THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Introduce your young adventurers to marine life with hands-on activities at Marine Discovery Center's Sea Squirts Program. Discover what makes this coastal catch a must-visit for families seeking outdoor education and fun.
Introduce your young adventurers to marine life with hands-on activities at Marine Discovery Center's Sea Squirts Program. Discover what makes this coastal catch a must-visit for families seeking outdoor education and fun.
Book with Marine Discovery Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Marine Discovery Center · New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nestled along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Marine Discovery Center offers a vibrant hub for young explorers eager to connect with the sea. Their Sea Squirts Program invites children aged 5-6 to engage directly with marine life through a series of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster environmental stewardship. Held every Wednesday, this program stands out for its interactive outdoor adventures that bring children face-to-face with local aquatic creatures, such as crabs, starfish, and small fish. Kids will participate in animal observations, arts and crafts inspired by marine themes, and storytelling sessions that highlight the region’s coastal history. What makes the Marine Discovery Center special is its commitment to making marine education accessible and fun, encouraging an early appreciation for ocean conservation while providing a memorable family-friendly experience.
Located along the scenic waterways of Florida’s east coast, the center is a perfect stop for families exploring the area. The program’s outdoor setting allows children to safely discover shoreline ecosystems while guided by knowledgeable staff. The event is designed to foster curiosity in young minds through sensory-rich activities, making marine biology approachable and exciting. With a focus on establishing a connection between children and their local waters, the center emphasizes conservation efforts and responsible outdoor interactions. Whether your child is making a seashell craft or observing a crabs’ claw movement, each activity aims to inspire a lifelong love of nature and adventure.
This program exemplifies the Marine Discovery Center’s dedication to storytelling, education, and active outdoor engagement, making it a standout destination for families seeking meaningful, hands-on outdoor learning experiences. The center’s strategic location and focus on early childhood engagement make it a perfect addition to any coastal itinerary, fostering the next generation of ocean advocates.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Good for all children; no special fitness required
No prior experience is required; the program is designed for young children with all levels of curiosity.
Bring waterproof clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection; provided materials will be used during activities.
Yes, all activities are supervised by trained staff, ensuring a safe environment for young children.
Yes, siblings are welcome, though activities are tailored for ages 5-6.
Cancellations made 24 hours in advance receive a full refund; check the Marine Discovery Center website for updates.
Yes, bringing a snack or lunch is encouraged if planning to stay longer.
The Marine Discovery Center was established in 2002 to promote coastal environmental education and conservation.
The center actively participates in local sea turtle rescue efforts and promotes responsible shoreline recreation to protect fragile habitats.
Marine Discovery Center is a nonprofit marine education and conservation facility in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, situated on a 22-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon. The center offers guided boat tours, kayak eco-tours, family programs, and sensory-accessible activities that connect visitors with the region's estuary and wildlife. Daily and scheduled offerings include two-hour Morning and Evening Dolphin Discovery Tours aboard the pontoon boat Discovery, guided by certified Florida naturalists who interpret local dolphins, sea turtles, and birdlife. Kayak Eco Tours and the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Kayak Tour provide two-hour guided paddling through mangroves with single and tandem kayaks available for beginners and families. On the land-based campus, visitors can join the MDC Campus Tour to learn about restoration projects, the history of Mt. Morgan, gardens, and future plans; campus tours run Wednesday mornings or by request. Family-focused Sea Squirts parent-and-toddler programs for ages three to six run weekly on Wednesdays for nine weeks, with drop-in options offered. The Sense of Adventure program offers sensory‑engaged activities for individuals with disabilities and sensory sensitivities, designed for inclusive hands-on learning. Marine Discovery Center emphasizes environmental education, hands-on interpretation, and stewardship of North America's biologically diverse estuary. Programs are led by trained staff and naturalists, combining outdoor exploration with conservation messaging to foster appreciation for the Indian River Lagoon and its wildlife. Visitor bookings support local conservation initiatives, educational outreach and habitat restoration projects focused on water quality species monitoring and native habitat protection across New Smyrna Beach and Indian River Lagoon.
Book with Marine Discovery Center