Children’s Discovery Time

Creatures come alive in this story telling and critter-creating program. Special craft is included with each program. Some programs include live animals. Topics include: Spiny-skinned animals, Animals with Tentacles, Whales and Dolphins, Crabs and other Crustaceans, Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles, Sharks, Skates and Rays, or Shell Makers. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: Thursday, November 19 at 10 am (Sharks, Skates and Rays)
Thursday, December 3 at 10 am (Holiday Amphibians)
Thursday, December 10 at 10 am (Holiday Spiny Skinned Animals)
Thursday, December 17 at 10 am (Holiday Turtles)
Age: 2-6 years old, must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $5.00 per child (does not include general admission fees)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $4.50 per child
Program Length: 1 hour

Daddy and Me/Mommy and Me

Moms/Dads and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different topics will be offered each program.Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time:

Mommy and Me: Tuesday, November 24 at 9 am
Tuesday, December 8, 22 at 9 am
Daddy and Me: Saturday, December 12 at 9 am
Age: 1-3 years old with accompanying adult
Fee: $13.00 per parent/child pair, $1.00 per additional child (includes general admission fees)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $4.50 per parent/child pair
Program Length: 1 hour

Breakfast with the Fishes

Get a sneak peek of the Aquarium before it opens for the day. Coffee, juice, and pastries are provided. After breakfast, participants are invited to feed the animals in the Touch Tank exhibit. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Times: Saturday, December 5 at 8 am
Ages: All ages
Fee: $15.00 per person ages 6 and up, ages 2-5 are $5.00 each (includes general admission fees)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $7.00 per person
Program Length: 1 hour + tour

Sea Squirts Breakfast and Playtime with the Fishes

Toddlers and their parents are invited to come explore the Aquarium from 8:00am-9:00am before we open our doors to the general public. Kids will meet some of our animal friends up-close, hear a fishy story, and have playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room. Parents and kids will also enjoy a breakfast surrounded by our aquatic friends.

Dates/Time: Friday, December 18 at 8 am
Ages: 1-3
Fee: $15.00 (includes the admission for the day). $5.00 for children ages 2-3. NC Aquarium Society Members pay $7.00 per participant

Visit our interactive calendar to find specific dates and times that special activities are offered for your family.

Advance Registration and Fees

Pre-registration is required with a credit card number by calling 910-458-7468 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Programs require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or low enrollment.

Please be on time for reserved programs, cancellation is required 24 hours before the program. Participants are charged full program fees, regardless of attendance, if they do not call and cancel 24 hours in advance. For more information, please call the aquarium during office hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Click here if you are scheduling a school group.
Click here if you are scheduling a large group visit.