Seacoast Science Center

Fantastic experience: Was hoping to see some horseshoe crabs but unfortunately they no longer have them, other than that it was fantastic.

Fantastic experience: An Unforgettable 4th of July Kayak Experience ! This was hands-down the best way to spend the 4th of July! The nature kayak tour was the perfect blend of adventure, education, and pure appreciation for the beauty of our coastline. From the moment we arrived, Lauren, Amelia, and Ron welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. Their expert guidance and passion for the environment made this experience truly unforgettable. What really stood out was how much this tour emphasized responsible exploration—observe from a distance, leave no trace, and support the amazing local conservation efforts. It felt good knowing our experience was not only fun but also contributing to the Marine Mammal Rescue program. If you're looking for a magical way to connect with nature, learn something new, and support a great cause—this is it. Thank you Lauren, Amelia, and Ron for sharing your passion and making this such a special 4th of July!

Fantastic experience: Last night, we met Meghan from the Marine Mammal Rescue Team who was recovering a deceased baby seal from our beach access. She was amazing and respectful in her care of the baby. She also allowed our children to stay and help document the measurements of the seal, while simultaneously sharing her wealth of knowledge about seals. While it was an incredibly sad moment, it was such a great learning experience for our children. Thank you, Meghan, for your patience and teaching us more about these animals and how we can help. You make the world a better place!

Fantastic experience: Many things to learn and see. Photos for sale Direct variations from an original some with gel pens that took over six hours I am the only one who has one like them If any one claims to it’s not possible as I am the one who has the original and their is only one is could have and was mad from

Fantastic experience: A fun field trip, the kids had a blast! My son and I will definitely be back as we couldn't see everything in the allotted time.

Fantastic experience: Definitely more for children but it was really cool. Relatively short walkthrough but with some neat exhibits.

Fantastic experience: This is an excellent place for all ages. I volunteer there usually on Friday mornings twice a month. Hope to see you there!

Fantastic experience: Great place to take the kids and learn a bit. Touch tank is cool too!

Negative experience: Beautiful location outside and nice views from the inside. Brought my two littles during the week and arrived as they opened. Very small, quaint but lacking content for the price to enter and price to park. Not much “interaction” with animals as the display and person behind there was not opened until after an hour and half of being there. But at least they got to touch a star fish and crab. Some staff seemed unhappy and bothered to interact with people..? Like that they have story time, however, although, emphasis was placed on pretend, it seemed to be a more fear based story rather than invoking inspiration, curiosity, fun, or straight facts. Lots of emphasis on climate change. For the price and small set up maybe provide more interaction with paying customers for learning that is genuine, positive and not doom and gloom.

Fantastic experience: Fun and educational trip with my toddler! We are looking forward to visiting again after Winter to spend some time outdoors while there too!

Fantastic experience: Visited here with my toddler and we had a great day! She was entertained for 2 hours straight. Loved all the interactive exhibits, variety of creatures and activities. We will definitely be back soon!

Fantastic experience: As a NH native, growing up the Seacoast Science Center played a pivotal role in my passion for the ocean and marine life. I used to visit as a child for school trips and family outings, as it's mostly oriented towards younger ages but is super interesting for all. Living on the seacoast now, it's so rewarding to support the SCC during their programming (Kayak Tours in the summer, and Seal Walks in the winter!) and stop by to explore new exhibits and special guest speakers from the Greater New England region. My favorite organization to support and always sparks the little curious kid in me even as a childless grown adult!

Positive experience: I'm looking for places to bring my kids that might interest them. My son has handled animals before and did well. The touch tank has animals either in a container at or animals near the surface. There are smaller thanks with that are colorful or active. A few interactive displays. Small gift shop. Friendly staff. Seats to sit and view the ocean. You are also at a great park ️ were you can spend a long time exploring! One of the better aquariums at the ⛵ Seacoast.

Positive experience: Intimate, interactive, educational, oceanic living museum great for all ages, best for kids. Great setting with access to walking trails and surrounding park(s). Been there many times, always leave happy.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely beautiful spot! I was working so unfortunately wasn't able to get much pictures or videos. Inside is magical and set up really cool. Outside is amazing.

