brooklyn aquarium field trip

New York Aquarium Visitors Guide (Brooklyn Aquarium)

Planning a visit to the New York Aquarium, aka the Brooklyn Aquarium or the Coney Island Aquarium? You’ve come to the right place. We have put together a very detailed guide of everything you need to know before visiting New York Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

The New York Aquarium is the oldest continuous running aquarium in the United States! The original location of the now Brooklyn aquarium was actually at Castle Garden in Battery Park in Manhattan. It opened at this location in 1896 and moved to the Coney Island aquarium location on Riegelmann Boardwalk in 1957.

The New York Aquarium is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, or WCS like other zoos in the city including Prospect Park Zoo .

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s mission is to save wildlife and wild environments through conservation programs,  education, science programs, and inviting people to value nature. The Coney Island aquarium also runs the New York Seascape program which is a local conservation program designed to restore a healthy environment and populations of New York waters and species.

The New York Aquarium is on 14 acres and has 266 species of aquatic animals as well as exhibits to explore. We recommend planning at least a minimum of 90 minutes for your visit to this Brooklyn aquarium to enjoy all of the exhibits.

This guide to the New York Aquarium will cover all the important information you need to know before your visit to help you plan and prepare for an incredible day at this Brooklyn Aquarium, one of the best things to do in Brooklyn !

IMPORTANT VISITATION UPDATE:

To visit this Coney Island aquarium you will need to make an online reservation and ticket purchase in advance since they are limiting the capacity for the safety of its visitors and to control crowd management. Even annual members need to reserve a time and date in advance.

You can only visit by purchasing a ticket in advance, there will be no ticket sales available in person on arrival. You can arrive within 60 minutes after your scheduled visit. 

Table of Contents

New york aquarium: location, new york aquarium: admission, new york aquarium: hours, new york aquarium: parking, new york aquarium: things to see, new york aquarium tips.

• What to do near the Coney Island Aquarium

The nearest subway stops that service the surrounding area of the New York Aquarium are:

• West 8th Street Station (F, Q lines) 
• Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station (N, D lines) *handicap accessible
• Neptune Avenue Station (F line)

We also have a full guide on how to get to Coney Island with easy to follow directions you will want to check out especially if you want to explore more of the area, famous boardwalk and beach before or after your visit.

Read Next: Best Museums in Brooklyn

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Regular Brooklyn aquarium admission is currently:

• Adult  (ages 13 & over) – $26.95
• Senior Citizens (65 & over with ID) – $24.95
• Children under 3-12 – $22.95

Special Coney Island aquarium admission:

The New York Aquarium at Coney Island offers reduced admission tickets available for Wednesday afternoons. These reduced ticket rates are available each week on Mondays at 3:00 pm. There is a maximum of 4 tickets per order.

Brooklyn Aquarium admission for Members:

You can become a member of the New York Aquarium which means you are a member of the WCS, The Wildlife Conservation Society that will give you free admission to all four New York City Zoos and the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.

You pay an annual fee depending on which level you pick which varies by price and perks including admission to all zoos and aquarium for different size families or individuals, discounts to events at all of these places, discounts on food and retail in the parks, free Bronx Zoo parking if you visit that Zoo among other perks.

If you’re wanting to contribute to more of the conservation efforts as a conservation patron, you can also donate more money and in the addition of getting the perks of being a member, you also get opportunities to meet the conservationists and specialists from the various programs with an insider look of WCS and their efforts along with special tours.

If you choose to do so, you can also get recognition for your donation. Learn more about the membership options, conservation options, and gifting this for a friend on  their website .

From November through March the aquarium opens at 10:00 am and allows last entry at 3:30 pm with a closing time of 4:30 pm.

From April through the end of October, the aquarium opens at 10:00 and the last entry is at 4:00 pm with a closing time of 5:00 pm.

Always double-check their hours of operation if you happen to be falling on the shoulder of any of these dates!

The most convenient parking for the Brooklyn aquarium is their parking lot which opens at 9:30 am, 30 minutes prior to opening. Parking here is not free though, for non-members you will be charged $18 for the first 3 hours, $25 for 3-4 hours, and a maximum of $40 for anything 4 hours and up.

If you’re a WCS member at the premium and conservation supporter level then the first 3 hours of parking at the Coney Island aquarium are FREE! The rates are $10 for 3-4 hours and a maximum of $20 for 4 hours and up. WCS members at the levels of conservation fellow and above have completely free parking.

There are other parking options too for Coney Island since walking distances aren’t too bad. You can find (if you’re lucky) free parking on the street, metered parking that’s around $2 for 2 hours max, as well as paid parking lots around Coney Island.

