September 19, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Step onto the giant game board, grab a tortoise game piece, and give the spinner a whirl to begin your turtle journey. Before you reach the finish line, visit each interactive station to learn about how to protect turtles from the hazards they face. Find out what it’s like for a turtle trying to cross a road or traverse changing habitats. Be a turtle tracker and see how real field biologists track animals in the wild. Trek along this turtle terrain and you’ll find out that slow and steady not only wins the race, but takes turtles on some amazing journeys!
Experience Turtle Travels!
At Turtle Travels, strike a pose as a Turtle Traveler in a marsh in front of the beautiful welcome mural, complete with your own turtle shell. Now you’re ready to try life in the slow lane!
Play a life-sized board game! Grab a tortoise game piece, and give the spinner a whirl to begin your turtle journey. Before you reach the finish line, visit each station to protect turtles from the hazards they face. Learn some amazing facts about turtles along the way!
Relax in the reading area seating, or gather on the carpet. Grab a book, and learn more about turtles! A variety of books for all ages of children; some are relevant picture books, some are non-fiction books, and feature beautiful photos and kid-friendly information.
Have a seat on the bench or on the carpet, and watch beautiful videos of sea turtles swimming in the ocean.
Work with a partner to build the arch of a turtle’s shell. A turtle’s shell is shaped like a series of arches. That’s why it’s so strong! Then, feel turtle and tortoise models and figure out how the shape of the shell is suited for a particular lifestyle and environment.
Flip out the feet of a Swiss Army Turtle to make an animal adapted to life in the desert, in a pond, or at sea. Or use your imagination and make your own crazy mixed-up turtle.
Can you find the hidden turtle? It has a real battery-powered transmitter on it, and you’ll hear beeps as you move the antenna close. Turn the dial to move the turtle to a new hiding place. This same radio telemetry equipment is used by scientists who study how turtles live and travel.
Turtle Travels was developed by the Environmental Exhibit Collaborative (EEC) and funded by Jane’s Trust and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and produced by Ecotarium (Worcester, MA) in partnership with the Sciencenter (Ithaca, NY).
