Homeschool Day
Homeschool families, co-ops, and small groups are invited to our Homeschool Day at the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab for a day of free activities and fun. We will host a variety of activities, both guided and self-paced, that offer different levels to meet the needs of your learners. Challenge your skills with a hands-on activity in our classroom, explore our wonderful planet with a guided nature walk on our Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail, and discover amazing Earth system science in our exhibits. Your learners will get the opportunity to connect with other local homeschool learners and learn about our Earth!
Activities suitable for students in grade levels K-12. Capacity is limited, so sign up in advance.
NEXT EVENT: Thursday, October 01, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. MT
Career Connections
Registration Opens July 30 at 7:00 a.m. MT
Note: If you are a homeschool group organizer, please ask families to register individually.
Arriving at the Event
When reserving your ticket, you will select a 30-minute entry window. Please arrive during the scheduled entry window and check in at the Welcome Table. Guided activities will be available for sign-up upon arrival. All learners must be accompanied by an adult at this event - we do not offer student drop-off.
Fall 2026 Theme: Career Connections
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a meteorologist, invent something, or work on a supercomputer? Come learn about exciting STEM careers and the many ways we study our powerful planet at NSF NCAR. Put your curiosity and skills to the test as you learn about Colorado’s wild weather, explore instruments to measure our planet, and discover how science helps people who are facing extreme weather events.
Event Activities
Guided Outdoor Exploration on the Weather Trail*
An educator will lead a 30-minute guided walk on the outdoor Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail, appropriate for all ages. Dress appropriately for the weather and dirt trails.
Hike Start Times: 10:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Guided Exhibit Tours*
An educator will lead a 30-minute guided tour throughout the Mesa Lab Visitor Center exhibits. Content will be suitable for students in grade levels K-12.
Tour Start Times: 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Self-Paced Classroom Activity
Hands-on activities for students in grade levels K-12 will be available in the classroom throughout the event. An education staff member will be present for guidance and questions.
Self-Paced Exhibit Exploration & Keva Plank Building
Our science exhibits and Keva Plank build challenge are open throughout the event for self-guided fun. We also have science storybooks, coloring pages, and calming activities in our Quiet Space.
* Limited Capacity: There will be limited capacity for each guided tour and hike with sign-up upon arrival. There is no advanced sign-up for these activities. We reserve the right to change the outdoor programming based on weather conditions and will share any changes.
Food
Lunch and snacks are available for purchase in the Mesa Lab Café between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. You may also bring your own food. Please plan to eat all snacks or lunches in the Café, on the Tree Plaza, or outside.
For questions, contact the UCAR Center for Science Education School and Public Programs team at spp@ucar.edu.
Can't attend our next event? Join our Homeschool email list, and we will contact you when tickets are announced for future events!