NEW SMYRNA BEACH AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
Tiny Tide-Trackers: A Nine-Week Introduction to the Sea for 3–4 Year-Olds
A one-hour, nine-week weekly program that guides 3–4 year olds and their caregivers through outdoor exploration, animal observations, arts & crafts, and story-based play — essential planning notes for parents and guardians.
Tiny Tide-Trackers: A Nine-Week Introduction to the Sea for 3–4 Year-Olds.
On the edge of New Smyrna Beach, the Sea Squirts program invites three- and four-year-olds to begin a gentle apprenticeship with the shore: short, focused sessions where the salt air, hands-on animal observation and simple crafts turn curiosity into lasting familiarity with marine life. Run by the Marine Discovery Center, this nine-week series meets weekly and stitches together outdoor play, storytelling and close-up encounters designed for little learners and their adult companions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Weekly, One-Hour Sessions Built for Small Attention Spans
The program runs as a series of one-hour Wednesday sessions across nine weeks, giving toddlers a regular rhythm of short explorations, stories and guided activities to build familiarity without overwhelming them.
Hands-On Exploration, Animal Observation and Creative Play
Sessions include outdoor exploration, animal observations, arts and crafts, stories and games—practical, tactile experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity in preschoolers.
Caregiver-Child Participation
Adults accompany their children throughout the program, creating a shared learning environment where caregivers can support discovery and help translate new observations into play and questions.
What the day feels like
What the Sea Squirts Experience Feels Like
Each Wednesday, small groups of children and their accompanying adults gather for an hour of guided play at the Marine Discovery Center. The flow moves from a brief welcome into outdoor exploration and close-up animal observation, then to quieter crafts, stories and group games—an intentional, bite-sized sequence that keeps the pace lively while introducing basic concepts about marine life.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each session is one hour long and the full offering is a nine-week program with sessions held weekly on Wednesdays.
Dress for outdoor exploration; closed-toe shoes and a reusable water bottle are strongly encouraged.
Reservations and payment must be made in advance; contact the operator to register more than one child for the nine-week package.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages is the Sea Squirts program for?
The program is for children ages 3–4 years old.
How long is each session?
Each session lasts one hour.
How long is the full program and how often does it meet?
Sea Squirts is a nine-week program that meets every Wednesday.
Do adults attend with the children?
Yes — adults accompany their children for the program.
Are reservations required?
Yes; reservations and payment must be made in advance.
Can I register more than one child for the nine-week package?
To register more than one child for a nine-week package, please contact the operator.