Enjoy Indoor Summer Fun at Seacoast Science Center, a Hidden Gem in New Hampshire

The woods of coastal New Hampshire are a wonderful place to spend a summer day, and Odiorne Point State Park in Rye is always a prime spot in my book. I love exploring the walking trails, historic forts, and sandy beaches. But spending all day in the sun can often be too much for this red-haired gal, and I always welcome a nice indoor spot where I can cool off and reset. Fortunately, Odiorne contains a fun little museum called Seacoast Science Center that's a total hidden gem and the perfect spot to seek some shade (and air conditioning) as well as learn a little about local marine life. 

Whether you make the science center your primary destination or just a stop on your visit to Odiorne, you are sure to have an amazing experience. My family and I visited the museum a few summers ago, and it was definitely worth the trip from northern Massachusetts. The Seacoast Science Center is open year-round, but has special summer hours. There is even a dedicated sensory-friendly hour that takes place on Sunday mornings.

The museum features several interesting exhibits highlighting lobster, native fish, turtles, seabirds, and other New England marine life. There is also a fantastic whale exhibit that showcases a real humpback skeleton. This was definitely a hit with my family!

One of the best parts about the Seacoast Science Center is that so much of it is hands-on and interactive. My family’s favorite part was the museum’s touch tank. We were able to reach into the water and hold urchins, crabs, and sea stars, and then view some of these creatures under a microscope. Other fun exhibits included a shared sand table and a trash travels game where you could learn where different kinds of wastes are deposited. 

The museum also features a quiet, cozy area that welcomes visitors to sit and relax, catch some scenic water views, or borrow a book and read up on some of the marine animals that are featured in the center. And there are also some really cool spots set up for some photo ops.

I also discovered that the Seacoast Science Center is much more than a museum and not just focused on families with young children. Throughout the year, the center hosts a plethora of amazing events such as kayak outings, seal walks, nature programs, and camps. And for even more adventure, I suggest looking into their eco-adventure travel trips.  

Have you visited the Seacoast Science Center? If so, we would love to hear all about your experience. You can find out more information about this wonderful little museum at the Seacoast Science Center website and the Seacoast Science Center Facebook page. If you are looking for more fun local indoor spots to cool off and enjoy some summer fun, I suggest visiting these additional New Hampshire museums.