Join us for a variety of fun and interactive programs. Some of the programs listed below run year round, and some are scheduled seasonally. Please visit our calendar for a schedule of current programs, or call to schedule a private group program.

Advance registration and fees are required for all Special Activity Programs. Special Activities also require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment or inclement weather. For registration information please call the Aquarium at 252-473-3494, extension 232, or toll free at 866-332-3475, extension 232.

Aqua Tales for Tots - Children ages 3 through 5 will have fun during these 45-minute sessions on different aquatic and marine topics. Costumes, craft activities, and live animals may be used to focus on a different animal for each class.

Behind the Scenes Tour - Accompany an Aquarium educator to sneak a peek behind the scenes of different areas in the Aquarium. Visitors will see the tanks and the systems that keep them working, from a side normally viewed by staff only. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 8 and up.

Breakfast with the Rays - Get an exciting start to your day at the Aquarium as you assist our staff with a morning feeding, while learning about one of the resident species. Participants will feed the stingrays at the touch tank, then snack on a light breakfast of “people” food. This class will always begin at 8:30 am. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 6 and up.

Catch a Crab! - Come to this class prepared to test your luck crabbing. Participants will learn some basic biology of the blue crab, experience line crabbing first hand from a nearby dock, cook the legal catch, and sample the finished fare. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 6 and up.

Gyotaku (Fish Printing) - Join us for this Japanese art technique as we paint real and replicated fish to create original prints on an assortment of mediums. One t-shirt is provided per participant. For ages 6 and up.

Pier Fishing - In this beginner program, visitors will learn some of the basics of fishing, handling of tackle, identification of new fish species, and catch & release techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their patience as we try our luck first-hand fishing off of a local fishing pier. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 8 and up.

Nautical Wreaths - Learn about mollusks and their egg cases, as you incorporate castoffs from the sea and other natural items onto a grapevine wreath. Use your finished product for year round decoration. All necessary materials are provided. For ages 8 and up.

Nocturnal Beach Creatures - What animals are most active on the Outer Banks beaches when the sun goes down? The sea turtle is the animal of focus, but nocturnal behaviors of other marine animals will also be discussed. The class will then travel to the beach to take a walk in hopes of witnessing some animal activity during the evening hours. For ages 6 and up.

Peaceful Pilates - Wake up with the sharks and fish with a basic Pilates class to strengthen your mind and body. This 45-minute session will feature exercises that focus on abdominal and back endurance, and invigorating stretches. Bring your mat or towel to enjoy the privacy and serenity of the 285,000 gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic Tank in the morning. For ages 10 and up.

Quarantine Tour - Have you ever wondered where our animals come from and how they get to the aquarium?  Learn how as you experience a tour of the aquarium quarantine building, led by an animal care staff member. This exclusive opportunity exposes visitors to our animal hospital and holding area - the first stop for our animals upon their arrival to the Aquariums. For ages 12 and up.

Sea Turtle Egg Hunt - Attention small “turtlers!” Come to the Aquarium on Easter weekend to learn about an endangered species, the sea turtle. Children will see a program on turtles, make a craft to take home, and conclude with an actual egg hunt of their own in search for plastic eggs on the Aquarium grounds! Event will be held rain or shine. For ages 4 - 7.

Seaweed Marbling - Practice this fun craft technique, which uses a seaweed extract to produce beautiful marbleized designs. Join us to make a cool assortment of papers with original colored swirls, and bring a t-shirt if you would like your own print to wear. For ages 6 and up.

Snack with the Sharks - Venture behind the scenes of the Graveyard of the Atlantic tank with an educator to observe one of the weekly shark feedings. Participants will not be able to assist with the feeding, but will get an up close look as all of the fish and sharks are fed. Shark facts and myths will then be presented while the class has a light afternoon snack in the Aquarium classroom. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 8 and up.

Surf Fishing for Beginners - Join us for a day-long introductory session on surf fishing. The program begins with classroom instruction on fish identification, knot tying, tackle, and reading the beach. The class will then spend the afternoon fishing on the beach to practice casting techniques and, with a little luck, land their catch for the day. All fishing gear is provided, but participants should bring a bag lunch, sunscreen, and a cooler for your catch. For ages 12 and up.

Wetlands Walk - Join an aquarium instructor for a fun-filled learning experience in this catch and release program in a nearby salt marsh. We will travel to Oregon Inlet with nets and buckets to search for and collect some of the many animals that inhabit the marsh! Learn about an estuary, the sound, tides, and about the dynamic ecosystem at the marsh. All collected animals will be identified and released back into the sound. Closed toe shoes are required. For ages 8 and up.