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 late winter through spring! 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. Each one-hour class features a new ocean-themed topic that encourages curiosity, exploration, and early science learning. From migrating fish and fascinating invertebrates to winter wildlife and coastal ecosystems, children and caregivers will discover the incredible changes happening in our local environment while making lasting memories together.

2 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Sep 10 – Jan 28, ’27

Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Feb 04 – Jun 03, ’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. Each week features a new seasonal theme inspired by Duxbury Bay, including ocean animals, habitats, weather, tides, plants, and conservation. During the warmer months, we'll spend time exploring our campus and enjoying outdoor learning. As the seasons change, we'll transition to more indoor investigations while continuing to connect children with the natural world. Our small-group environment encourages curiosity, creativity, independence, and kindergarten readiness through engaging, play-based learning and meaningful scientific discovery.

2 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Sep 11 – Jan 29, ’27

Fridays, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Feb 05 – Jun 11, ’27

Fridays, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Events | Grades PreK-5

Ages: 4 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026

Prerequisites: None

We were unable to run this years Deep Sea Spooktacular, but we are excited to offer a new winter holiday party instead! During the event, students will participate in polar themed engineering challenges, create a homemade ocean ornament to take home, watch a light up science experiment, and compete in a freeze dance! The event starts at 5:30 PM and participants will be served pizza for dinner! This is a drop-off event, so parents can enjoy a night out or get some holiday shopping done. 

Dec 11, ’26

Friday, December 11, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 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.

Final session has started, drop-ins available

ShowHide sessions

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! Both sessions have rolling admission so participants can join at any point and our booking system will adjust the price for any remaning classes. Parents also have the option of just registering for individual classes using the drop-in feature. 

4 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Sep 09 – Jan 27, ’27

Wednesdays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Sep 14 – Jan 25, ’27

Mondays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Feb 01 – Jun 07, ’27

Mondays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Feb 03 – Jun 09, ’27

Wednesdays, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

After School | 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.

4 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Sep 08 – Jan 26, ’27

Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sep 10 – Jan 28, ’27

Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Feb 02 – Jun 08, ’27

Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Feb 04 – Jun 10, ’27

Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Vacation Day

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.

3 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Nov 03, ’26

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Nov 11, ’26

Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Jan 18, ’27

Monday, January 18, 2027, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

February Vacation

Ages: 4 – 12 years old as of August 31, 2026

Prerequisites: None

This fun and engaging program is designed to keep kids learning during their time off from school with a new, exciting theme each day. Through a mix of hands-on activities, games, crafts, and experiments, your child will explore fascinating topics in science and nature without even realizing they’re learning! The program is designed for drop-ins or the whole week! Each day is a new adventure in science, where learning is disguised as fun! Sign up for one class or the whole week! Topics for this years February Break Include

Feb 15 – Feb 19, ’27

Every day, 9:00 AM – 2:00 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!

2 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Nov 19, ’26

Thursday, November 19, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Jan 15, ’27

Friday, January 15, 2027, 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!

2 sessions available

ShowHide sessions

Nov 19, ’26

Thursday, November 19, 2026, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM

Jan 15, ’27

Friday, January 15, 2027, 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM

Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group

Ages 2-5Ages 5-11Ages 12+Group

Birthday Party

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.

Field Trip

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!

Group Enrichment

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.