Fantastic experience: We had our wedding at the SSC and could not have been happier with our experience. It is truly an incredible place to have a wedding! The ocean views, the beautiful grounds, the science center - it all allows for such a unique and memorable wedding venue. We are so grateful to the SSC staff for making it an easy and enjoyable process and experience. Highly recommend booking for your wedding!

Fantastic experience: Love this place! We like to call it a mini aquarium because it offers a lot for such a little space and has a good variety of live creatures to learn about and observe. Also, it is a more affordable and local option than the Boston Aquarium. It’s great for a variety of ages and the staff was kind and helpful. Definitely worth the cost!

Positive experience: I took my family here today and it's a fun interactive place for kids and adults to learn about our sea creatures. There is touch tanks, fish, whale bones, history of the place, and so much more! When you buy tickets it also allows you to visit the state park too. The playground and park is very clean and is a Carry in and Carry out policy. There's a nice rock beach, nice views of the ocean, and is a friendly place for all ages especially there's a path that allows you to stroll with a stroller. Definitely recommend checking it out!

Fantastic experience: SSC was great for my 2 year old. She was very excited to see the fish and didn't get overwhelmed because it is a smaller space. She saw just enough to make her day. We were there a little more than an hour and could have spent a little more time but we went later and they were starting to close. We would have loved to explore outside but it was pouring out but we have been there before and know it is very nice out there too.

Fantastic experience: awesome place for people of any age

Fantastic experience: I took my family to the Seacoast Science Center for a delightful afternoon. The location is perfect for enjoying beautiful ocean views, and the center offers numerous engaging programs and exhibits. It was wonderful to see the kids having such a great time! The staff were incredibly friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be there. Highly recommended for a fun little educational outing!

Negative experience: Not friendly at all, pretty much a waste of money, you can get better fish selection in the fish store. Disappointing - I asked what kind of fish one of the personnel, and he said don’t know. In 5min all kids congregated in play boat room. Not much to see

Fantastic experience: Amazing spot by the ocean with lots to learn, animals to see, and some to even touch. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and it's affordable. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Always a fun time. The walk through is pretty quick with some interactive areas. They also have a cute gift shop and helpful employees. I always really enjoy watching the fish. There are also ads up about the many programs that are offered. I happened to notice one about wildlife kayaking. The grounds around the center are well maintained and pretty.

Fantastic experience: The most beautiful sunrise I've seen in years - right here at Odiorne Points Seacoast Science Center! ORCSD's 2024 Project Graduation: Sunrise Breakfast! Thank you for the use of the venue, and thank you to all the hard-working parents who made it happen.

Fantastic experience: It was a great leaning exoerienc . We ranged from 5 yr. To 15 to 73. We all learned a lot and had fun inside and out . It was busy , a hill vacation week but worth it !!

Fantastic experience: We had a great afternoon with our granddaughters at your wonderful center. Everything was very informative, and the whole staff was very friendly and knowledgable!! Our girls loved it!!!

Fantastic experience: I love this place as much as my kids do. The staff is so knowledgeable and eager to share info about ocean critters. They're also great about adding new things periodically. I learn something new every time!

Fantastic experience: This was a super fun little day trip! Absolutely beautiful scenery and a really fun and interactive center that both of my daughters enjoyed!

Fantastic experience: Went here this weekend while staying in Portsmouth. Neat place more for families with younger children. But we did enjoy the Center regardless. Did go to see the bunker that is located in on the site.

Fantastic experience: Nice little aquarium. The touching pool was superb and the lady running it was helpful and knowledgeable. The location is a treat. Many young children but us oldsters enjoyed the exhibits. It is in a state park but it was cold for walking. Great view of whaleback lighthouse.

Positive experience: It’s a small spot but really well done. The animal exhibits aren’t overwhelming. Some fish. Some turtles. Some seahorses. Some jellyfish. But they’re all well done and there’s a really nice touch tank. It’s a tight space when crowded, so we prefer to go on weekdays to avoid all the jostling. There are coat hooks on the lower level so you don’t have to lug your coat around! And if it’s not too cold, lots of outdoor trails to explore. Definitely buy tickets in advance.

Fantastic experience: Awesome exhibits and aquaria, super friendly staff! Great content and activities for young kids, but enough info to be educational for adults too. We’ll definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Great little spot with wonderful staff! My kids (5 and 2) could have dug for hours in the sand area and played all day with the boat and lobster trap. The park it's in is beautiful and has a good playground too!

Fantastic experience: Loved this place! Caters to all ages in a beautiful location. All the staff were friendly and accommodating and answered any and all questions myself or other guests had. As an added bonus, the trails in Odiorne State Park were great walking. Would gladly go again!

Fantastic experience: Very cool exhibit. Geared towards younger kids. My daughter is 7 and she enjoyed it.

Fantastic experience: Great location right on the point at the ocean. Great interactive exhibited for young kids and they always have new exhibits and events

Fantastic experience: Our 2 and 3 yo loves it! Touch tanks, hands on fun and lots of sea life and learning. We usually stay around 2 hours. And the setting is beautiful for adults too taking in the views and strolling along the shore. Strongly suggest making a reservation ahead, as capacity fills and entry at the time you arrive is not guaranteed unless you have a reservation. We have found it very easy to make them online ahead.

Fantastic experience: Staff is amazing and have several interactive events throughout the day. Love that it is right on the coast next to a very nice park. We can't wait to get back to check out the tide pools.

Fantastic experience: Fun exploration place for kids with marine life. the place is not big but quite enough to keep kids engaged and learn something new. There is a state park fee for entering plus the admission fee. Whats more is there is a small playground just a few steps away outside of the science building.

Positive experience: We showed up an hour before close, and honestly, that's all you really need to get through the exhibits. Especially if you have younger children who don't want to hang around and read all the info. They are Blue Star affiliated, which I just learned means AD military plus 5 guests get in for free, so that was a nice surprise. The touch pools are really entertaining with sea stars, crabs, sea snails, etc. My kids enjoyed this part the best and spent the most time here. They also do presentations. We caught the last one on the lobster, and it was informative and interactive. At the end, the children were allowed to go up and touch one. The center is located inside the state park, so you need to pay for parking. I believe it's per person in the vehicle, I can't remember, but the total for 2 adults and 3 children was 12 dollars. Once you finish the center you can walk around the park. They have a good sized play ground, a food truck, picnic tables, and a wonderful view of the coast. My kids loved searching through the rocks. Overall, it was a great visit.

Fantastic experience: Many trails live fish that you can touch and see. Playground center views of the ocean just so nice.. Many sights with interesting things. You could spend hours and be amazed!!

Fantastic experience: We had the best wedding at the Seacoast Science Center! It's truly a blank canvas you can use to make your dreams come true! There are some state park restrictions but the amazing event manager there, Hollie, helped us through those every step of the way. The venue was beautiful and all of our guests and vendors were blown away by it. The amazing staff at the science center were so helpful day of to, making sure things went off without a hitch! I would highly recommend this venue.

Fantastic experience: Great place for small kids. Interactive and educational. Can get pretty busy but if you give it time, always clears out fast. Our kids look forward to it every summer.

Fantastic experience: Hidden gem for all ages. The museum is small but has lots of cool activities, interesting exhibits and beautiful aquariums. Not crowded so you can take your time looking. The park has walking trails paved and some unpaved. Perfect for a day trip and picnic.

Fantastic experience: We took our granddaughters to the Seacoast Science Center in Rye for an educational trip. Lots of things for them to see, touch, and explore. The staff was very helpful and friendly as they interacted with the many children there. Lots to learn about the ocean. Well worth a visit!

Fantastic experience: I brought our 5 year old granddaughter here one week and returned with her 8 year old brother the following week. Great exhibits, helpful staff, beautiful building... Wonderful improvements since bringing our daughters here 30+ years ago!

Negative experience: It's a cute little science center, but emphasis on little. It's just a few exhibits, with small touch tanks for the kids. We essentially did everything within 20 minutes, and were suprised it was so limited, especially with it costing $48 for a family of 5. I'd recommend saving your money and just letting your kids explore the shoreline outside. We spend 20 minutes in the ($48) Science Center, and 2 hours on the (free) shoreline outside.

Fantastic experience: It had been a few years since I’ve been to this aquarium and I was pleasantly surprised at the updates. They’ve done a fantastic job with the small center, including lots of hands on interactive activities for the little ones. Took us about 1.5 hours to go through. My 7 year and 2 year old both had a blast.

Fantastic experience: Great place to take the kids! My granddaughter loved the touch tank!

Fantastic experience: I went there with my 79-year-old mother and my sister, who is battling cancer. They both needed to use their electrical wheelchair to get around because they cannot walk very well. I was extremely pleased to know that we were able to move around the science exhibit and to enjoy a really great day with ease and comfort. We plan on having a return trip and to enjoy a picnic on the beach and to view the science exhibit again.

Fantastic experience: What a beautiful location for a wedding! If you are looking to have your ceremony and reception on the New England seacoast, The Seacoast Science Center should be on top of your list. The science center offers large rooms for getting ready and multiple locations around the area for portraits. There is even a secret little beach with breathtaking views of the sunset!

Positive experience: This is geared to the elementary age child, but was fairly interesting to our teenager. We went on a school holiday during rainy weather. It was crowded but manageable.

Fantastic experience: A cool little science center! I had gone years ago on a field trip and had always wanted to return. It was as good as I remembered. Lots of interesting sea creatures and displays and an excellent gift shop.

Fantastic experience: I brought my son to the museum on Monday and we had so much fun such a cute spot to have a picnic on a nice day too we will do this next time there is also a really nice park at the end of the parking lot too. My son loved all the tanks and the wooden boat/fish market so cute !! Lots of great sea themed books in the gift shop too !

Fantastic experience: Plenty for the little ones to do/learn I myself also had a great time

Fantastic experience: My bf took me here for my birthday on our trip to NH and I loved it. Small place but lots of cool things to see, plus a nice gift shop! The area outside of the center is also very nice to walk around and take pictures.

Positive experience: The place is super small. Lots of kids running around being chased by parents. The touch tank is cool but there is not time limit and parents will sit in their phones and let their kids play. Maybe in busier times help move it along so everyone can enjoy some time at the touch tank.

Fantastic experience: It's small, but it's great for small children! There are a lot of interactive exhibits, places to crawl through, and things/animals to touch. Also it's great because you get to walk around the beautiful park afterwards, and play in the playground. During the summer weekends it gets crowded, so an online reservation is recommended.

Positive experience: I would have read it this place five if I was 5 years old. This is not the place to go for adults like it was 10 years ago. They removed a lot of the educational displays like the submarine thresher sinking , and about why the government took this home and farmland from the Odiones

Positive experience: I brought both of my boys, ages 3 & 6 to visit the Science Center. My 3 year old definitely enjoyed it more. My oldest was bored pretty quickly. The place is actually much smaller than I thought it was and we were in and out within an hour. I thought the areas where they could touch things would be bigger but it was pretty small and it was tough for more than 3-4 children at a time to fit. I'd say this place is great for pre-k and below. I did think their prices were really good though; $10 for adults and $5 for kids. You really can't beat that!

Fantastic experience: We love visiting the seacoast science center! Each time we go my toddler seems to key in to a different exhibit.

Fantastic experience: Love the SSC.. we have a family plus membership and our kids always have a blast when we go. They just redid the playground outside which is a lot of fun for the kids too!

Fantastic experience: Such a cool place. We accidentally found this place during our winter visit. The park was amazing, our boys love the park and the water sightseeing. Our older son loved the touch tank and everything else there. It was clean and fun. Totally would recommend it

Fantastic experience: a great place to take the kids. We have visted many times. Not only is there the scince center but the state park surrounding it has beaches, walking paths, paved trails, old historic forts and more. All ready to explore both inside the center and the out doors surounding it.

Positive experience: This is a local science center with an aquarium that contains native species, a touch tank, and history of the structure that is renovated. It is however very small and they don't have many exhibits (it took about 45 minutes max to see everything).

Fantastic experience: Cannot recommend the Seacoast Science Center enough as a wedding venue! It provides such a gorgeous tented waterfront wedding option on New Hampshire's beautiful seacoast. From the ocean views at the ceremony site & easy access to the water, the Seacoast Science Center is beautiful at every angle. It is a photographer's dream spot for those who are looking for a seaside wedding venue option in New England. Definitely check it out if you are considering a coastal New Hampshire wedding. I absolutely love photographing weddings there!

Fantastic experience: A great place to spend a couple hours. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the Touch Tanks are always fun and I was impressed with how well done the child education elements were done. I'd definitely recommend it.

Fantastic experience: The Seacoast Science Center is always a fantastic time for our whole family. My son loves visiting and we always see something new and exciting. The programming is wonderful, the staff is super friendly, helpful, and welcoming, and the location is perfect. We have gone many times and we will be back many more!

Positive experience: Excellent place to bring kids! The exhibits are well set up. A great learning experience for adults and children.

Fantastic experience: The perfect place to get married! We had our wedding here and it was beautiful. The SSC staff were very helpful and all our guests loved the location!

Fantastic experience: We have done the science center in the past which is small and good for young people. Outside of that, the park is a perfect place to sit and look out at rhe ocean. Lots of boat traffic to see, rocky shores to explore and there is a beach there although it's crushed rock and not yoru typical sandy shore beach. Lots of picnic tables and benches to use. And they have a jungle gym play area for kids. They have some trails that run to a larger beach area to the left of the park. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy the ocean but don't necessarily need a beach.

Fantastic experience: Very Beautiful Scenery and fun displays inside. I really enjoyed the concerts.

Fantastic experience: Very good place to bring the littles! Touch tank with crabs and starfish. small aquarium with jellyfish, lobsters and sea urchins. Another one that’s more like a traditional fish tank. And some interactive areas too. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit.

Positive experience: My kids had fun. Five year old really enjoyed the touch tank. 2yr old enjoyed the dirt she could play in. The playground was fun. The science center itself is okay, the beach and views were beautiful. I was pretty put off by being directed to the bathroom when I asked if there was a place to nurse my newborn. Other than that we enjoyed our visit!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience here at the science center. My husband and I spent 2 hours here checking everything out. The information and history of this place was engrossing and at 53 years of age, my husband and I learned a few things we'd never heard before visiting SSC. The view from the back of the property of the ocean was also incredible (we even saw a couple of the Tall Ships go by). My husband even got to experience what it was like to wear a vintage divers helmet! Well worth the entry fee.

Fantastic experience: We took our grandchildren ages 8,6,5 &2. We made an afternoon of it. We had a picnic lunch, enjoyed the center for 2 hours, went searching for sea glass, explored the rocks and played at the new playground. There are plenty of picnic tables and lots of open space to run and play. Highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: This hands on science center is perfect. My granddaughter was thrilled to be able to touch everything. Emily was very informative. Amanda was very helpful getting us acquainted with all the happenings in the area. A perfect day at the seacoast.

Fantastic experience: This place is really really good for birthday parties! I've had my birthday here every single year ever since I found out about it !! The people there are really kind, and really cool! 10/10 recommend!

Fantastic experience: Was just beautiful and the museum was so educational, even for my old brain.

Positive experience: It's nice and clean inside. Some fun cute acitvities for kiddos. It is a bit tight inside and some stairs, so I don't recommend bringing in a stroller. I went on a humid day and there appeared to be no air-conditioning inside, my children and I were very hot and the hunidity was causing the tanks to have condisation on them, making it a bit difficult to see some of the water animals. Fortunately, by the time we we were done and got outside, outside had become windy so we played a lot at the park and along the water. The staff was very kind and helpful. I hope someday they are able to expand! What they have now is already so wonderful, an expansion would be great for children.

Fantastic experience: We had such a beautiful wedding the Seacoast Science Center! Thank you to event coordinators Sara in the beginning of 2021 & then Holli took over until our day 6/25/22. Stunning venue & wonderful Sperry Tent on site. Thank you for an amazingly beautiful dream wedding day!

Fantastic experience: A great stop to acquaint my Midwestern children with marine life as we drove from Boston headed to our vacation in Acadia. My children enjoyed the touch tanks so much that they could have cared less about any other exhibit (the remaining exhibits were informative and enjoyed by the adults). Outside a quick walk down Rabbit Run, passing the playground, led us to the Sunken Forest tide pool area. The children enjoyed the tide pools even more than the the touch tanks, and both were listed as favorites of the trip even though they were on Day 1 of a 7 day trip. We timed our visit perfectly to have just enough time inside before going outside for low tide.

