Summer Programs

Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

This summer, The New York Aquarium is offering week-long camps for children ages 6 to 14. Campers will engage in special investigations, interactive games, creative projects, animal guests and much more. Every day will be a different adventure!

See below for camp and registration information.

Aquatic Adventurers

For children ages 6–8

This weeklong camp will focus on exploring the wonders of the aquatic environment and aquatic animals. Crafts, hands-on activities, puppets, and live animals will make learning fun!

Aquatic Adventurers will:

  • Learn about animal adaptations and habitats
  • Explore the Aquarium’s exhibits and go behind the scenes
  • Make creative art projects to take home
  • Meet our sea lion celebrities and other animals up-close and personal
  • Enjoy an activity on the Coney Island beach

Fees per session: $325; $300 for members
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Session A: July 9–13, 2012
Session B: July 30–August 3, 2012
Session C: August 13–17, 2012

Marine Explorers

For children ages 9 to 11

Ever wondered how otters stay afloat and eat? Do corals see their prey? Can sharks stop swimming? Marine Explorers will discover answers to these questions and more as they uncover secrets to animal survival in a watery realm.

Marine Explorers will:

  • Meet our animals up close and personal
  • Chat with our keepers and trainers about what it's like to care for animals at the aquarium
  • Get hands-on experience with various animal husbandry tasks
  • Enjoy an activity on the Coney Island beach

Fees per session: $325; $300 for members
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.

Session A: July 16–20, 2012
Session B: August 6–10, 2012
Session C: August 20–24, 2012

Junior Oceanographers

For children ages 12 to 14

Step into the shoes of a marine biologist! Campers will learn what it is like to conduct behavioral research at the aquarium while learning the principles of marine biology and oceanography. Junior oceanographers will:

  • Experience virtual dive simulations
  • Meet our animals up close and personal
  • Chat with special guests
  • Learn what it takes to become a future marine conservation leader
  • Enjoy an activity on the Coney Island beach

Fees per session: $375; $350 for members
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.

Session dates: July 23–27, 2012

Other Information

Food: Campers must bring their own lunches, snacks, and beverages (refrigeration will be available).

Registration: Advanced registration is required for all programs. Registration is open NOW. Space is limited. Registration requests will be accepted via the online request form or mail if you decide to print the form. No drop-in or phone registrations will be accepted. To register, please click here.

If you have any questions regarding registration, payment, or the camp agenda, please call 718-265-3457 or email nyaregistrar@wcs.org.

Health Forms: All campers MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED AND SIGNED MEDICAL FORM AND VACCINATION RECORD BY THE 1ST DAY OF CAMP. Your child will not be admitted into the camp without the completed and signed form. Please click here to download the form and return it to us via fax (718-265-3451), email (nyaregistrar@wcs.org), or mail (address: The New York Aquarium, Education Department-Summer Camp, Surf Avenue at West 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11224.) Tip: Some medical offices take up to 2 weeks to complete these health forms. Submit the health form to your child’s doctor as soon as possible.

Release Form: Parents or guardians must complete the online Release Form and submit by the first day of camp. Be sure to note one to two guardians that will be permitted to pick up your child at the end of camp. Click here to fill out the form.