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Toddler Time at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre offers young children immersive, hands-on encounters with marine life. Dive into crafted stories, songs, and live animal sessions tailored for kids 5 and under along New Brunswick’s scenic coast.
Toddler Time at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre offers young children immersive, hands-on encounters with marine life. Dive into crafted stories, songs, and live animal sessions tailored for kids 5 and under along New Brunswick’s scenic coast.
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Operated by Huntsman Marine Science Centre · St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Set along the rugged shoreline of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre stands out as a vibrant hub connecting families to marine life in a deeply engaging way. Among its offerings, Toddler Time presents an ideal gateway for children aged five and under to ignite curiosity about the ocean through direct interaction with live animals, storytelling, and hands-on crafts. This two-hour program mixes structured activities with self-guided exploration, making it perfectly paced for young adventurers and their caregivers.
The Centre capitalizes on its coastal location, offering access to the diverse ecosystems of the Bay of Fundy region, renowned for its dramatic tides and rich marine biodiversity. Unlike typical outdoor excursions, Toddler Time brings the ocean indoors, creating a controlled environment where kids can safely touch sea stars, handle crabs, and learn about seals and whales through themed sessions that rotate throughout the year. Each visit centers on a new marine theme — from jellies to sharks — providing fresh content that keeps families returning.
What sets the Huntsman Marine Science Centre apart is its role as both an educational facility and a conservation advocate. Established as a registered charity, the centre’s programs emphasize ocean stewardship, blending scientific research with community learning to foster a lifelong respect for marine environments. The inviting indoor space balances tactile experiences with quiet observation, cultivating wonder without overwhelming tiny explorers.
Parents should bring a mat or blanket for comfort during story and craft time, and prepare for a lightly messy, highly interactive setting that encourages discovery through play. With its unique combination of live animal encounters, educational depth, and family-friendly design, Toddler Time is a standout destination for introducing the youngest visitors to the natural rhythms and remarkable creatures of New Brunswick’s coastal waters.
easy.
2 hours.
Designed for toddlers; requires minimal physical exertion from children and accompanying adults.
The program is designed for children aged 5 and under, accompanied by an adult.
Yes, adults must accompany their children throughout the session.
Yes, advance booking is required due to limited enrollment to ensure a quality experience.
Strollers are permitted, but space inside the activity rooms may be limited.
The Huntsman Marine Science Centre reserves the right to cancel sessions if minimum enrollment isn’t met and will provide a full refund.
Yes, the program is designed to be inclusive, but please contact the Centre in advance to discuss any specific accommodations.
The Huntsman Marine Science Centre was established to promote ocean stewardship in the Bay of Fundy region, known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.
The Centre emphasizes sustainable interactions with marine life, educating visitors on reducing human impact in delicate coastal ecosystems.
Huntsman Marine Science Centre is a marine research and public education facility located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The centre offers a range of field-based and facility-based experiences that connect visitors directly with the Bay of Fundy’s unique marine environment. Programs include a 3.5-hour Citizen Scientist Marine Cruise aboard the research vessel Fundy Spray, guided intertidal exploration like the 3-hour Walk Between the Tides, family-focused Young Explorer Days for ages 5 to 11, and multiple aquarium admission options at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. The Fundy Discovery Aquarium provides seasonal exhibits, seal talks and feedings, and a large subtidal pool showcasing local marine life. Sensory Friendly Aquarium Admission sessions run every Wednesday in July and August, offering reduced capacity and a quieter environment for accessibility. Seasonal and special events include Huntsman Marine’s Haunted Halloween and a Fall 2025 Concert Series featuring visiting artists. All experiences emphasize hands-on learning, specimen observation, and direct interaction with trained educators. Visitors engage in sample collection, data observation, classroom-style lab reviews, and interpretive sessions that explain local ecology and tidal dynamics. Huntsman Marine Science Centre combines operational research assets and public programming to make the Bay of Fundy’s marine science approachable for families, students, and adult learners. Programs are led by experienced educators and utilize onsite facilities and vessels to provide safe, informative, and memorable marine experiences.
Book with Huntsman Marine Science Centre