Free parking on the streets can be hard to get if you’re not coming first thing in the morning or visiting during peak summer season.

There are several pay lots including MCU Park that’s about a 15-minute walk from the aquarium straight down the boardwalk.

Keep in mind if you do metered parking that many have time limits and/or may require you to return to feed the meter more money or move your car.

Another great option suggested by some visitors is to park at surrounding subway stations.

We recommend going over and getting familiar with all the different attractions, exhibits, and things to see at the New York Aquarium has to offer. Exhibits occasionally change, so if you’ve visited in the past there’s a good chance you might be treated with something completely new at the Coney Island Aquarium!

Here are the current exhibits and experiences you can find at the Brooklyn aquarium:

The Sea Cliffs are an outdoor exhibit at the New York Aquarium which features outdoor enclosures mimicking the rocky shores along the oceans. This is where you can find different outdoor rocky shores exhibits with penguins, sea otters, sea lions, and seals.

If you’re lucky you will get here right around feeding time to see all these marine animals at the Coney Island aquarium at their most active time of the day.

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

This is my personal favorite thing to do at New York Aquarium! This indoor exhibit takes you through a tunnel surrounded by coral reefs and 115 different species including 18 different species of sharks and rays, sea turtles, fish and more!

Right after you enter this exhibit, you will approach a tunnel that you walk through where you can look up and side to side where all the different sharks, rays, sea turtles, and fish will swim around and above you. Be sure to spend a few moments here and just watch as the scene is ever-changing.

After you go through the tunnel, you will go through a series of other aquarium tanks with other fish and educational stops teaching visitors all about sharks and how they breathe, live, breed, move, and how close they live to NYC!

Before you leave, you will be rewarded with one giant glass wall separating you between another tank called the Canyon’s Edge where you can stare and gaze at the sandbar sharks, rough tail stingrays, and sand tiger sharks as they swim by you. This is one of our favorite picks for unusual and unique things to do at Coney Island !

Aquatheater

This next attraction at the New York Aquarium is outdoor and weather permitting, you will want to check the schedule for the day of your visit to see their different interactive demonstrations between the trainers and the California sea lions.

This is completely outdoor and there is stadium-style bench seating, there also are wheelchair friendly areas. Be sure to be prepared to sit directly in the sun on a hot summer day with a hat and sunscreen!

Conservation Hall

Another one of the highlights and not to be missed exhibits at the New York Aquarium is Conservation Hall where you can find native marine species from three very different regions of the world including the freshwater Great Lakes of Africa, and Brazil’s flooded rainforest, and the Pacific Ocean’s Coral Triangle.

The exhibit is also where you can find Glover’s Reef, which is home to over 100 aquatic species from the three regions mentioned above as well as fish and coral native to the Belize Barrier Reef that was introduced the Coney Island aquarium in 2011.

There are interactive kiosks and information around the exhibits educating visitors on the environmental threats facing coral reefs including pollution and climate change as well as what marine conservationists work are doing around the world to save fragile underwater environments like these.

Another fun exhibit to check out at the New York Aquarium is Spineless, the world of underwater invertebrates including different species of jellyfish that are mesmerizing to watch, giant Japanese spider crabs, a giant Pacific octopus, and cuttlefish to name a few highlights.

This is one of the newest additions to the Brooklyn aquarium and absolutely hypnotizing and calming to watch the jellies float around.

The 4-D Theater, a Wild Encounter, PlayQuarium, and the Sea Otter Feedings are currently unavailable due to the circumstances of 2020.

Check out some of these important New York Aquarium & Coney Island Aquarium and information that you will want to know before your visit!

We recommend planning a full 1.5 – 2 hours to enjoy at the Brooklyn aquarium, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit or you might want to catch the feedings or trainer sessions they have daily. 

Some of the outdoor trainer sessions are canceled due to rain, however, the rest of the exhibits are open rain or shine.

There are food options once you’re inside the Coney Island Aquarium, there are food trucks and other options. Sometimes in the rain, they do not open some of the outdoor vendors. The Coney Island boardwalk has tons of options for eating as well unless you visit after Coney Island amusement park closes for the season at the end of October. 

If you are here during the offseason, Nathan’s Original and other restaurants on Surf Avenue are open year-round.

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, they ask to hold a $20 deposit that will be returned once the wheelchair is returned.

Strollers are available for rent too. A single stroller costs $10 to rent and a double stroller costs $15 to rent during your visit.

Even though many of the exhibits at the Coney Island aquarium are outdoors, smoking is prohibited everywhere.

Feeding or touching marine life is absolutely prohibited to ensure the health and safety of all creatures under the Brooklyn aquarium’s care.

Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are not allowed inside the aquarium. If you have a bicycle, it will need to be parked outside on one of the surrounding bicycle racks. If you’re planning a trip to the beach before or after, leave your beach supplies in the car as they are not allowed in the Brooklyn aquarium property.

Only working service animals that are in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act are allowed. 

Please do not bring tripods into the aquarium.

We recommend bringing a backpack or daypack so your hands are free. See our Brooklyn packing list for some other great options for what to bring on your trip.

We also recommend checking out our Coney Island winter guide as this attraction is open year-round and its also a great time to visit Coney Island without the crowds!

What To Do Near the Coney Island Aquarium

Deno’s Wonder Wheel & Luna Park

Combine your visit to the New York Aquarium with the legendary and famous amusement parks of Coney Island including Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel!

The season usually lasts from Easter to Halloween each year! If you happen to visit off-season, don’t worry you will not only experience less crowds but you can still see many of the famous attractions and rides from the empty boardwalk like the Wonder Wheel, Cyclone Roller coaster, and more!

Be sure to check out our guide to the best Coney Island Instagram spots too!

Riegelmann Boardwalk

Riegelmann Boardwalk, aka the Coney Island Boardwalk, is a MUST when visiting the Coney Island aquarium, especially since you’re right here. The wooden plank boardwalk is 2.7 miles long-running on the southern shore of Coney Island connecting the amusement park, shops, eateries, and is a New York City designated landmark.

After your visit to the New York Aquarium, check out a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball game at MCU Park!

Coney Island Beach

While you’re here visit one of the most popular of all the beaches in Brooklyn! Yes, it does get a little crowded in the summer, but this is one of those timeless NYC activities and gathering place for over a century in the warmer months!

Enjoy 3 miles of sandy beaches and shoreline for swimming, sunbathing, playing volleyball, and other beach day activities!

The beach runs from West 37th Street to Manhattan Beach, then entire Riegelmann Boardwalk also runs along Coney Island Beach.

Note that the beach and boardwalk are open to the public year-round from 6 am to 9 pm. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. And if you have beach supplies, you will have to keep them in the car or somewhere else as they are not allowed in the New York Aquarium.

Brighton Beach

Check out the neighboring beach and community of Brighton Beach! This neighborhood is home to a large Russian-speaking community that is generationally tied to the neighborhood from the ancestors’ immigration. Many of the signs are even in Cyrillic.

The beaches are typically slightly less crowded even in the summer months here and honestly, it feels like you’re in another world here as its a very culturally rich neighborhood full fo Russian restaurants and shops to explore.

Found this guide to everything you need to know about visiting the New York Aquarium aka the Brooklyn Aquarium or Coney Island helpful? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest. 

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New York Aquarium West 8th Street and Surf Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11224 (718) 265-FISH (3474) - 265-3454 School Groups www.nyaquarium.com

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NOTE: The Aquarium has reopened following repairs to areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy. However portions of the facility remain closed as repairs continue. Please check the Aquarium's official website, linked above, for current information.

Needing little introduction, the world renowned New York Aquarium is better than ever, offering a full day's fun, excitement and education for individuals, families, and groups.  With over 10,000 specimens representing more than 300 different species, the Aquarium boasts the largest collection of any aquarium listed within these pages.

Please note that our website is currently being updated. Some of the information below may have changed, but readers will gt a good idea of the type of adventure that awaits them at the Aquarium. A link to the Aquarium's official website will be found above. 

Each exhibit at the Aquarium is designed to create the look and feel of the animals' natural habitat.  The exhibits include: 

Sea Cliffs   This spectacular 300-foot habitat is a replica of the rocky Pacific coast from Alaska to California.  Pacific walruses, California sea otters, black-footed penguins, harbor seals, and other marine mammals make their home here, amongst the waves created by a state-of-the-art wave making machine.  Many different species of invertebrates and fish live here, too.  The exhibit can be enjoyed outside, from above the water, or indoors, where visitors come face to face with these creatures underwater.  Interpretive graphics and abundant educational information help explain adaptations, predator-prey relationships, and conservation issues. 

Discovery Cove   Discovery Cove is an indoor education and exhibit center where visitors stay dry under crashing waves, touch sea creatures, see a lobster boat in its own saltwater dock, enjoy hands-on exhibits and video displays, a variety of tanks -- from 10 to 17,000 gallons, and more.  Different sections emphasize coastal ecosystems, adaptation of marine mammals, and the relationship between people and the sea.    Fish that Go Zap! is an example of one of the Aquarium's earlier exhibits at Discovery Cove.  It consisted of a number of interactive displays that combined to give visitors a unique insight into the electrifying activities of some of our deep sea friends.  Features include 

Aquatheater   This newly renovated 1,600-seat theater offers amazing sea shows and behavioral demonstrations, starring bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. 

