ST. ANDREWS WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Marine Discovery for Kids on the Bay at St. Andrews
A five-day, age-targeted workshop series from the Huntsman Marine Science Centre that pairs live-animal encounters, beach exploration and themed days to build curiosity and — with full attendance — a Huntsman Marine Academy™ certificate.
Hands-On Marine Discovery for Kids on the Bay at St. Andrews.
Young Explorer Days at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews is a concentrated, science-forward summer program for children that blends live-animal interactions, beach exploration, simple experiments, crafts and free time in the aquarium to introduce young participants to coastal biology and marine stewardship.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up-close encounters with live animals
The program centers on direct engagement with live marine animals and supervised exploration of the local shoreline and aquarium exhibits, letting children see species and behaviors rather than just read about them.
A cumulative pathway to a Huntsman Marine Academy™ certificate
Participants who complete five days during the summer are awarded a Huntsman Marine Academy™ certificate, making the program both a single-day experience and part of a longer learning track.
Themed days that focus curiosity
Each Young Explorer day concentrates on a marine subject—sharks, sea stars, fishes, lobsters, whales and seals—so repeated attendance lets children build familiarity with different taxa through games, crafts and experiments.
What the day feels like
What a day feels like
A typical Young Explorer day runs mid-morning to mid-afternoon and moves between hands-on stations: animal sessions, shore sampling and guided beach walks, small experiments and crafts, plus time to explore the aquarium. Activities are paced for the 5–11 age range and designed to combine play with simple scientific observation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program works for — and who it doesn’t
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Daily sessions run from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; themed Young Explorer Days are scheduled through the summer calendar.
No formal gear list is provided in the program summary; parents and guardians should confirm with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre for any recommended items.
Maximum enrolment is 15 students and minimum enrolment is 5; the minimum must be met two days in advance or the Centre may cancel and refund.
Members receive a 15% discount; as a registered Canadian charity the Huntsman Marine Science Centre provides GST/HST exemption on educational programs.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages is Young Explorer Days for?
Programs are designed for students aged 5 to 11.
How long is each day?
Each day runs from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
How does a child earn the Huntsman Marine Academy™ certificate?
Participants who complete five days during the summer receive a Huntsman Marine Academy™ certificate.
What are the themed days this summer?
The 2026 themed days include Sharks, Sea Stars, Fishes, Lobsters, Whales and Seals on scheduled July and August dates.
What are the enrolment limits and cancellation policy?
Maximum enrolment is 15 and minimum is 5; the minimum must be met two days before the program and the Centre may cancel and refund if enrolment is inadequate.
Are there discounts or tax exemptions?
Members receive a 15% discount; as a registered charity the Huntsman Marine Science Centre grants GST/HST exemption on educational programs.