Summer Programs
Julie Larsen Maher ©WCSCelebrate the Aquarium's re-opening by immersing your child in an ocean adventure at our summer camp by the sea! These week-long sessions build on campers' innate love of the blue planet with age-appropriate activities. Themes vary by age group and change each summer, so there's something for your budding marine biologist year after year.
Our summer camps include:
- Interactions with animals in our education collection
- Explorations of marine life on the beach
- Creative art projects
- Interactive games and role-play exercises
- Lunch and snack time (you provide lunch, we provide a snack)
- NYA Summer Camp t-shirt, and more!
Aquatic Adventurers
For children ages 6 to 8
Campers learn about the amazing animals that call the vast ocean their home, with a focus on those that live in our backyard! During our exploration, Aquatic Adventurers gain an insider's look at marine life while learning more about their favorite sea creature through song, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Fee per session: $325/non-members, $300/members
Session 1: July 8–12, 2013
Session 2: July 22–26, 2013
Session 3: August 12–16, 2013
Session 4: August 26–30, 2013
To register, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Marine Explorers
For children ages 9 to 11
From intertidal zones at the shores to the abyss of the deep sea floor, Marine Explorers will discover the various types of ocean ecosystems in which plants and animals live. Through exploration and observations at the aquarium and on the beach, participants will uncover how living things have adapted to survive in their saltwater environment.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Fee per session: $325/non-members, $300/members
Session 1: July 15–19, 2013
Session 2: July 29–August 2, 2013
Session 3: August 19–23, 2013
To register, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Junior Oceanographers
For children ages 12 to 14
Inquisitive campers who enjoys hands-on investigation will love this week of adventure, as they discover the ways in which scientists protect marine life and ecosystems. Junior Oceanographers will have the opportunity to conduct an animal behavior study, tour the aquarium behind the scenes, learn how we are working to protect the local environment, and how they can play a role in ocean conservation, too.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, August 5–9, 2013; 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Fee: $375/non-members, $350/members
To register, see below.
Camp Registration Information
Advanced registration is required for all programs. Space is limited. If a camp session is full, you may sign up for our wait list. A spot will only open up for your child if someone else cancels their camp registration and you are next on the list. Our Registrar can inform you of your placement on the wait list. To register, please click here.
You will receive a welcome packet confirming your registration once your payment has been received. The packet includes camp logistics, a camper release form, and directions to complete the NYC Dept. of Health medical form®
If you have any questions regarding camp, please call 718-265-3457 or email nyaregistrar@wcs.org.
Required Forms
Download, print, and complete all forms, except for the camper release form, which can be completed online. Return completed forms to us via fax: 718-265-3451, email: nyaregistrar@wcs.org or mail: New York Aquarium Education Dept./Summer Camp, Surf Avenue at West 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224. All forms must be signed. Tip: Some medical offices take up to 2 weeks to complete health forms. Submit the form to your child's doctor as soon as possible.
Cancellation Policy
There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance of the start date. If written requests are received 4 weeks prior, you will receive a 50% refund. All cancellation requests must be made in writing either by emailing nyaregistrar@wcs.org or faxing 718-265-3451. We reserve the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration. A full refund will be made in such cases. We do not issue refunds for campers unable to attend camp due to illness. If your child is asked to leave camp because they are unable to cooperate with camp rules, you will not receive a refund.