Sharks   A 90,000 gallon tank is home to these awesome, often misunderstood marine animals. 

Beluga Whales   Features a 400,000 gallon complex that is home to these graceful, intelligent marine mammals that communicate in squeals, clicks, and whistles. 

Oceanic Tank   This 150,000 gallon tank has served as the home of a variety of the Aquarium's inhabitants.  It greets visitors as they enter, beginning the journey into the wonderful world of the Aquarium and our sea-faring friends. 

Conservation Hall   This exhibit features Pacific reef fish, primitive fish, piranhas, chambered nautilus, live corals, and other animals representing the Wildlife Conservation Society's marine conservation projects. 

Hudson River Exhibit   One of the world's most beautiful rivers, the Hudson is featured in a 30-foot long map detailing its history and habitats. 

Several other exhibits complete a fun, educational and rewarding experience at one of the world's most famous aquariums. 

Further, the Aquarium offers a huge variety of programs for individuals and families, for pre-schoolers through adults, covering just about every imaginable subject related to our marine environments and animals. Sharks, Home Aquariums, Sea Otters, Behind the Scenes at the Aquarium, are just a few of the many subjects available in these programs and activities. 

There are also great special events throughout the year.  A calendar is available by calling or by visiting the Aquarium's official website (URL is above). 

The Aquarium offers about two dozen great programs for families -- from birthday parties to overnighters and everything in between.  There is something for every age group here, and a brochure is available upon request. 

Teachers Workshops use behind the scenes tours to demonstrate the many ways of utilizing the Aquarium as an educational resource. Teachers who attend receive preference for group visits during May and June -- the Aquarium's busiest months. Call for details about the workshops and other exciting Teacher Programs. 

Of the 3 dozen School Programs offered for pre-K through college levels, a few are listed here: Fanny Fish (pre-K & K): introduces children to sea animals by matching, identifying, and describing animal groups. Designed for the Deep (K - 6): through slides, artifacts, role-playing, games, and songs, children learn about animal adaptations to an aquatic environment; Deep, Dark, and Glowing (2 - 5): uses slides, artifacts and games to teach about bioluminescence and includes a take-home activity. Maximum group size is 35. 

Following are only two examples of the many programs that can be adapted for junior high school through college levels: Behind-the-Scenes Tour : a close-up look at selected Aquarium exhibits teaching behavior, biology, husbandry, and life support systems; The Shark! : explores the mysteries and behavior of this fascinating creature, which is fast becoming the next major group of endangered species. 

Just about anything to learn about our marine world can be learned at the Aquarium. 

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Bring your school group to Adventure Aquarium to experience the wonder of one-of-a-kind exhibits throughout two million gallons of water. Upgrades include add-on classroom and auditorium programs, reserved lunch space and a 3D film in our 3D theater. Download the 2023-2024 Field Trip Planner to learn about our field trip options.

Are you a Title-1 School? Special discounted pricing may be available to you. Mention your Title 1 status when you reach out to book.

Upgrade Your Field Trip:

• Lunchroom reservation : $20 per table (each table seats a maximum of 16 people)
• 3D Movie: $3 per person
• Classrooms (33-person maximum): $125 per class
• Top-of-Ocean Realm Tour (20-person maximum) : $110 per tour
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour (20-person maximum) : $175 per tour
• Water Quality Lab (22-person maximum) : $200 per lab

Field trips are self-guided and generally take about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Allow extra time if you book lunch space or a classroom program.

*Group rates apply only to parties of 20 or more paying guests. Discounted group admission may not be available on select blackout dates.

Follow these easy steps to book your field trip.

• Select a date that you would like to bring your group to Adventure Aquarium. It is helpful to have a few back up dates in mind in case of sellouts.
• Call the Group Sales office at 844-474-FISH (3474) or fill out a Field Trip Request Form and someone will get back to you in 1-2 business days.
• Pay a 50% deposit to hold your date and time. Payment can be made by check or credit card. Purchase orders for the full amount can be accepted in lieu of a deposit.
• Final headcount and payment or purchase order are due no later than 14 days prior to your scheduled field trip. No group sales payments can be accepted at the door. Any additional students or chaperones not on your reservation will charged general admission pricing.

Advance reservations are required, and must be booked two business days in advance. Groups that arrive without a reservation will be charged a "day of" price. Please plan ahead and call the Group Sales Department at 844-474-FISH (3474) to schedule your visit.

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Field Trips Elementary

We offer different Elementary field trips for Pre- K through 5th grade, including in-person Classroom Programs , Virtual Field Trips , Build Your Own Programs, Outreach and self-led Scavenger Hunts .

Find the program that fits your needs!

Classroom Programs

Bring your students to the New York Aquarium and have one of our talented educators lead your class through a wild experience! Programs are designed to meet appropriate learning standards in a way everyone is sure to enjoy. You'll explore marine life up close, meet an ocean invertebrate, and engage in hands-on learning and fun.

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What Makes a Shark a Shark?

Classroom Program | Grades K-2nd

Students will have a FIN-tastic time with this sensory exploration of sharks! Through live animal observation and a visit the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, students will learn about the amazing world of sharks. The program will include hands-on activity stations where students will be able to take a deep dive into shark adaptations, from tail to teeth!

Price: $200/class

Edge of the Sea

Classroom Program | Grades K-5th

The beach as our classroom? Not too shabby! In this one-of-a-kind experience, we head down to the edge of the water to identify and sort what students find. We’ll meet a live local animal and walk away with an appreciation for the amazing aquatic organisms that call Coney Island home!

Price: $200/class Available April-May and October

Shark Researcher

Classroom Program | Grades 3rd-5th

Join us as we take a deep dive into shark research! While exploring our Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, students will be able to learn about different shark tagging methods, follow a shark tracker, and see what our researchers are learning. You'll leave with tools and inspiration to continue this conservation work on your own!

Clouds to Cup: Freshwater Systems in New York

Take a plunge into the New York City watershed and learn about the freshwater systems that provide us with clean drinking water. Students will learn about the water cycle and natural filtration. We will also explore how the Department of Environmental Protection helps deliver over 1 billion gallons of clean water to the city every day!

Making Waves: Climate Change

Uncover what is causing climate change today and how it is affecting local habitats around NYC. Students will explore the Sea Change exhibit at the New York Aquarium, meet a local species reliant on cues from the environment, and leave knowing how to be active stewards in a coastal community.

Thanks to generous funding from National Grid, this program is available for free to eligible Brooklyn Title 1 Public School classes while supplies last.

Build Your Own Programs

Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know what you're learning about and have one of our talented educators work with you to create a custom experience for you and your students!

Build Your Own Classroom Program

Classroom Program | Grades PreK-12

Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know what you're learning about and have one of our talented educators work with you to create a custom experience for you and your students! All programs will include an animal encounter and content that corresponds to your curriculum. This program must be booked one month prior to the requested date.

Price: $300/class

Build Your Own Virtual Field Trip

Virtual Program | Grades PreK-12

Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know what you're learning about and have one of our talented educators work with you to create a custom virtual experience for you and your students! All programs will include a virtual animal encounter and content that corresponds to your curriculum. This program must be booked one month prior to the requested date.

Outreach & Scavenger Hunts

Bring the New York Aquarium to you with our outreach programs or explore the aquarium on a self-guided scavenger hunt! Click below to learn more.

Take a deep dive into a world of discovery with an introduction to our favorite place: the ocean! Students will explore what the ocean is, what lives in the ocean, and how animals use their unique features and adaptations to survive. Students will engage with animal biofacts and meet a live ocean animal.

Price $185 - $300

Scavenger Hunts

Explore at your own pace! Discover our self-guided scavenger hunts, each designed to guide your group through the aquarium while discovering our unique marine animals. Try our Wild Scavenger Hunt (K-8), Mystery Animal Scavenger Hunt (K-8), or Photo Scavenger Hunt (9-12).

After School Program

Submerge your students in an after-school experience tailored to you! Choose one or more of our after-school programs to learn about topics including marine ecosystems, conservation, and marine research. Multi-program (3+) discounts available. The full list of current programs is available on the outreach interest form. This program is suitable for grades 3-12.

OUR OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 800-433-4149 OR EMAIL [email protected] .

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Don’t miss the Washed Ashore experience

Explore a traveling art exhibit featuring 35 larger-than-life animal sculptures showcasing the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans.

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15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips

Jellies, otters, and more!

Did you know that you can take aquarium virtual field trips … across the globe … for free? Depending on the site, you may also access supplemental programs and resources designed for students, teachers, and families. Whether you’re trying to supplement your lesson plans, or just give kids something interesting to look at, these aquarium virtual tours have a lot to offer.

Seattle Aquarium

For a complete field trip experience, head over to Seattle Aquarium’s YouTube channel. There, you’ll find a Dive Buddy in full scuba gear guiding the learning experience from underwater. It doesn’t get more immersive than that! And kids can learn all about the animals and food web found in the Puget Sound waters.

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Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut has put some of their most popular programs online for kids to enjoy from anywhere! With specific content based on grade level—from Kindergarten through 12th Grade—this is a fantastic resource, especially for distance learning. Unlike some of the virtual aquariums on this list, this one requires advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead!