Positive experience: A small (and short) but fun visit. The interactive part is very cool for the younglings. Also learned you can rent the property for outdoor weddings or what have you.

Fantastic experience: Wow what a perfectly perfect Venue for our Daughters Wedding! The staff were fantastic, the accommodations terrific, and the Senic Ocean views spectacular . Plus we got to enjoy all the Science Center has to offer. We can't wait to come back and see the new "Gulf of Maine" exhibit which is in process. Thank you to everyone this was a most enjoyable day.

Positive experience: Worthwhile if you've never gotten to touch live sea creatures. This place is best suited for children. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Currently undergoing renovation, i imagine there would be more normally. This is a small facility, won't take long to go through.

Fantastic experience: My grandson had a blast. He got to hold a Starfish and pet a lobster. We saw a pregnant Seahorse and shark's eggs. We spent hours there was so much to do and see. Very enjoyable.

Fantastic experience: We Three generations with children ages 4-12 had a delightful Day at the science center and the surrounding beautiful coast land. The science center staff was very attentive and helpful eager to convey information and answer questions. They hands on encounter with animals and other playthings was a delightful experience. The center is small enough to experience adequately in about two hours and big enough to spread around and let the children film at their own pace.

Fantastic experience: We love it here ! Always so clean and fun ! Getting hands on with the sea creatures is a favorite with my son highly recommend for families to make a day of it and then go to the beach after

Fantastic experience: We had a great visit on Good friday. Scheduled our check in for mid day so we could arrive early and picnic in the park first. Luckily we missed the large school group that visited in the morning. Our kids loved the touch tank. Several aquariums were well maintained and had informative plaques about the oysters and corals they contained, but surprisingly no info about the fish. It would be nice to have at least list of the various fish and some info about the large Morey Eel. All the employees were very knowledgeable and very nice to the kids

Positive experience: The kids loved it! It was disappointing that one section was closed for renovations which I had hoped would be done during all the shutdown time and the playground is closed. Still, well worth it!

Positive experience: Very cute and reserved little marine science center. The staff were all very knowledgeable, helpful, kind, and extremely sweet. It was a little smaller than I had hoped for, but there were still tons of things to read and look at as well as touch, which I loved! Very unique, since most places do not allow hands-on activities throughout the entire museum! I will definitely be coming here again with my future kids :) I also loved all the walking trails along the ocean. Very beautiful.

Fantastic experience: So much fun for a little afternoon activity if you don't have a ton of time but want to have some fun with the kiddos!

Fantastic experience: We were at Salisbury Beach yesterday and came across 3 volunteers watching over this seal. The woman we talked to, (I think her name was Meaghan) was very informative and a pleasure to talk to. She was on her way home to take a nap, but stayed and talked to us for at least 20 minutes. Hope the seal made it's way back to the ocean.

Fantastic experience: Definitely worth the money, had so much fun with our kids. Definitely will be coming again I’m really hoping the playground will be fixed it’s been two years that it’s been broken now so I’d like to see it fixed soon.

Negative experience: This has been something that my kids enjoyed on past trips. We figured it would be a great way to let them get some energy out and spend an afternoon of their winter break. We purchased tickets online only to find a large portion of the facility still closed from what appeared to be covid precautions and the Gulf of Maine exhibit still under construction. I would still recommend this as a family friendly destination but suggest calling in advance to make sure all exhibits are open. Otherwise dress for cold weather and enjoy the outdoor part of the park as we saw all indoor exhibits multiple times and only stayed for about an hour.

Fantastic experience: Great for younger kids, easy hour or two. Includes park admission which is nice. A large exhibit was under renovation until June 2022. A small museum without the larger space but an excellent local spot!

Fantastic experience: This is a great little place, with amazing sting rays, sea horses and more. I also love the view of the Seacoast while enjoying the exhibitions. The store is so cute and has very beautiful books.

Fantastic experience: I took my grandchildren, 6 and 4, for our first visit in nearly two years and was amazed at the changes that have taken place improving the Science Center tremendously. The naturalists were very helpful, as usual. The Center is clean and inviting with many interactive activities for children. The educational information is excellent. We can't wait to go back.

Fantastic experience: They have recently acquired a super rare 1-in-100 million "cotton candy lobster"!