Family Fun at Joppa Flats

Ready for some adventure? We’ve got all kinds of fun programs and activities for you and your friends and family!

Nature Play at Joppa Flats

Come to Joppa Flats for an up-close experience with the coastal creatures that reside in the sandy and rocky shores of Plum Island. 

Aquarium Viewing Tanks

At the Joppa Flats Education Center, you can observe sea stars, hermit crabs, and other tide pool creatures in our 110-gallon aquarium tank. Additionally, you can find a young lumpfish, young horseshoe crabs, large Jonah crabs, and minnows in the nearby cold marine tanks.

The Kid's Zone

Every month, you can explore new nature-themed activities, including a self-guided observation station equipped with natural items, hand lenses, and digital microscopes. We offer fun take-home craft, coloring pages, a variety of children's activities, and picture books available on our nature book rack. Additionally, a sandbox filled with seashells, skate egg cases, driftwood, and sand from Plum Island is available for hands-on exploration.

Birdwatching and Picnicking

On the second floor, the Bird Blind and observation deck offer great spots for visitors to use our birding scope or borrow binoculars from the front desk. In our small riverside backyard, guests can enjoy birdwatching, have a picnic on the lawn, or sit at our picnic tables.

Birthday Programs

We offer nature-themed birthday programs on select weekday afternoons and some Saturdays. Each program lasts two hours and takes place at the Joppa Flats Education Center, located on the first floor of the building. Participants will also have access to our riverside yard if needed. The package includes a private space for two hours filled with hands-on educational activities, as well as all necessary tableware, decorations, and a themed goody bag for the birthday child. For more information about group sizes, pricing, nature themes, refreshments, and schedules, please email us.