Hildene launches new Spring Camp
Spring has arrived at Hildene — and with it, an exciting lineup of outdoor education camps for children.
MANCHESTER, VT - In an age when many children spend more time looking at tablet and cell phone screens than at clouds in the sky or bugs in the grass, an ever-increasing body of research points to the importance of time spent outdoors in childhood. Children have better physical, mental, and emotional health, and improved learning, when they play and learn outdoors.
When given the opportunity, both parents and kids recognize another key benefit: it's fun.
Youth education is at the heart of Hildene's mission; our nonprofit’s school programs and summer camps are designed to get kids outdoors to enjoy and explore the Lincoln family's former estate. New this year, Hildene is offering a Spring Vacation Camp from April 20–24. Campers will investigate the signs of spring with all their senses, help prepare the farm's gardens, and care for the animals, including this season's adorable "farm babies."
Lisa Maggio, Hildene’s Youth Education Director, has witnessed firsthand how outdoor time — where play becomes learning — leads to better educational outcomes and a more joyful childhood. "Hildene day camps offer campers the freedom to explore, play, and get a little dirty — maybe even very dirty," she says.
Visit our Camps page to register and join us April 20 - 24th for outdoor adventure, discovery, and muddy-boot fun! (Hildene provides boots to borrow!)
Spring Vacation Camp
This April, campers in 2nd–4th grade will dive into the magic of the season — investigating vernal pools, foraging edible plants (collecting garlic mustard to make pesto!), meeting our farm babies, learning about bumble bees and native pollinators, spotting migrating birds on the boardwalk, and so much more.
April 20–24, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Grades 2–4
Registration is open now — don’t wait, spots fill fast!
Visit Hildene's website at hildene.org/camps to register and learn more details.
Full descriptions for Hildene's Spring and Summer camps, schedules, fees, and registration are available at hildene.org/camps. For more information, contact Youth Education Director Lisa Maggio at 802-367-7965 or lisa@hildene.org.
Images and Text available for download
Press Release - New Spring Camp.docx
DOCX 15 KB
Marketing & Communications Director
HILDENE, THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME
Hildene inspires and educates visitors of all ages by bringing the Lincoln family legacy to life through immersive experiences, innovative educational programs, and engaging exhibits. Our 412-acre historic estate—with its Georgian Revival mansion, formal gardens, observatory, Welcome Center, and The Museum Store in the historic carriage barn—also features the 1903 Pullman car, Sunbeam, and Hildene Farm. As one of Vermont’s premier educational and cultural institutions, we preserve this home and land for everyone's enjoyment, managing them with great care for their historical, architectural, agricultural, and environmental significance.
Follow Hildene's social media channels (@hildenethelincolnfamilyhome) to stay apprised of upcoming special programs and events.
Hildene is open year-round, Thursday - Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as on some holidays.
For more information, please visit hildene.org or call (802) 362-1788.
