Science programs for kids & families
Pleasant Bay Explorers (ages 10-14):
Curious minds belong outside! This September, PBCB is launching Pleasant Bay Explorers, a four-week after-school program designed for young scientists, makers, and nature enthusiasts ages 10-14. Each afternoon, participants will dive into hands-on science experiments, creative building projects, microscope investigations, outdoor exploration, and nature-inspired art and engineering activities. Whether they’re examining marine life, tackling fun STEM challenges, or discovering the natural world around them, every day offers a new adventure. The program begins with staggered drop-off starting at 3:00 PM to accommodate different school dismissal times. Students will enjoy a snack and time to relax before the main program runs from 3:30–5:30 PM.
- Dates: September 8 – October 2, 2026 (Monday–Friday; no program on Labor Day)
- Ages: 10–14
- Drop-off: Begins at 3:00 PM
- Program: 3:30–5:30 PM
- Cost: $900 per student for the full four-week session
- Discounts: 15% sibling discount available, plus scholarships for eligible families. Please contact Registrar Ellen (info@pbcb.cc) if you’d like to apply for a scholarship.
Curiosity Club (middle school students):
In fall 2025, PBCB collaborated with the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School to pilot the Curiosity Club after-school program. We’re excited to continue to offer this opportunity to students grades 5 – 8 from all local districts for the 2026-2027 school year. This program features hands-on activities including dissections, building projects, microscope work, outdoor adventure and nature themed creative projects.
This school year’s two 10-week sessions will run from 10/5/26 through 12/14/26 and 1/4/27 through 3/22/27. These are all Monday afternoons, from 3 to 5 PM in PBCB’s Hillside classroom. To accommodate for different school dismissal times, drop-off begins at 3 PM, then programming will begin at 3:30 PM. We will skip school breaks and holidays: 10/12, 1/18, 2/15, and 4/19, and will tack on any missed sessions due to snow days at the end of the session.
We welcome middle school students from all local schools to participate. CCLCS will provide van transit for their students between school and PBCB at the start of the program. Pick-up time for families is at PBCB at 5 PM.
The cost is $200 per 10-week session.
Discovery Days (ages 6 – 11):
Dive into Discovery at PBCB! Each day brings a splash of science with hands-on themes designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Perfect for young explorers ages 6-11. Dates for the 2026-2027 school year will include: Wednesday 11/11 (Veteran’s Day), Monday 12/28 – Wednesday 12/30 (winter break), Monday 1/18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Check back here to register in early fall!
Activity highlights include science dioramas, nature-themed art projects, microscope work, dissection, games, and building projects.
Each day will run 9 AM – 3 PM on PBCB’s campus at 2287 MA 28 in Harwich. Students will meet at the Hillside classroom. They should be prepared with warm clothing for brief periods outside (weather-permitting), but the program will likely run largely indoors.
Spring/Fall Field Trips
Contact Registrar Ellen Peterson if your group would like to schedule an experience at PBCB! Our floating classroom is in the water and available mid-May through September. Our field trip season typically runs mid-May through mid-June, and September (bookending our summer camp season), but we do have summer availability for smaller groups. We already work with several local schools and teachers, but welcome new faces and encourage you to have your child’s teacher or club leader reach out to us to plan a field trip!
Click here for more information about the floating classroom!
February & April Vacation Weeklong Programs (ages 6 – 11):
This program will offer a taste of our summer science camp experience as a 1-week school break experience. This all-day program includes a blend of hands-on science experiments, outdoor exploration, camp games, and art. Students may learn about local ecology while exploring the Pleasant Bay shoreline, complete engineering challenges and water quality testing, and end their days with creative projects and games. Students should be prepared with warm/dry clothing, as we will spend some time outside on nicer days. Activities will be adjusted based on the weather, but we’ll have a blast no matter what Cape Cod weather is thrown at us! This program is geared towards ages 6 – 11 and will run 9 AM – 3 PM daily.
For more information about any of our science programming, please contact our Science Coordinator, Miranda Van Allen.