Join ORLA PTA for a hands-on historical adventure at the Pioneer Farm Museum, where students and families can experience what life was like for early pioneers.
During this immersive “Pioneer Living Experience,” participants will explore living history in action through interactive activities designed to bring the past to life. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with historical tools and practices—and even create their own hand-dipped candles to take home.
This field trip is designed as a family-centered experience where students attend alongside a caregiver, with siblings welcome to join. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect learning with real-world experiences, spark curiosity about history, and spend time together as a community.
After the program, families are invited to bring a lunch and enjoy a relaxed picnic on the grounds before heading home.
We hope you’ll join us for a memorable day of hands-on learning, creativity, and connection.
Please note, this is not a drop-off field trip.
What to Know Before You Sign Up
The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to explore, and a few key expectations help ensure the experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone:
This is Not a Drop Off Event: An adult must attend with each participating family.
Transportation: Families are responsible for their own transportation to and from the refuge.
Special Directions: there is a closed bridge on Ohop Valley Rd E between the Pioneer Farm Museum parking lot and Hwy 161 (Meridian). This closed bridge is NOT in your most direct path of travel. However, when you are on Hwy 7 (Mountain Highway) about 6 minutes out, you will see a series of detour signs telling you Ohop Valley Rd E is closed ahead. IGNORE these detour signs—they will lead you into the closed bridge. Instead, watch for and follow blue Pioneer Farm Museum directional signs.
Registration, Cost, and Parking
Each person attending—adults and children—must be registered, and tickets are sold per person.
Ticket pricing:
$10 per person for PTA members
$15 per person for non-PTA members
$5 per person for certificated teachers
If cost is a barrier, limited scholarships are available—please reach out for support.
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We’re looking forward to sharing this engaging, hands-on science experience with our hConnect and ORLA Online community. Please register below.