The Homeschool Programs at the Oakes Museum of Natural History at Messiah University are where science, curiosity, and hands-on adventure collide. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, the Oakes Museum houses over 40,000 fascinating specimens in its 10,000-square-foot space — from African and North American mammals to birds, reptiles, fish, seashells, minerals, insects, and fossils.
Each school year, the museum offers a variety of engaging homeschool science classes and lab programs for grades K–12. Topics change annually and have included everything from Pennsylvania’s forests to ocean ecosystems, beavers to antelope, snakes to weather patterns — plus advanced lab sessions on cell biology, anatomy, and environmental science.
Younger learners (K–4) can enjoy parent-participation programs where families explore together, while older students (5th–12th) dive deeper with drop-off programs that build confidence and STEM skills. Lab classes for middle and high schoolers feature real-world science techniques, from dissections to forensic-style investigations.
Every program is led by skilled educators who make science accessible, interactive, and fun, with a focus on inquiry-based learning and outdoor exploration. Whether you’re wading in Yellow Breeches Creek, handling natural history specimens, or using microscopes to discover a hidden world, students walk away with knowledge they’ll actually remember (and probably talk about for weeks).
📅 Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Programs start at $15/student, with reduced rates for toddler/preschool siblings and free admission for infants.
📍 Learn more and register:
Oakes Museum Homeschool Programs
Business Review
As a homeschool mom who has attended Oakes Museum homeschool programs for over seven years, I can honestly say they’re one of the best-kept secrets in South Central PA education. The hands-on, developmentally appropriate lessons keep every child engaged — even my wiggliest learner. The instructors have an incredible gift for classroom management and making sure every child is included and successful.
The parent-participation classes are genuinely fun for the whole family (yes, even for me, and I’ve sat through my share of “fun” kids’ programs). I always walk away learning something new right alongside my kids. Last year, we tried the lab classes for the first time, and my oldest declared he learned more in those four days than in any year-long science course he’s taken.
Whether your child is dissecting a frog, studying antelope adaptations, or tromping through a creek with water shoes and a notebook, they’ll get the kind of education that sticks. If you’re a homeschool family anywhere near Mechanicsburg, you’re going to want these classes on your calendar.
