Family Learning Center

The Family Learning Center

Do you know that you can visit Thompson Island on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day? Everyone can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the island, and to enhance your experience, Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center (TIOBEC) has created a new outdoor classroom, the Family Learning Center.

An outdoor classroom? You bet! Learning with nature can help children develop their observation skills, use their imagination, and give them the opportunity to express themselves. An outdoor classroom can help foster healthy physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

The launch of the Family Learning Center took place August 7. Our young visitors enthusiastically receive their Let's Move! Outside passport stickers from Superintendent Bruce Jacobson of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area.

The Family Learning Center has a variety of learning areas that encourage creative self-expression and experimentation. For example there are

• several natural climbing elements which promote healthy bodies,
• activities that use leaves, trees, and even the sky to develop observation skills,
• activities that enable families to create imaginative stories, and
• activities that explore beauty and color in the world.

Finally, an outdoor classroom imparts an appreciation for nature and encourages a sense of wonder.

We hope you and your children will come and visit our island classroom!

Public Access

Individuals may visit Thompson Island via Public Access on summer Sundays (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Explore on your own, take a tour into the salt marshes or tour with a guide to learn about history of the island. Boats leave from the EDIC Dock in South Boston (cash fare only), as well as from Spectacle Island.

The ferry schedule and ticket prices are below. Thompson Island does not have a concession stand, so please bring any water or snacks you might want while visiting the island.

Public Access Ferry Schedule

The ferry takes approximately 25 minutes.

(Please note that ferry access to Thompson Island is available year-round by appointment)

Visitors may also travel to Thompson Island via Spectacle Island for a fee of $3 per person round trip. Boat departs Spectacle for Thompson at 12:15pm and returns from Thompson to Spectacle at 3:15pm.

Public Access Tickets

• Adult: $14
• Senior (65+): $10
• Child (ages 3–11): $8
• Children under 3 yrs: Free

All fares are to be paid to the boat captain. We apologize, but at this time we only accept cash.