Nature Programs
Dive into engaging, hands-on experiences that connect you with the stunning coastal environment in Odiorne Point State Park. Our fun, family-friendly exploration and learning activities are led by SSC naturalists and offer a unique opportunity to explore marine life, coastal ecosystems, and the beauty of our seacoast.
Group Nature Programs with SSC Naturalists
Every season at Odiorne Point State Park is like a new chapter in a nature-filled adventure book! Come along to learn, explore, and spark a love for nature within the Park’s unique habitats!
Seacoast Science Center offers engaging nature programs for all ages, including:
Guided Nature Walks and Exploration: Discover coastal ecosystems and wildlife.
Interactive Workshops: Learn about unique seacoast flora and fauna.
Educational Talks: Understand conservation efforts and habitat preservation.
- Community Science (aka Citizen Science) Programs: Participate in ongoing scientific research. Learn more.
Participants gain hands-on experience while exploring our rocky shore and/or taking part in community science projects, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a sense of stewardship for the coastal environment.
- Dates and Times: Choose a date, time and program below
- Program Length: approximately 1.5 hours (unless otherwise noted)
- Ages: best for ages 3+
- Cost*:
- Non-Members**:
- Adults, Ages 12+: $25
- Seniors (65+): $22.50
- Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID): $22.50
- Ages 3-11: $20
- Members: $10**
- Ages 0-2: Free
*Unless otherwise noted in program details.
Details:
- Tickets sold in advance per program and date. Walk-ins subject to availability.
- Space is limited to 25 participants per session (unless otherwise noted).
- **Your ticket includes entry to SSC; your receipt is your ticket for entry (unless otherwise noted).
- Please arrive at SSC early for your registered session.
- Programs are held primarily outdoors. Dress for the weather and activity; it is often cooler on the coast. Layers and sturdy shoes/boots are recommended.
Cancellation Policy: All programs are delivered rain, snow, or shine. In the event of severe weather, registered individuals will be personally notified about cancellation prior to the program. You may choose to reschedule for an open date; if unable to reschedule, a full refund will be issued. Other than severe weather cancellations, program fees are non-refundable.
Spring Park Explorations & Programs
In spring, nature awakens as plants begin to bloom and birds make their return. Come along with us to discover and learn about this vibrant season within the diverse ecosystems of Odiorne Point State Park.
Program descriptions and schedule here; subject to change.
Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pooling
Tide pools are special places, home to an array of fascinating animals and seaweeds uniquely adapted to thrive between the tides—in the rocky intertidal zone. You never know what you’ll find in the tide pools at Odiorne Point State Park. Join us for tide pooling explorations as we search for crabs, sea stars, mussels, urchins, and more! Want to get a jump on learning before you head to the tide pools? Check out these videos to learn more about the intertidal at Odiorne Point State Park! Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pool Preparation Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pooling 101| Date | Time |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 9:30-11am |
| Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 2-3:30pm |
Beach Cleanup
Beach cleanups are important in every season, especially moving into spring to collect what the tides have brought ashore during the winter. Join our upcoming Beach Cleanup Event to help protect the coastline and make a positive impact on the environment. This community effort aims to reduce pollution and create healthier spaces for people and wildlife. Participants will collect litter, sort recyclables, and learn about pollution’s impact on marine ecosystems. Open to all ages—families, students, and community members are welcome! Please wear comfortable clothing and bring reusable gloves, as supplies are limited. Registration for beach cleanup is FREE.
| Date | Time |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026–Earth Day Cleanup! | 11am-12:30pm |
Coastal Birding
Join our naturalists in exploring Odiorne Point State Park for local bird species! The Park is a wonderful place to enjoy birding, as there are many different habitats to explore, with all different kinds of avian life! To celebrate National Go Birding Day our guided coastal birding program will explore the rich birdlife of our shoreline habitats. During this program, participants will learn how to identify common coastal species, observe bird behavior, and discover how tides and seasonal migration influence which birds we see. We will have binoculars to borrow or you can BYOB (bring your own binoculars).
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, April 25, 2026–National Go Birding Day! | 10:30am-12pm |
Butterflies!
Get ready to flutter into the mesmerizing world of butterflies during this nature program! We’ll explore their life cycle, from tiny egg to beautiful adult, highlighting their incredible migration journey. Tag along with SSC naturalists as we investigate milkweed plants and other butterfly habitats that support these delicate creatures throughout their stages of life. Plus, learn about and contribute to community science projects along the way!
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 2pm-3:30pm |
Summer Park Explorations
Summer along our coast is magical, offering a wealth of activities and sights. Explore tide pools or venture along the trails in Odiorne Point State Park for wildlife spotting. No matter what you chose, you’ll have the chance to discover the marvels of New Hampshire’s roughly 18-mile coastline. Although it’s the shortest in the U.S., it brims with wonders and within the Park’s seven diverse habitats, there’s something to spark everyone’s curiosity.
