A Thoughtful Way to End the School Day
Tideline’s After-School Explorers Program offers kids a chance to step outside, burn energy, and reconnect with the natural world after a long day indoors.
This 8-week program is designed for children ages 7–12 who enjoy hands-on learning, exploration, and being active outdoors. Each session blends play, curiosity, and age-appropriate science in Charleston’s coastal environment.
What the Program Includes
4 – 5:30 PM | Wed | Starting March 25 | 8 Weeks
Each week focuses on a different theme connected to the salt marsh, barrier islands, and coastal ecosystems. Topics rotate weekly, and the order may shift as needed due to weather, tides, or safety considerations.
March 25: Marine Mammals – Climb about the Tideline to find dolphins – and record data on a Citizen Science App. Learning topics: Biology of marine mammals, local dolphin ecology
April 1: Sustainability Week – Today we’ll do a litter sweep on Folly Beach and record our data. Learning topic: Threats to our coast and what we can do to help.
April 15: Marine Science – Measure water temperature, turbidity, salinity, and depth. Learning topic: How does this data help marine scientists and what they study.
April 22: Shelling & Sandcastles – Cruise to a sandbar to find shells. ID shells and learn about mollusks. Build sandcastles to decorate with our finds!
April 29: Sharks & Fossils – Estuaries are home to many species of sharks. We’ll create our own ‘fossils’ today! Learning topics: Why fossils form and where to find them. Learn some shark facts and basic ID
May 6: Seining– Walk to the beach and seine net in the shallows. Learning topics: Fish anatomy, species ID
May 13: Captains in Training – Head out on the boat to learn captain skills! Learning Topics: Identify the parts of a boat, learn the importance of weather and tides, and practice steering.
May 20: Crabbing– Back on the boat for this activity. Today we catch crabs in one of our top secret locations. Learning topic: How to catch a blue crab, biology & ecology of crabs
Why Families Choose This Program
- Small groups: individual attention and strong safety standards
- Experienced instructors: naturalists and educators who enjoy working with kids
- Outdoor focus: learning happens through movement and discovery
- Balanced approach: play and science woven together
- Consistency: a weekly rhythm kids can look forward to
Who This Program Is Best For
- Kids ages 7–12 who enjoy being outdoors
- Curious learners who like variety
- Families seeking screen-free enrichment
- Children comfortable with changing conditions
This program may not be the best fit for children who prefer indoor, highly structured, or sports-only activities.
Custom Programs
We love creating custom excursions and programs.
If you have:
- an older child interested in a similar program
- a younger child better suited for a Parent & Me program
- a group interested in a private or custom session
Please reach out—we’re happy to explore options when there’s enough interest (minimum of 5 children).
Cost & Registration
- $50 per week
- $400 total for the full 8-week session
- Sessions may be prorated if joining after the first week
- 50% deposit is required up front with the remainder charged on the first day of the session
To register:
Call us at 843-813-5009.
Fill out the form and send it to us! We will be in touch with you shortly.
**If Wed fills, we will open another session on Tues. Please email us to be added to the waitlist if you can only attend on Tues. **
Sign up directly online by clicking the following link: