Family Drop-in Programs at Joppa Flats

Throughout the year, Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport offers family-friendly drop-in programs. These programs, which are geared to families with children ages 3-12, are free but donations are encouraged. 

Types of Programs

Meet Beach Creatures & More

Various days, June-August, 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Each week is a different theme with presentations at 11 am and 2 pm. Come meet our newly hatched horseshoe crabs. Observe a variety of caterpillars as they grow into moths and butterflies. Spend time watching shorebirds, egrets and herons in our salt marsh and enjoy the outdoors by the Merrimack River or our nature play area in our air-conditioned activity room. Visit our self-guided science stations and create a craft to take home. Rain or shine. Suggested donation of $2 per person.

Touch Tank Time

Fridays, September 11-December 18, 2-4pm

Enjoy feeling a spiny sea urchin or a scratchy sea star. Hold a horseshoe crab or feel the super soft foot of a moon snail. While visiting, try out our self-guided science station, make a take-home craft or study sea shells, sand, minerals, and more with our hand-held digiscopes. Suggested donation of $2 per person.