Georgia Aquarium

You’ll be absolutely captivated by the Georgia Aquarium which is based in Atlanta. This vibrant virtual aquarium offers a variety of live views including the Indo-Pacific Barrier Reef Webcam, Ocean Voyager Webcam, Jelly Webcam, and more!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

You might not live in California, but you can still enjoy much of what the Monterey Bay Aquarium has to offer. There are many views to enjoy including the Open Sea Cam, Monterey Bay Cam, and even a Shark Cam. And, be sure to check out the virtual aquarium’s narrated feedings (check the website for details)!

National Aquarium

Take a virtual field trip over to the nation’s capital for this adventure! Located in Washington, D.C., you can navigate the National Aquarium online through a View Map and explore scenes such as Alligators, Sea Turtles, Channel Islands, American Samoa, and even the Amazon River!

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago goes above and beyond to give kids a behind-the-scenes look at aquatic life. This YouTube channel is filled with fun lessons in biology (don’t miss the beluga sonogram!), environmental facts, and adorable videos. This is a fantastic resource for learning more about animals, their habitats, and our beautiful planet.

South Carolina Aquarium

Looking for some STEM-based activities to enhance learning (and beat boredom)? The award-winning education team at the South Carolina Aquarium offers virtual visits and nature challenges that are fun for the whole family! Become a digital explorer. Discover all of the complex habitats South Carolina has to offer and the fascinating animals that call it home.

Ripley’s Aquariums

Explore Ripley’s Aquariums at home and learn all about the amazing animals of our world waters! Staff educators will guide you through live feedings, educational encounters, storytime, and much more. The site offers downloadable animal activities, crafts, and educational materials for Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School students.

Aquarium of the Pacific Online Academy

For more of a structured learning experience, head over to the Aquarium of the Pacific. They’ve created an Online Academy that offers educational activities through on-demand videos and scheduled interactive live programs with their educators. Plus, their live online courses for K-12 kids and printable certificates is a great way to engage and reward students.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Catch a glimpse of the unique (and luxurious) offerings at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Choose from three different views: The Main Tank, Underwater Zoo, and Shark Week Exhibit. It’s not as extensive as some of the other virtual aquariums on this list. But, it’s a great way to see something new for a few minutes!

New England Aquarium

Boston’s New England Aquarium has created a virtual portal for sharing live presentations, new videos, and even activities you can try from home! Interested in checking out the daily presentations? The aquarium posts them on their Facebook page every day at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

OdySea Aquarium

Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the OdySea Aquarium has developed several online portals to promote learning. Kids will be fascinated by the Shark Live Cam and sink into the Virtual OdySea Classroom where they can learn more about penguins, jellies, and more!

Texas State Aquarium

They say that everything’s bigger in Texas, which would explain why this aquarium’s virtual tours section is so extensive! You won’t grow bored with all of the views they offer. Find a tunnel view of the Caribbean Sea, up-close look at the coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico, and a cam that lets viewers mingle with flamingos!

Tennessee Aquarium

Don’t live in the Chattanooga area? No problem. You can visit the Tennessee Aquarium anytime with their wonderful live cams! Check in on their gentoo and macaroni penguins, witness courtship, nest building, rearing young, and even molting. Watch river otters scampering up and down a multi-tiered landscape. Lastly, venture into the saltwater exhibit, home to thousands of colorful reef fish, toothy sharks, and a rescued green sea turtle!

Virtual Aquarium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9O1YIt3oo

Perfect for winding down at the end of the day, Virtual Aquarium shares the best freshwater and marine aquariums all in one place! Plus, with relaxing sounds of the ocean, waterfalls, and rainforests, you could leave this on as a screensaver on your television for a calming backdrop throughout your day.

Did we miss one of your favorite aquarium virtual field trips? Share them with us, and we might just add it to this list!

Also, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too).

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Lab Classes

Lab class programs.

• Include a lab program led by an Aquarium educator
• Program specific activity sheets are provided for self-guided Aquarium exploration
• Aquarium admission included
• Outdoor portions run rain or shine

Cost & Payment

$15 per student

• School staff chaperones are free
• Parent chaperones are $15
• 1 chaperone is required for every 10 students, parent chaperones are free if needed to meet this ratio
• Final headcount and cost are calculated on the day of the trip
• Credit card, check, cash or invoice/purchase order options available

Please Note: These rates are only available for guided field trips scheduled in advance. Walk-in groups will be charged general admission rates and allowed entry pending Aquarium capacity.

• Available Monday – Friday
• 10am–4pm; first come, first served
• Use the ‘Book Now’ button on webpage to fill out a reservation request form
• Your trip is officially booked when you receive a reservation confirmation sheet from the Aquarium team

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 216.862.8803 x 7715

Available Programs

Squid dissection lab.

