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Outreach Programs

Inspire curiosity with a Seacoast Science Center Outreach Program! Our naturalists bring hands-on experiences, live animals, and ocean discoveries directly to your school, library, or facility.

Bring the Coast to Your Classroom!
Your students don’t have to travel to the shoreline to experience the wonders of the ocean. SSC outreach programs bring marine science, coastal ecosystems, and wildlife discoveries directly to your school through engaging, memorable experiences that inspire curiosity and connection.

Outreach Programs

Outreach Program Details:

Outreach programs are available within a 60-minute drive of the Center. Locations beyond this range may be considered upon request.
Travel fees are calculated at the current IRS mileage rate for programs.
Programs are designed for groups of up to 25.
Larger groups can be accommodated–contact our registrar to discuss options.
Need more time? Additional programs can be added for $150 per program.
Programs for different age groups can be scheduled together with tiered programming options available.
For afterschool programs and scheduling questions, our registrar can assist with available options.

On-Site Field Trips at Seacoast Science Center also available. Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH there’s so much to learn and discover along our rocky shore. Learn more about On-Site Field Trips.

Virtual Field Trips are also available, featuring live, naturalist-led programs delivered to your classroom or student’s homes via a gated connection. Learn more about Virtual Field Trips.

Explore Our Outreach Programs

Coastal Critters

This program is tailored by age group to provide an age-appropriate experience for your learners:

Ages 0–3: 30-minute program — $200
Ages 3–6: 45-minute program — $275
Ages 7+: 60-minute program — $350
Additional programs: $150 each

Discover the wonders of the intertidal zone and get up close with fascinating creatures from the Gulf of Maine! Students will use touch tanks and hands-on observation to explore how marine animals move, behave, and survive with incredible adaptations like suction cups, claws, and tentacles.

Turtle Time

This program is tailored by age group to provide an age-appropriate experience for your learners:

Ages 0–3: 30-minute program — $200
Ages 3–6: 45-minute program — $275
Ages 7+: 60-minute program — $350
Additional programs: $150 each

Meet Raspberry, our three-toed box turtle, and discover the fascinating world of reptiles! Students will explore turtle anatomy, adaptations, habitats, and the unique traits that help these animals survive. Through this hands-on experience, students will learn about turtle conservation and the importance of protecting these incredible reptiles, including endangered species found in New Hampshire.

Life of a Lobster

Get up close with live lobsters and discover what makes these iconic New England animals so unique! Students will explore lobster anatomy, behavior, and adaptations while learning about their role in the Gulf of Maine. Through hands-on observation, they’ll uncover the connections between lobsters, the fishing industry, and the changing ocean environment.

Katahdin the Inflatable North Atlantic Right Whale

Meet Katahdin, our 25-foot inflatable North Atlantic Right Whale! Get up close with this endangered species and learn about their features, habitats, and role in the ocean. Through observation and hands-on activities, students will discover what makes right whales unique and how we can help protect them.

*This program works great for large groups and can accommodate audiences beyond our standard group size.

Marine Mammal Rescue

Meet an SSC Marine Mammal Rescue expert and go behind the scenes of marine mammal conservation! Discover the challenges facing seals and other marine mammals, explore how rescue teams respond to animals in need, and hear stories from the field about the work being done to protect New Hampshire’s coastal wildlife.

Sharks Alive!

Sharks are some of the ocean’s most extraordinary and misunderstood fish. Dive in with our educators to explore shark anatomy, behavior, and the powerful senses that help them survive in their underwater world. Through hands-on stations and interactive activities, students will investigate topics like shark size and diversity, how scientists classify sharks as fish, and the adaptations that make them such successful predators.

NEW Our Changing Ocean

Explore the dynamic world of the ocean and discover how scientists study a changing marine environment. Participants will uncover what makes the Gulf of Maine one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, explore how climate and human activity are shaping its future, and learn why a healthy ocean matters for us all.

To Schedule Your Program

The quickest way to book is by completing our Outreach Inquiry Form, which gathers all the essential information needed for prompt and accurate scheduling of your program.

If you have questions or prefer to speak with someone directly, please contact our registrar at registrar@sscnh.org or 603-436-8043, ext. 13.

Once your program is booked, you will receive confirmation materials with all the details needed to prepare for your visit. Please review these documents carefully and share the information with all participating teachers or coordinators.

Payment

Full payment is required within 2 weeks of booking and must be received before your program date.

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel a program 20 or more days before your program date, you will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made less than 20 days prior to program date will not receive a refund.
“No-shows” will not receive a refund.
Programs may be rebooked with a $25 rebooking fee.

Weather Policy:

In the event that weather conditions or unexpected circumstances impact your scheduled program, we will inform you promptly. Your program will be rescheduled at no additional cost.