Homeschool Programs

Homeschool groups with 10 or more students can register for field trips at the discounted rate. See the Field Trips page for additional details and pricing.

Homeschool Days

Learn about art, history, science, and culture with activities designed for homeschool families. Explore the Kid’s Corner and the Sailor's Nook play spaces, investigate the Interactive Topographic Sand Table, or come for favorite activities like the Inflatable Whale and the Whale Scavenger Hunt.

Homeschoolers (ages 4-18) can visit at a discounted rate of $10.00 per student and $12.00 per adult for general admission. Children under 3 are free. On Homeschool Days, general admission includes the Inflatable Whale, Lagoda Below Deck, and other activity stations around the museum. 3-D Movies and specialty workshops are available for an additional fee.

Check individual program days for specific schedules. Sample offerings include:

🔹 Squid Dissection Workshop
Use dissecting tools to discover the unusual adaptations of squid by investigating their external and internal anatomy. Pre-registration is recommended and space is limited. Recommended for students ages 8 and older.

🔹 Research Room Workshop
Explore whaling logbooks and other historic documents to learn how historians conduct primary source research. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Recommended for students ages 10 and older.

🔹 Whale Science Drop-in Activity
Learn about whales' adaptations to their environment, and the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.

🔹 Lagoda Below Deck
Explore the lower deck of the Lagoda whaling ship and see the quarters of the captain and mates.

🔹 Inflatable Whale
Climb inside a 43-foot long inflatable humpback whale to examine internal organs of this marine mammal.

🔹 Make and Take Drop-in Activities
Participate in activities related to current exhibits. Past activities include textile weaving and creating ocean scenes.

🔹 Storytime, Exhibit Tours, and More!

Homeschool Day Schedule

In general, Homeschool Day activities are scheduled between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm and the Museum is open until 5:00 pm. Copies of the museum map and schedule of events are available at the admission desk.

Metered street parking is available throughout the downtown district, along with some 3-hour free parking on Johnny Cake Hill. The Elm Street Parking Garage is conveniently located two blocks from the museum. See the Visit page for more information.

Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy lunch or snacks at tables in Harbor View Gallery. No food is available for purchase at the museum and food and drinks are only permitted in this space and in the front lobby. There are a variety of restaurants and cafes near the museum.

The Accessibility page has additional information for planning your visit, including details about strollers, backpacks, and lockers.

Contact learning@whalingmuseum.org or (508) 997-0046 x184 for questions about tickets, schedules, or activities.

Consider an annual family membership for unlimited visits.