Ages: 2 – 7 years old as of August 31, 2025

Prerequisites: None

Discover the wonders of the bay this winter with your little one! Perfect for curious kids ages 2-5, this engaging program combines hands-on science activities, fun games, creative crafts, and captivating stories. You and your child will explore exciting topics tailored to spark curiosity and inspire learning. While most of our winter classes occur indoors, we’ll venture outside to enjoy the fresh air and nature when the weather allows. Don’t miss this chance to make learning fun and memorable!

Ages: 5 – 13 years old as of August 31, 2025

Prerequisites: None

As the weather warms up, our spring homeschool program will focus on getting outside and enjoying the coastal habitats that are about to burst with activity—both from returning wildlife and from people exploring the shore again. Students will learn how ocean currents shape climates around the world, say goodbye to some of our winter visitors as they migrate north, and discover which animals will soon be making their way back to Duxbury for the spring and summer seasons.

Ages: 5 – 8 years old as of August 31, 2025

Prerequisites: None

We will pick students up from Chandler at 3:25 PM in the DBMS van and then head back to DBMS for a marine science lesson, and an activity or craft related to what we just learned! We change things up every session, so if your child has joined us for an after-school session before, we have a whole new set of activities for this session!

Ages: 8 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2025

Prerequisites: None

We will pick students up from Alden at 2 PM and return to DBMS for an adventure on the Bay! Examples of activities include sailing on one of our 24 ft Catboats, kayaking, a field trip to Clark's Island, a boat ride to find a geocache, visiting an oyster grant, and marine science lessons!

Ages: 5 – 9 years old as of August 31, 2025

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!

Ages: 5 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2025

Prerequisites: None

Ages: 3 – years old as of August 31, 2025

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 is 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. Dates must be approved by our Marine Science staff and a deposit must be paid before your party date is confirmed. This booking is just a request for the date.

Are you looking to bring a true Marine Science element to a class you are teaching? Our Marine Science Lab and waterfront campus create the perfect site for practical, hands-on learning. With a variety of creatures, equipment and lesson plans our staff looks forward to getting your class engaged and excited to learn!