Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Big Fish Little Fish
Ages: 2 – 6 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Join us for an unforgettable seasonal adventure as we explore the wonders of Duxbury Bay from early fall through winter! Designed for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers, this hands-on enrichment program follows the changing seasons, giving little learners the opportunity to discover how our coastal environment transforms throughout the year.
1 sessions available
Sep 10 – Jan 28, ’27
Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Enrichment
Ages: 3 – 6 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Spark your child's curiosity in our year-round Friday drop-off program for children ages 4–5! This 2.5-hour enrichment program combines marine science, nature, and early STEM learning through hands-on activities, experiments, games, crafts, stories, and outdoor exploration on our campus.
2 sessions available
Sep 11 – Jan 29, ’27
Fridays, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sep 11 – Jan 29, ’27
Fridays, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Homeschool
Ages: 5 – 15 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Give your homeschooler a year of hands-on scientific discovery on and around Duxbury Bay! Designed for curious learners, our homeschool program combines marine science, environmental education, and outdoor exploration to create an engaging learning experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom.
1 sessions available
Sep 14 – May 24, ’27
Mondays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
After School Programs | Grades K-2
Ages: 5 – 9 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
New this year! Our Marine Science After-School Program is now offered in two five-month sessions, giving students even more opportunities to spend time at DBMS. We take the hassle out of after-school transportation by picking up students from Chandler School in the DBMS van when school dismisses at 3:25 p.m. During the first session, we'll make the most of the beautiful fall weather with boat trips, beach explorations, and hands-on investigations of local ecosystems. As the seasons change, we'll transition indoors to dive into exciting marine science topics through engaging lessons, interactive activities, games, and fun science experiments. Winter doesn't stop our adventures! Throughout the season, we'll bundle up for special outdoor experiences, including our popular Snowy Owl Beach Adventure, where we will head to the beach at sunset to try and catch a glimps of one of our favorite winter visitors to the Bay!
2 sessions available
Sep 09 – Jan 27, ’27
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Sep 14 – Jan 25, ’27
Mondays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Afterschool | Maritime Adventures
Ages: 8 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
New this year! We're excited to offer an extended after-school program for our Alden students, combining the best of our most popular programs into one unforgettable experience. Students will enjoy a mix of maritime adventures, hands-on marine science, and exciting Mythbusters-style challenges throughout the session. We'll kick things off by making the most of the warm weather with sailing, kayaking, fishing, and outdoor adventures to Clark's Island and local beaches. As the seasons change, we'll transition indoors to explore marine science through engaging lessons, engineering design challenges, and creative Mythbusters experiments that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Even during the colder months, the fun continues! Students will enjoy games, crafts, and special activities, and we'll also provide dedicated time for homework help, giving them the opportunity to stay on top of schoolwork while spending their afternoons learning, exploring, and having fun with friends.
2 sessions available
Sep 08 – Jan 26, ’27
Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sep 10 – Jan 28, ’27
Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Half-Day Programs | Grades K-2
Ages: 5 – 9 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
DBMS offers half-day vacation day programs from 12:30-3:30 PM for grades K-2. During half-day programs, we pick students up from Chandler Elementary School in our 15-passenger van. Students who attend other schools are welcome to join our half-day programs. We also offer full-day vacation programs from 9:00-2:00 PM for grades K-5. Some of our full-day programs include a field trip component. Please read the program descriptions to learn more about the topic and activities for each program. Each half-day student will learn about a new marine science topic. Weather permitting, students will get out of the classroom for some hands-on fun after the lesson exploring local habitats or taking a skiff ride!
4 sessions available
Sep 24, ’26
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Oct 09, ’26
Friday, October 9, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Oct 21, ’26
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Oct 22, ’26
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Half-Day Programs | Grades 3-5
Ages: 8 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
DBMS offers half-day vacation day programs from 10:45-2:15 PM for grades 3-5. During half-day programs, we pick students up from Alden Elementary School in our 15-passenger van. Students who attend other schools are welcome to join our half-day programs. We also offer full-day vacation programs from 9:00-2:00 PM for grades K-5. Some of our full-day programs include a field trip component. Please read the program descriptions to learn more about the topic and activities for each program. Each half-day student will learn about a new marine science topic. Weather permitting, students will get out of the classroom for some hands-on fun after the lesson exploring local habitats or taking a skiff ride!
4 sessions available
Sep 24, ’26
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Oct 09, ’26
Friday, October 9, 2026, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Oct 21, ’26
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Oct 22, ’26
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Full-Day Vacation Programs | Pre K-5th Grade
Ages: 4 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
We also offer full-day vacation programs from 9:00-2:00 PM for grades K-5. Some of our full-day programs include a field trip component. Please read the program descriptions to learn more about the topic and activities for each program.
Oct 12, ’26
Monday, October 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Spooktacular | October 24
Ages: 5 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Join the DBMS crew on this spooky night filled with games, experiments, and spooky deep-sea creatures. During this two-hour event, participants will cycle through 6 ocean Halloween-themed stations. There will be a mix of games, crafts, a visit from a mad scientist, and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged!
Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Birthday Party

Ages: 2 – 18 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Birthdays are too fun to spend at home! The DBMS marine science team specializes in marine-themed birthday parties for ages 3-10. With touch tanks, games, and a craft, the kids will be busy having fun and learning. All you have to do is bring the cake – we supply the critters! Birthday parties are 90 minutes long. The first hour includes a lesson on the topic of your choosing, followed by a game and craft. Some topics involve meeting live creatures from our touch tank! The last thirty minutes are for you to open presents and have cake (not supplied by DBMS). The cost is $250 for up to 12 participants. Additional participants cost $15 a participant, with a maximum of 20. Our Marine Science staff must approve dates, and a deposit must be paid before your party date is confirmed. This booking is just a request for the date.
Let’s Talk First
Before we book a time, let’s connect!
Field Trip

Ages: 2 – 18 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Are you looking to provide an engaging out-of-the-classroom experience for your students? At the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, our Marine Science Lab and waterfront campus provide the ideal setting for immersive, hands-on learning. All lessons are aligned with Massachusetts STE standards to support and enhance your in-class curriculum.
Your field trip includes four engaging, hands-on stations on our campus, featuring experiences such as live animal interactions, scientific discovery, lab investigations, and a boat trip on Duxbury Bay.
Since access to Duxbury Beach is dependent on the tide, the beach component of the trip may occur before or after the on-site stations. Classes will enjoy a guided beach exploration and scavenger hunt focused on local flora, fauna, and coastal ecosystems. When tides prevent beach access, groups may participate in a fifth station at DBMS instead.
With a wide range of thoughtfully designed lesson plans, our staff is excited to inspire curiosity and get your students actively engaged in learning!
Let’s Talk First
Before we book a time, let’s connect!
Enrichment

Ages: 2 – 18 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Are you looking to bring an enriching hands-on experience to your classroom? Our marine science educators are ready to take our lessons and critters on the road and to your space. Our programs range from 15-minute mini-sessions to full 1-hour classes, and many include the opportunity to observe live sea creatures. Each lesson is rooted in play-based, experiential learning to inspire curiosity and discovery about the natural world, for as young as age 2.
Let’s Talk First
Before we book a time, let’s connect!
