Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Big Fish Little Fish
Ages: 2 – 7 years old as of August 31, 2026
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!
2 sessions available
Mar 05 – Mar 26, ’26 4 spots left!
Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Apr 02 – May 14, ’26
Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group
Homeschool
Ages: 5 – 13 years old as of August 31, 2026
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.
2 sessions available
Registration opens January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM!
Mar 02 – Mar 30, ’26
Mondays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Apr 06 – May 11, ’26
Mondays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afterschool
Ages: 5 – 8 years old as of August 31, 2026
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!
4 sessions available
Registration opens January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM!
Mar 03 – Apr 07, ’26
Tuesdays, 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Mar 04 – Apr 08, ’26
Wednesdays, 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Apr 28 – Jun 02, ’26
Tuesdays, 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Apr 29 – Jun 03, ’26
Wednesdays, 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Afterschool
Ages: 8 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
The purpose of this program is to give participants a dedicated space and time to work on their science fair project! Because of the condensed timeline, this program is for participants who already have a project idea in mind. Our staff will help supervise their experiments and the creation of a poster to share their results! Students will have a budget, and DBMS will provide all materials. At the end of the session, DBMS will host a "DBMS Science Fair." Participants can then take their projects home to use in their school science fair.
2 sessions available
Registration opens January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM!
Mar 02 – Mar 23, ’26
Mondays, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Apr 06 – May 18, ’26
Mondays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Vacation Day
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!
5 sessions available
Registration opens January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM!
Mar 12, ’26
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Mar 25, ’26
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Mar 26, ’26
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
May 07, ’26
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
May 28, ’26
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
April Vacation
Ages: 5 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026
Prerequisites: None
Apr 20 – Apr 24, ’26
Every day, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Registration opens January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM!
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!