[Grades 8 – 12]  Are arms and tentacles the same? Where do squids keep their pen and their ink? Find out in a hands-on squid dissection lab. An Aquarium educator guides students step by step as they discover the unique adaptations and anatomy of squid.  (30-45min)

Then dive into the fascinating world of invertebrates in a self-guided exploration of the Aquarium. Activity sheets prompt students to explore classification, anatomy and adaptations of jellies, snails, shrimp, octopus and other animals. (45-60min)

Available: September through April

Minimum 10 students, maximum 40 students, water quality lab.

[Grades 9-12]  Discover the rich history of the Cuyahoga River and its amazing journey from environmental disaster to recovery. Make observations, run experiments with river monitoring kits and determine the current quality of the water. Environmental stewardship is a keystone theme; students reflect on the inextricable connection between human actions and environmental health. (60-75min)

While exploring Aquarium galleries, students discover how water quality plays an essential role in aquatic habitats and Aquarium operations. Activity sheets enhance this self-guided portion. (45-60min)

Available: September, October, March & April

Minimum 10 students, maximum 20 students, urban birding.

[Grades 3 – 12]  Situated next to the Cuyahoga River and close to Lake Erie, Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s property can play host an interesting variety of bird species. Join an Aquarium educator to find as many birds as possible and contribute to citizen science as we log the data in real-time using the eBird app. Learn about different bird adaptations before searching for them in the field. The Aquarium provides binoculars and a guide to common birds in the area. (45-60min)

Then self-guide through the Aquarium galleries. Activity sheets accompany exploration as students look for tropical birds and compare bird adaptations to other animals. (45-60min)

Available: September, October, March, April & May

If my class size is larger than 20 students, what are my options? 

For Squid Dissection and Urban Birding, it is possible to set up a rotational schedule in which 20 students do the lab while another 20 students self-guide. We could accommodate a maximum of 40 students in one day.

With Water Quality Lab, a rotational schedule is not an option, and larger groups must be scheduled for separate days.

What if it rains? 

Urban Birding and Water Quality Lab have outdoor components. All programs will run rain or shine, so it is recommended that students wear weather appropriate clothes such as, jackets or sweatshirts, as well as closed-toed shoes.  If it is storming, we will alter the program.

For more FAQs about lunch space, arrival, bus parking, and more, visit our field trips page here .

Brooklyn's hottest spot is a makeshift goldfish pond

What happens when you combine a leaking fire hydrant, a trip to the pet store and the good intentions of bed-stuy residents who want to give their block a sense of serenity, by melissa colorado • published august 9, 2024 • updated on august 10, 2024 at 7:40 am.

A puddle in Brooklyn has gotten a whole lot of attention this week. Why? Well it's home to some unusual guests.

Below the shallow surface of the water lay a few dozen goldfish. That's right, bright orange fish in the double-digits have been inhabiting a puddle fueled by a leaking fire hydrant.

Neighbors have deemed it the "Bed-Stuy Goldfish Pond."

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

"We don’t have an aquarium, so it's good as we're going to get," Laura Dexter, a Bed-Stuy resident, said Thursday.

The makeshift animal home at the corner of Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street quickly caught the attention of folks living nearby and found virality online .

"Everybody takes a turn," explained neighbor Ken Garner. "Did you feed the fish? Did you check on the fish?"

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Je-Quan Irving and his friends are responsible for turning what would normally be a forgettable patch of wet dirt into the fish home and sidewalk attraction, as first reported by Hell Gate .

Irving said the idea came to him about a week ago; $16 at the local pet store scored him about 100 goldfish.

"It's a novelty, it makes people feel good. What harm can come of it?" Dexter added. ​ Goldfish are surprisingly resilient, but keeping them in the shallow pond has plenty of risks, said veterinarian Julius Tepper, who runs the Long Island Fish Hospital.

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"You’ve got issues with pollution that could be a problem. You've got issues with predatory birds," Dr. Tepper said.

Plus there’s the issue of the water supply. A News 4 camera was rolling as Department of Environmental Protection crews arrived Thursday evening to shut off the trickling fire hydrant. Irving said at least one person has already scooped up dozens of goldfish as word spread online amongst residents worried about the wellbeing of the fish.

"There is a possibility they will survive, although it's certainly not an ideal habitat," Dr. Tepper said.

Irving backed up his community pet project.

"One-hundred percent this is not animal abuse," he said.

About an hour after the DEP crews left, the ground was quickly soaking up the water – leaving the goldfish with little space to swim. Irving returned to unseal the valve and keep the goldfish alive. Irving says the so-called Bed-Stuy Aquarium has a Plan B.

