Education
K-12 Field Trip Programs
Discover Amazing at MDC this school year with hands-on & feet-wet Marine Education Field Trip Programs that students will love.
School Year Camps | Ages 5-12
Activities during Volusia County holiday breaks. Whether we are kayaking, boating, or exploring our restored salt marsh, discovery awaits at every turn!
Summer Camps | Ages Vary by Camp
Summer camps that explore the Indian River Lagoon through a variety of hands-on, feet-wet activities.
Sea Squirts | Ages 3-6
The Sea Squirts Program introduces marine life to young children. Adults will accompany their children to the program. Activities may include examinations of species both skeletal and alive, arts and crafts, stories, audio visual presentations, and games.
Parents Night Out | Ages 5-12
Kids can explore MDC after hours! Activities for Parents Night Out vary seasonally but may include arts and crafts, games, exploration, movies, snacks and more! This program is offered 6:00 – 9:00 pm on October 11 • December 20 • February 28 • April 25 – each date has a special seasonal theme! **An additional PNO program will be held on November 6 — this program must be booked as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and requires a ticket to that event.
Hook Kids on Fishing | Ages 5-15
Hook Kids on Fishing — presented by Anglers for Conservation on Saturday, October 11 from 9am-12pm — is for kids between ages 5-15 and taught by professional guides, knowledgeable anglers and scientists. This hands-on, conservation-minded and educational fishing program teaches children casting, knot tying, fishing safety, catch and release, fish habitats, conservation and more! Registration fee is $5.00 per family; all children must be accompanied by an adult, spaces are limited, so act swiftly to secure your place in the angling adventure of a lifetime.
G.I.R.L.S. | Ages 8-15
Join us for Girls in Indian River Lagoon Science :: preparing girls for bright futures in conservation science! This FREE program happens Saturday, January 10 from 9 am – 1:30 pm. Girls ages 8-15 can join MDC in a day of exploration in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS). This experience includes: data collection in the mangrove forest, investigating plankton, creation of shoreline restoration materials, exploring our universe with MOAS staff, & learning from scientists who study the IRL.
Saturdays on the Marsh | All Ages
Learn how to bring fun & sustainable conservation practices into your own home! These workshops are suitable for all age groups and are geared toward families/households.
Sense of Adventure | All Ages
Our sensory program will highlight each of the five senses with a hands-on, feet-wet twist! While this program is tailored to people with disabilities and sensory sensitivities, sensory play and exploration is critical to development for all ages and abilities! This program is offered 2:30-3:30 pm on Sept 25 • Oct 11 • Nov 8 • Dec 6 • Jan 10 • Feb 14 • Mar 14 • Apr 11 & May 2. Open to all ages! Cost is FREE but registration is required.
Mondays with Wild About Birds | All Ages
Join us on a select Monday of each month to learn about the interesting world of owls. Gina Holt, founder of Wild About Birds, Inc., will be at Marine Discovery Center for a 30 minute program featuring Miko, the barred owl that she cares for, during which she’ll give attendees a closer look at the life of owls, their role in nature, and the threats they face.
Adult Education Programs
Florida Master Naturalist Program
The mission of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens and visitors. Open to participants aged 18+.
Forever Explorers
Whether you have retired and moved into our coastal community and want to learn about the new flora and fauna around you, or whether you have lived in Florida for many years and simply want to learn more about what you can do to protect and conserve the Indian River Lagoon, MDC hopes to help young-at-heart, lifelong learnings have fun in a unique educational exploration. Open to participants aged 18+.
Our Mission:
"To protect our coastal ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration"