as you admire the natural world around you. Look for and identify birds with the help of informative panels scattered around campus. Learn about some of the common Adirondack tree species with our Tree ID Scavenger hunt.
Download the Tree ID Guidebook
Download the Tree ID Answer Sheet
(For best results print double-sided, portrait on 8.5” x 14” (legal) paper, and flip on the long edge.)
9097 State Route 30, P.O. Box 99
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
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