Program descriptions and schedule here; subject to change.
Green Crab Hunt/Rocky Shore Investigation
Become a community scientist in this hands-on rocky shore field science program. Participant-collected data will contribute to local ongoing research on the impacts of invasive green crabs and help scientists identify new solutions to the problem … such as eating them! Our naturalists will give a brief training on crab identification, safe handling and data collection, then we’ll head to the rocky shore for a field investigation.
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10-11:30am |
| Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 10-11:30am |
Aquaculture
Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of aquaculture and its vital role in sustainable seafood production and marine ecosystem preservation. Our program is designed to educate and inspire people of all ages to discover innovative techniques, observe groundbreaking research, and learn how you can help foster a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet’s aquatic life.
| Date | Time |
| Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 8:30-10am |
| Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 8:30-10am |
Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pooling
Tide pools are special places, home to an array of fascinating animals and seaweeds uniquely adapted to thrive between the tides—in the rocky intertidal zone. You never know what you’ll find in the tide pools at Odiorne Point State Park. Join us for tide pooling explorations as we search for crabs, sea stars, mussels, urchins, and more!
Want to get a jump on learning before you head to the tide pools? Check out these videos to learn more about the intertidal at Odiorne Point State Park!
Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pool Preparation
Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pooling 101
| Date | Time |
| Sunday, July 5, 2026 | 10-11:30am |
| Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 10-11:30am |
Tidal Zone Exploration: Seine Netting
Come discover the wonders beneath the waves! Team up with SSC naturalists to explore the tidal zone, uncovering a hidden world of marine life! Using a seine net–a long, narrow net used to gather sea critters in shallow water–our naturalists will share with fellow explorers the likes of small fish, crabs, mollusks, and more! Participants should wear close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing.
| Date | Time |
| Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 8-9:30am |
Butterflies!
Get ready to flutter into the mesmerizing world of butterflies during this nature program! We’ll explore their life cycle, from tiny egg to beautiful adult, highlighting their incredible migration journey. Tag along with SSC naturalists as we investigate milkweed plants and other butterfly habitats that support these delicate creatures throughout their stages of life. Plus, learn about and contribute to community science projects along the way!
| Date | Time |
| Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 10:30am-12pm |
Salt Marsh Exploration
Join us for an engaging and educational adventure as we explore the wonders of the salt marsh ecosystem. This event welcomes participants of all ages to uncover the intricate web of life thriving in the salt marsh. Dive into to learn about the vital role these ecosystems play in coastal health, and witness the unique flora and fauna that call this habitat home. We will venture to the salt marsh in Odiorne Point State Park, where the beauty and complexity of this ecosystem will be fully unveiled.
| Date | Time |
| Tuesday, August 22, 2026 | 11am-12:30pm |
Additional Park Exploration Programs
(These programs are not currently scheduled.)
iNaturalist Park Walk
Discover the hidden biodiversity of Odiorne Point State Park in this hands-on iNaturalist program! Learn how to use this powerful app to explore, identify, and contribute to real scientific data while comparing the many habitats of the park. Participants should wear close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing.
Leap into Nature: An Amphibian Exploration
Hop into spring with our naturalists to explore the unique world of amphibians, vernal pools, and ponds. Participants will learn about the life cycles and diversity of amphibians found in New Hampshire, the wetlands they rely on for breeding and survival, and ways to help in local conservation efforts.
Mini BioBlitz!
Step into the wonders of nature with us for an abridged species scavenger hunt—a captivating BioBlitz—in the enchanting Odiorne Point State Park. Together, we will decide which coastal habitats to explore, gathering nets, binoculars, and equipment as we embark on a quest to observe and identify as many species and habitats as possible. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, this adventure requires no prior experience, inviting explorers of all ages to join the fun.
Park Plant Walk
Join us for an educational plant walk through Odiorne Point State Park, where you’ll learn about the diverse plant species that thrive in its many habitats. Our knowledgeable naturalist will share fascinating insights into plant identification, their roles in the environment, and their importance to local wildlife.
Rocky Shore Scavenger Hunt: Invasive Species
Dive into adventure with our hands-on tide pool scavenger hunt! We’re on the lookout for 18 of the coast’s most infamous invaders, like crabs, shrimp, tunicates, sponges, and more! Your discoveries will fuel community science projects and enlighten researchers on these sneaky critters’ spread across the Gulf of Maine. Don’t forget to gear up with close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing!
Rocky Shore Scientist: Green Crabs
Ready to channel your inner community scientist? Dive into this rocky shore field science adventure! Your mission: gather data to join the battle against invasive green crabs and, who knows, maybe find a tasty solution… literally! SSC naturalists will kick things off with a brief lesson on crab spotting and identification, gentle crab wrangling, and data collection. Then, it’s off to the rocky shores for some hands-on fun! Don’t forget to gear up with close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing!
