The Museum offers a number of programs designed for kids and families. There is something new and fun to explore each time you come visit. Get your hands wet tonging for oysters at a waterman's shanty, spend the night in an 1879 lighthouse, or learn to sail a boat. We have something special for every family member to enjoy.

Lighthouse Overnight Adventures

For youth groups, children's organizations, and scouts, ages 8-12 (and their chaperones)

Your group can spend the night in our 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse! Travel back in time to experience the rustic life
of a lighthouse keeper with hands-on, interactive activities.
Program is available Fridays and Saturdays in the spring
and fall, beginning at 6pm and ending at 7:30am the following morning.
For inquiries about the program, email Director of Education Kate Livie at klivie@cbmm.org

Click here for available dates or to register!

Download the Lighthouse Overnight Program Flyer
Lighthouse Overnight Program Content and FAQs
Adult/Child Liability and Consent Form

Start your Saturday morning off with two hours of fun-filled and challenging hands-on games, arts and crafts, and storytelling at the Museum's ChesAdventures (formerly Saturday for Kids). The program is designed for children ages four through nine. All sessions focus on a fun, Chesapeake-theme with hands-on activities.

Pre-registration is required, call Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941 to reserve a spot. Limited space available. $12 for members, $15 for non-members. A special six-session pass is available for $68 for members and $80 for non-members. Scholarships are available for qualifying students. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted.

2012 Dates

January 14, 21, 28 & February 11, 18 & 25
Morning session: 10 am - 12noon, ages 4-6
Afternoon session: 1 - 3pm, ages 7-9

2012 ChesAdventures Schedule & Content
Liability Form

Girl Scouts Badges

Participation in the Lighthouse Overnight program fulfills requirements to for the Lighthouse Badge and completes an activity for The Chesapeake Bay Patch. For more information, contact the Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey Lighthouse Badge & Interest Project, by phone at 732-821-9090, or visit GSCM.org.

For further information about the Lighthouse Overnight Program, contact Kate Livie at 410-745-4947 or email klivie@cbmm.org.

Kids Club

$125 members, $150 non-members
Pre-registration required, contact Helen Van Fleet at
410-745-4941. Visit the Learn section for more info.

The Museum's Kids Club is a half-day long, hands-on Chesapeake-focused camp for kids ages 4 to 7 where children learn about the Bay firsthand through activities, stories, games and crafts. The Kids Club program runs during the months of June and July. Scholarships are available.

Liability/Medical Form

2012 Dates

Sessions for 4 & 5 year olds                 Sessions for 6 & 7 year olds
June 25 - 29                                                  July 2 -6
July 9 -13                                                      July 16 - 20

For more information, or to pre-register, contact Helen Van Fleet, Reservations/Education Assistant at 410-745-4941 or by e-mail at hvanfleet@cbmm.org.

Sailing and Boater's Safety Program

Sailing is a wonderful way to explore Bay waters and learn maritime skills.The Museum's Sailing and Boater's Safety Programs help new sailors and old salts gain the confidence to sail a small boat in a fun and safe environment while learning the rules of the water.

Junior Sailing, ages 8-16
Mon.–Fri., 8:30 am–12 noon or 1–4:30 pm
$200 members, $225 non-members

2012 Dates

BASIC: As an introduction to water safety, rigging, boat handling, and docking, this course is designed for new sailors or those who need to solidify their skills before starting the intermediate level.

June 11 - 15                         8:30am - noon, or 1 - 4:30pm
June 18 - 22                       8:30am - noon
June 25 - 29                       8:30am - noon
July 2 - 6                             8:30am - noon
July 9 - 13                          1 - 4:30pm
July 6 - 20                         8:30am - noon
July 23 - 27                       8:30am - noon
July 30 - August 3          8:30am - noon
August 6 - 10                    1 - 4:30pm

INTERMEDIATE: Helps students to learn more complex sailing skills, including right-of-way rules, boat handling, local navigation, and proper sail trim.

June 18 - 22                    1 - 4:30pm
July 2 - 6                          1 - 4:30pm
July 6 - 20                       1 - 4:30pm                 
July 30 - August 3        1 - 4:30pm      

ADVANCED: Designed for students who have mastered their intermediate level skills, and focuses on boat handling and sail trim. Activities include exploring aspects of dinghy racing and the racing rules of sailing as well as racing starts and tactics.

June 25 - 29                    1 - 4:30pm
July 23 - 27                    1 - 4:30pm

ADULT & TEEN: Adult and teen sailors can learn or improve their sailing skills. Learn the principles of sailing a small 15-foot boat. Instructors teach small boat handling, boating safety, and sail theory.

July 14 & 15                    1 - 4:30pm
August 4 & 5                    1 - 4:30pm

Boater's Safety Program
April 18 & 19
May 16 & 17
June 13 & 14
July 18 & 19
August 15 & 16
6–10 pm, $25 per two-evening session
Maryland boaters born after July 1, 1972 are required to have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. The certificate is obtained by passing a Department of Natural Resources-approved course, and is good for life. The course is also a great way to become a more competent boater. Pre-registration required, contact Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941.
Sailing Emergency, Medical, Liability Form

Pre-registration required. Contact Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941 or by e-mail at hvanfleet@cbmm.org

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
213 N. Talbot St.
P.O. Box 636
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-2916

Add yourself to our email list here: