Science Center Nature Tours

Puffin Executive Director Iain MacLeod (a native Scot) leads a Natural and Cultural History Tour to Scotland each year (in May or June). These are very personal, small-group tours to various parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Iain is an experienced group tour leader who has organized and led tours of Scotland more than a dozen times. The hotels are chosen by Iain for their comfort, ambiance, hospitality, and excellent food. Iain personally arranges every detail — flights, meals, transportation, and daily destinations. The group size (maximum 12 people), and unhurried pace fosters new friendships, a relaxed atmosphere, and flexibility in the schedule.
These tours fill very fast:

2020 Outer Hebrides and Skye

FULL

View Itinerary

2021 Shetland and Orkney Islands

FULL

View Itinerary

Email Iain MacLeod at if you are interested in future trips or to be put on a wait list for 2020 and 2021. Iain also leads a very popular tour of New Mexico (in November). Iain is thinking about offering this tour again in 2020. Email Iain if you are interested in that trip.

View Sample New Mexico Itinerary

Nick Phelps, 05/04/19
Great NH Day for Familia!! There's many added Attractions for the kiddos and always interesting things for Adults Aswell
Nathaniel Abbott, 08/10/19
This nature preserve is one or the most important places in the State, or the country. Inventive, entertaining exhibits are sprinkled liberally in between live wild animals (all rescues that would otherwise die or fair poorly). Plenty of playground installations for the Rugrats to wear themselves out on. Every parent who can must take their children as often as possible so that the messages about nature and the environment have a chance to get across and be heard and understood. There are dozens of nature and wildlife live presentations every week. This is truly a national treasure.
Linda Chignola, 06/15/19
We visited a few years ago but it was blazing hot with high humidity :-( Despite that, we were very impressed and always planned to return at a future point when the weather was more agreeable! The animals were well-cared for, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the trails/exhibits were wonderful. We couldn't even explore it all because it was too hot for us! So happy to say that we are vacationing in NH next week and cannot wait to return as the weather looks more reasonable for outdoor adventures!
Sandra Lungariello, 06/10/18
My Husband and I stopped here on the way home from visiting Mt. Washington, and we were pleasantly surprised! It was very clean and well maintained, and there were a lot of healthy active animals. We did the live animal exhibit trail...I’m pregnant and wanted something nice and easy. We took our time and it took about 2 hours (if you have kids, there’s so much to do with them, like a playground and picnic area). There were many benches, most of it was in the shade, no big hills, and it was very stroller friendly and handicap accessible. It was so educational, and lots of care and thought went into all of the exhibits, great for kids and adults! Can’t wait to take the baby back here in a few years!
Jeff Sirles, 08/30/19
If you're looking for a place where you can have fun, learn, enjoy nature as an adult or a child, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a great place to be! You can also experience Squam Lake by taking one of their cruises. This is a must-do! If you're in the lakes region of NH and you are able to make it here, be sure to go. You will have a great time.