"Once the temperature and everything starts changing, we are going to take them out and give them to kids in the community," he said.

A spokesperson on Friday said the agency had continued safety concerns about tampering with hydrants.

"We love goldfish also, but we know there is a better home for them than on a sidewalk," the DEP said.

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Aquarium Lesson Plan

Please note, this lesson plan was created by FieldTripDirectory.com as a general guide and is not specific to any particular venue listed on our site.

• Did you know a sea cucumber can shoot its intestines at predators, and then regrow them, in order to avoid being eaten?

• An electric eel can produce 500 watts of electricity (that’s enough to light up 10 light bulbs) to frighten away predators.

• Dolphins sleep with one half of the brain and one eye open to watch for danger.

• No matter how many pieces you cut a sea sponge into each piece will continue living and growing.

• Ocean life can do amazing things to survive. As you visit an aquarium with your students, note the different ways animals defend themselves. Just like a squid, people wouldn’t bother you either if you squirted black ink in their face!

PREPARE YOUR STUDENTS ✓ Tell students the purpose and structure of the trip so they know what to expect.

✓ Conduct a lesson prior to the trip to allow students to assess prior knowledge of the location and learn a bit of background. This might include reviewing vocabulary, discussing students’ prior knowledge about marine life, or modeling how to observe exhibits.

OVERVIEW  Students act like scientists to observe marine life while focusing on habitat, survival, and defense mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES Students will observe marine animals and note the habitats and physical traits.

Students will identify traits used for survival and defense.

Students will understand the purpose for these survival and defense traits.

MATERIALS • Create an observation worksheet (Includes Exhibit Name, Name of Organism, Description of Defense/Survival Mechanism, Possible Predators, Description of Marine Habitat, Comments.)

• K-W-L Chart of Survival Mechanisms. (Tracks what a student knows (K), wants to know (W), and has learned (L) about a topic, can be used before, during, and after research)

• Worksheet for Drawings.

• Pencil and clipboard.

KEY VOCABULARY/CONCEPTS Survival               Defense                Habitat                Camouflage

Hook:  Imagine you are the new kid in school. What would you do in order to make new friends and be successful in school? (Answers might include wearing certain clothes to fit in, find a cool kid to hang around with, stand up for yourself, join a club, or ask questions). Explain that these are survival methods, and all living animals develop these methods to survive.

Step 1:  Explain to students that we will be observing marine animals in their habitats to discover what survival and defense mechanisms are used and why.

Step 2:  Create a K-W-L chart to assess prior knowledge. Have students list examples of survival and defense mechanisms of marine animals they already know in the “Know” column. Ask students to include why these animals have certain survival mechanisms. If they don’t know, write the question in the “Want to Know” column.

Step 3:  Distribute the Observation Worksheet. Explain that students will observe 5-10 marine animals. On their observation sheet, they will note the exhibit name, the animal, and describe the defense mechanisms. They will describe the habitat and infer the purpose of these defense systems, and draw a picture of their animal. **You may want to assign students 5 animals to observe or allow them to choose before they visit the aquarium.

Step 4:  With younger students, you may need to model how to observe exhibits in the aquarium. Look carefully and slowly at all parts of the exhibit – animals, plants, rocks, sand. Notice the colors, textures, and amount of organisms in the exhibit, as well as what they are doing. Read the informational signs around the exhibit. Ask questions and make hypotheses. Focus on one animal and take descriptive notes. Distribute the Worksheet for Drawings.

Step 5:  Allow students to move around the aquarium, observing and making notes and drawings.

Step 6:  After viewing the exhibits, ask students to share their findings. What survival mechanisms did they learn about? Add these to the “Learn” column of the K-W-L chart.

Step 7:  Discuss the following questions:

• Why do animals have defense mechanisms?
• How are an animal’s defense mechanisms related to the animal’s habitat?
• How are an animal’s defense mechanisms related to possible predators?
• Compare and contrast two animals’ defense mechanisms. What do you notice?
• Which survival mechanisms do you think are most effective? Why?

FOLLOW UP •  Watch short videos on marine animals . Have your students write down the names of any animals they saw during the field trip. Did they learn anything new about the any of the animals that was not taught during the aquarium visit?

• Create a slideshow of animal photos. Have students fold a piece of paper into three or more columns, labeling each a different animal classification (invertebrate, mammal, reptile, etc.). During the slideshow, students will categorize each animal they see from the slideshow in the corresponding classification column.

• Make marine crafts! Groups can create fish using pipe cleaners, make wrap bracelets with marine animal charms, or simply color in aquarium coloring pages using crayons or colored pencils .