Seacoast Science Center

The Seacoast Science Center is the perfect place to explore, discover, and connect with nature - especially the salty kind. The entire family will be enthralled by the world of marine science, from snails to whales. Once you visit, you will know why so many people come back again and again; rain-or-shine, year-round. There's always something to see and do. Get your hands wet and hold a sea star, chain cat shark and other sea creatures. Get up close and personal with a blue lobster, red anemones, graceful seahorses and camouflaging flounders. You'll be captivated by the Center's collection of marine mammal skeletons; it ranges from the giant skeleton of Tofu, a humpback whale, to a harbor porpoise: the smallest whale.

5k Trail Race and Kids Fun Run

Kennebunk Savings Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals 5k Trail Race and Kids Fun Run Saturday, April 25, 2015, 9:00 am The Rescue Run features a scenic,chip-timed 5k cross-country trail race and untimed walk through Odiorne Point State Park. The trail brings runners and walkers through the forest, by the rocky shore, on the sandy beach, and alongside historic military fortifications. Prizes are awarded to top finishers in different age and gender categories in the 5k race. Children, ages 12 and under, can participate in the Kids Fun Run 300 yard dash or a 1/2 run; every child wins a prize. After the run, the whole family can celebrate their accomplishments by enjoying music and festive healthy ocean activities.

Hours and Admission

Winter Hours November-February Open Saturday-Monday and school vacation days, 10am-5pm, and for scheduled programs. Members can visit any day of the week, year-round; just call ahead. Summer Hours March-October Open daily, 10am-5pm Seacoast Science Center Admission (SSC admission does not include required Odiorne Point State Park fee, charged daily Memorial Day-Labor Day; weekends through Columbus Day.) Ages 13-Adult $10 Seniors (65+) Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) $5 Ages 3-12 $5 Under age 3 FREE Members FREE Odiorne Point State Park Admission (SSC admission does not include required Odiorne Point State Park fee, charged daily Memorial Day-Labor Day; weekends through Columbus Day.) Ages 12-Adult $4 Ages 6-11 $2 Under age 6 FREE NH Residents, 65+ FREE

Marine Mammal Rescue

The Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team responds to stranded, injured and diseased seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins in NH's coastal region.
All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted by the federal government on October 21, 1972. Fulfilling this requirement, the Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team staffs a 24/7 hotline (603-997-9448) and deploys first responders. Collaborating with New England Aquarium and rehabilitation facilities in the region, the Center leads the rescues; the Aquarium conducts the necropsy and pathology, and rehabilitation facilities care for and release animals.

What should you do if you spot a seal or other marine mammal on a beach?

• Watch quietly from at least 150 feet away
• Keep dogs away from the animal
• Do not pour water on the animal
• Do not offer the animal food or water
• Do not cover the animal with a towel or blanket
• Do not try to move the animal
• Call 603-997-9448 and report the animal's location, size, coloring, and behavior

Seals belong on the beach. Whales and dolphins do not.Unlike whales or dolphins, seals are semi-aquatic and are comfortable out of the water. Most seals haul out onto beaches to sleep, nurse, or to soak up the sun. Seals are cute, but they are wild animals and should not be disturbed. By getting too close, you disturb the seal and could provoke it to bite.
It is illegal to disturb any marine mammal.People who harass or disturb them are subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Why is it important to respond to every seal that hauls out onto a beach or stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise?To protect the public's health and safety by properly managing sick or dead animals
To protect the health of stranded animals by reducing harmful human interactions
To advance marine mammal biology and ecology research by maintaining continuous data flow into the national database
We cannot continue to rescue marine mammals without your help.Federal funding for marine mammal rescue operations has been reduced. That means the Center must rely heavily on contributions from its coastal communities. Please help keep our Team ready to respond and give today