Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 910-458-7468. Walk-ins are welcome too. For more August and September programs and dates, visit our Special Activities page.

SATURDAY 8/28

Canoeing the Salt Marsh

Date: Saturday, August 28
Time: 9:00 AM
Ages: 8 and up; Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults
Fee: $25.00 per participant; Admission to Aquarium is not included
A three-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, clamming, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion.

Mommy and Me

Date: Saturday, August 28
Time: 9:00 AM
Ages: For adults and kids ages 1-2
Fee: $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child); Aquarium admission included
Moms 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 animal topics will be offered each date.

SUNDAY 8/29

Behind the Scenes Tour

Date: Sunday, August 29
Time: 1:00 PM
Ages: Children under 8 are not permitted; Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $15.00 for ages 13 and up, $13.00 for ages 8-12; Aquarium admission included
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas.

Canoeing the Salt Marsh

Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: 8 and up; Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults
Fee: $25.00 per participant; Admission to Aquarium is not included
A three-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, clamming, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion.

MONDAY 8/30

Salt Marsh and Crabbing

Date: Monday, August 30
Time: 8:00 AM
Ages: 7 and up; Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Fee: $16.00 for ages 13 and up, $14.00 for ages 7-12; Aquarium admission included
Join us for this hands-on program that introduces participants to the challenge of catching blue crabs. Lessons in crab biology and crabbing equipment prepare participants for an exciting expedition outdoors to catch (and release) crabs. All bait and equipment is provided.

Extended Behind the Scenes

Date: Monday, August 30
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: Children under 8 are not permitted; Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $18.00 for ages 8-12; Aquarium admission included It’s feeding time, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and other fish swim below! Aquarists feed the animals during the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing.

TUESDAY 8/31

Surf Fishing Workshop

Date: Tuesday, August 31
Time: 8:00 AM
Ages: 10 and up
Fee: $12.00 per participant; Aquarium admission is not included
This 3-hour workshop includes one hour of classroom discussion, then surf fishing on the beach nearby. All equipment and bait provided. Program is rain or shine, with extra activities added in event of bad weather (e.g., throwing a cast net).

Mommy and Me

Date: Tuesday, August 31
Time: 9:00 AM
Ages: For adults and kids ages 1-2
Fee: $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child); Aquarium admission included
Moms 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 animal topics will be offered each date.

WEDNESDAY 9/1

Check out our free with admission daily programs during your visit.

THURSDAY 9/2

Mommy and Me

Date: Saturday, September 2
Time: 9:00 AM
Ages: For adults and kids ages 1-2
Fee: $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child); Aquarium admission included
Moms 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 animal topics will be offered each date.

FRIDAY 9/3

Extended Behind the Scenes

Date: Friday, September 3
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: Children under 8 are not permitted; Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $18.00 for ages 8-12; Aquarium admission included It’s feeding time, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and other fish swim below! Aquarists feed the animals during the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing.

SATURDAY 9/4

Breakfast with the Fishes

Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 8:00 AM
Ages: All
Fee: $15.00 for ages 13 and up, $13.00 for ages 3-12; Aquarium admission included; $5.00 for age 2
Get a sneak peek at the aquarium before it opens for the day. Coffee, juice, pastries and bagels are provided for guests. After breakfast participants are invited to feed some of our aquarium critters! Come and enjoy breakfast with your favorite aquarium resident, and stay to enjoy the rest of the morning.

Canoeing the Salt Marsh

Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 9:00 AM
Ages: 8 and up; Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults
Fee: $25.00 per participant; Admission to Aquarium is not included
A three-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, clamming, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion.

Aquarist Apprentice

Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: 10 and up; Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Fee: $25.00 for ages 13 and up, $23.00 for ages 10-12; Aquarium admission included
Check out a dirty job you’re sure to love. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live, and how to care for them. Then, assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to smell fishy.

SUNDAY 9/5

Behind the Scenes Tour

Date: Sunday, September 5
Time: 1:00 PM
Ages: Children under 8 are not permitted; Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $15.00 for ages 13 and up, $13.00 for ages 8-12; Aquarium admission included
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas.

Canoeing the Salt Marsh

Date: Sunday, September 5
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: 8 and up; Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by two adults
Fee: $25.00 per participant; Admission to Aquarium is not included
A three-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve by canoe. Activities may include crabbing, clamming, seining or birding. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion.

MONDAY 9/6

Open normal hours from 9 am to 5 pm for Labor Day holiday.

Extended Behind the Scenes

Date: Monday, September 6
Time: 2:00 PM
Ages: Children under 8 are not permitted; Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $18.00 for ages 8-12; Aquarium admission included It’s feeding time, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and other fish swim below! Aquarists feed the animals during the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing.