THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Introduce your little ones to the wonders of marine life through engaging activities at the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. Perfect for curious kids ages 5-6, this program provides hands-on learning every Wednesday, blending arts, animal observation, and storytelling. Keep reading to discover why this program is a highlight for young families seeking coastal adventures.
Introduce your little ones to the wonders of marine life through engaging activities at the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. Perfect for curious kids ages 5-6, this program provides hands-on learning every Wednesday, blending arts, animal observation, and storytelling. Keep reading to discover why this program is a highlight for young families seeking coastal adventures.
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Operated by Marine Discovery Center · New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nestled along the sparkling shores of New Smyrna Beach, the Marine Discovery Center offers families a chance to introduce their youngest adventurers to the vibrant world beneath the waves. The Sea Squirts - Parent & Toddler Program is a lively, hands-on experience designed specifically for children ages 5-6, turning outdoor marine exploration into a playful learning journey. Every Wednesday over nine weeks, young explorers meet at the center, diving into activities that include observing local marine life, crafting art inspired by the sea, and listening to engaging stories about ocean creatures. The program is crafted to foster curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder, all while providing parents an opportunity to bond with their children over shared discoveries.
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on interactive, outdoor learning within a safe, family-friendly environment. Participants have the chance to see native species like crabs, starfish, and fish, developing an appreciation for the coastal ecosystem that surrounds them. The Marine Discovery Center’s location in New Smyrna Beach positions it as both an educational hub and a community treasure, promoting conservation-minded exploration that resonates with local natural history.
For families looking to immerse their kids in the coastal environment, the Sea Squirts program offers flexibility with drop-in options while maintaining a structured, thematic curriculum. It’s perfect for young children curious about nature and enthusiastic about getting their hands dirty with arts and crafts, animal spotting, and storytelling sessions. This blend of education and adventure makes it a standout activity in the Florida coast, cultivating an early love of marine sciences in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Whether you’re local or visiting, this program helps children forge a meaningful connection to the ocean, all while creating lasting memories along the Atlantic shoreline. It's a unique way to engage young minds while supporting the ongoing efforts of the Marine Discovery Center to foster ocean stewardship in future generations.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
No special fitness required, suitable for young children and parents
Yes, drop-in options are available for families who want flexibility.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a change of clothes if needed.
Absolutely, most activities involve observing animals and craft projects on land.
Not at all; the program is designed for young beginners and curious newcomers.
The program is designed specifically for 5-6-year-olds.
You can register directly through the Marine Discovery Center’s booking system, with drop-in options available.
The Marine Discovery Center has been a vital part of New Smyrna Beach’s conservation efforts since its founding in 1984, promoting marine education and environmental stewardship.
The center actively advocates for coastal habitat preservation and sustainable engagement with local marine ecosystems to maintain their health for future generations.
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