The Coolest Education Center In Massachusetts Has A Touch Tank Where You Can See Crabs, Sea Stars, And More
By Kim Falchek|Published August 08, 2023
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Kim Falchek
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Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Whenever I visit a new place, my first stop is always the destination’s education or visitor center. The people at these centers are usually friendly and helpful and always have a wealth of information that they are willing to share with me. The best education centers, however, are also full of fun! They offer interesting exhibits, hands-on learning, and unique experiences. We have lots of these places in Massachusetts, but The Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport is my favorite.
The Joppa Flats Education Center is run by Mass Audubon. It is a great place to visit to learn about birds, marine creatures, and other animals.
Joppa Flats runs several free programs where visitors of all ages can learn about tide pools and experience what it is like to touch and hold moon snails, hermit crabs, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. There are also some outdoor animal encounters to discover.
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Joppa Flats is the place to visit if you enjoy the art of birdwatching.
Each week, a group called Wednesday Morning Birding meets at the flats and travels to a nearby location to view beautiful and majestic birds. The birding group is so popular that it is now in its 27th year.
The educational center also holds special birding excursions where families can spend a morning learning about local birds.
It is full of books, puzzles, toys, apparel, and other unique gifts.
Joppa Flats also takes part in operating research and conservation programs out in the community. One of these projects is the Bird Banding Station on nearby Plum Island.
This station serves as an important place for volunteers to gather information about the wide species of birds that inhabit the area. On select days, you can visit the banding station and learn more about the research process.
If you have been to Joppa Flats, we would love to know what you thought about it. Are there other parks with fun visitors or education centers that you would recommend? More information about Joppa Flats can be found at the Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Centerwebsite and the Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education CenterFacebook page. To make the most of your birdwatching experience, I suggest that you bring along a good pair of binoculars and a bird log to make notes of which species of birds you see.
