Marine Discovery Center Education Programs

Marine Discovery Center Education Programs offers Education Field Trip Programs with hands-on and feet-wet learning, plus field trips, boat and kayak eco-tours, camps, and other education offerings. The program also includes activities such as kayaking, boating, exploring the restored salt marsh, and exploring the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on, feet-wet activities.

Programs

• Education Field Trip Programs — K-12 · Marine Education Field Trip Programs with hands-on and feet-wet learning.
• Homeschool Field Trip Programs — K-12 · 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., once each month throughout the school year · Students and adults must pay and register as participants. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
• Field Trip Programs
• School Year Camps — 5-12 · during Volusia County holiday breaks · Activities may include kayaking, boating, or exploring the restored salt marsh.
• Summer Camps — Ages vary by camp · Summer camps that explore the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on, feet-wet activities.
• Sea Squirts & Little Lagoonys — 3-6
• Parents Night Out — 5-12 · select Saturdays from 6-9 pm during the school year · Activities vary seasonally and may include arts and crafts, games, exploration, movies, snacks and more.
• Saturdays on the Marsh — All Ages · Workshops are geared toward families/households.
• Sense of Adventure — All Ages · 2:30-3:30 pm on a Saturday each month during the school year · Sensory program with a hands-on, feet-wet twist. Open to all ages.
• Florida Master Naturalist Program — 18+ · Promotes awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens and visitors.
• Forever Explorers — 18+ · Educational exploration for adults who want to learn about local flora and fauna and how to protect and conserve the Indian River Lagoon.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Current session: October 21 • Ocean Zones (Oct 21–Oct 21, 2026); November 18 • Thankful for the IRL (Nov 18–Nov 18, 2026); December 9 • Ocean Acidification (Dec 9–Dec 9, 2026)
• General schedule: Camps, field trips, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours, and other education offerings are offered for children from pre-K through high school and beyond; daily eco-tours and monthly free public lectures are also offered.
• Facility hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

About the provider

Marine Discovery Center says it has spent over 25 years informing and educating citizens and guests about the biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon. Its programs are led by certified Florida Master Naturalists, and the center is described as a Guy Harvey Conservation School. Its mission is to protect coastal ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration.

Admission to the facility and grounds is free. Tours, education programs, and other special events have associated fees. Some programs require adult accompaniment, minimum participants, deposits, or registration. Scholarships are available for camps and field trips.

What families say

“My son just finished his first summer camp with MDC and LOVED it. Everything was well organized and some of the activities I heard about had me jealous I wasn’t in camp – hello otter and dolphin encounters!!” — Carin F.

“This is a gem off the beaten path with so much to offer to all ages. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. We are looking forward to more adventures and education from this one of a kind New Smyrna experience” — Jan A.

Last updated September 11, 2026.