Are you looking for an outdoor estuary adventure for your children? Look no further. Bayventures is an environmental education program series based at the Great Bay Discovery Center in the summer and winter (bundle up!). Once you sign up, we will send you an invoice through Square.  Your spot is temporarily held after sign up, but is not confirmed until we receive payment. Please contact Beth with questions.

Summer Bayventures: Summer Bayventures are Tuesdays 9:30-2:00 designed for children ages 8-11 .  Kids will spend the majority of the time outside, and each week has a theme. Registration required for each date using the links below.

 Mucking in the Mudflats Bayventure June 30th

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAA2CAAFB6-63586951-bayventure

Boating on the Bay Bayventure July 7th

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAA2CAAFB6-64008163-bayventure

Raiders of the Lost Artifact Bayventure July 14th

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAA2CAAFB6-64008559-bayventure

Adventures at High Tide Bayventure July 21st

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AFAA2CAAFB6-64009078-bayventure

Are There Sharks in Our Estuary? Bayventure July 28th

Summer Jr. Bayventures:Jr Bayventures are Weddays 9:30-12:00 designed for children ages 5-8 .  Kids will spend the majority of the time outside, and each week has a theme. Registration required for each date using the links below.

Winter Bayventures: Children in first through sixth grades can enjoy a day of learning about and exploring…signs of wildlife, how maple syrup is made, snowshoeing on the marsh, and more. Held during the week of February Winter Vacation or winter Teacher Workshop Days.  Registration is required and the cost may vary depending on the program. Winter 2027 info will be out in late 2026.

Children aged two to five will love these hands-on, outdoor programs at our Great Bay Discovery Center. Registration is required, cost: $10/child, with a $5 sibling discount (no fee for parents/guardians). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Once Upon an Estuary: On select Thursdays this summer, 9:30 to 11am. Children registered for this series will listen to a story, play a game, and make a craft.  Of course snacks are included! Registration is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Dates and registration links are below.
  
  

Programs are currently full for summer 2026. Contact Natasha with questions and to get on the waitlist.

Learn something new while engaged in an adult lecture series, featuring local presenters discussing a variety of issues relevant to the Great Bay Estuary and its history. These free programs are open to the public and generally held 2-3pm on select winter weekdays, no registration required.   Some past lectures were recorded and can be found on our YouTube Channel.  We hope to also record the 2026 lectures.

2026 Lectures:

January 14th, 2pm, What’s Happening With Our Big Trees?
February 18th, 2pm, What’s Happening With Our Marine Mammals?
March 18th, 2pm, What’s Happening With Our Saltmarshes?

Please see our Calendar of Events page for details about scheduled programs, and also check our social media for any last minute updates (@GreatBayNERR). Contact Melissa with questions.

Everyone can have fun searching for mud snails, holding a horseshoe crab, or watching a flounder swim! Baywalks are perfect for small groups, including summer camps, Scout troops, senior citizen groups, and more. Your program can be tailored to meet your group’s needs, but generally includes a guided exploration of our waterfront, habitat hike along our Boardwalk Trail, brackish watercolor craft and a facilitated experience at our Discovery Tank. This program runs approximately two hours and thirty minutes. A staff member or experienced volunteer educator will be your guide during this interactive interpretive experience. Baywalks will be offered on select Mondays and Fridays in June, July and August. Designed for a minimum of 8 participants, a two-week advanced registration is required.  Contact Tess to schedule a program.

Program Cost:

8-12 participants @ $50.00 group rate

13-24 participants @ $100.00 group rate

25-36 participants @ $150.00 group rate

37-48 participants @$200.00 group rate

Kayak tours are on hold until further notice.  If we are able to host tours again, below is some information about what you can expect.

Join the Great Bay Discovery Center’s Interpretive Naturalists as they guide you through the fascinating habitats of the Great Bay Estuary. Explore secluded tidal creeks, rocky shores and salt marsh. Watch osprey dive for fish and herons as they gracefully glide across the water.

Each two- to four-hour experience includes basic instruction on how to safely enter and exit your kayak and paddling techniques and strokes. All kayaks, necessary equipment, and safety items are included, but you may use your own kayaks if you prefer.

While paddling experience is not necessary, kayaking is a moderate to vigorous activity and you will spend approximately up to two hours on the water. The remainder of your time will be spent receiving instruction, assisting guides in loading and unloading boats, and washing down and putting away equipment at the end of your paddle. We look forward to your enthusiastic participation from start to finish!

Contact Kelle for more information.