Welcome to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores! Plan an unforgettable field trip to the Aquarium, 

where students dive into the world of wonder and water with a wide array of educational exhibits and programs.

Behind the toothy smile of this large wetland animal is a huge creature with armored skin and an incredible diet. Come see our live alligators that are uniquely adapted for survival.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150

Float on in to discover the wonder of these misunderstood ocean drifters. The featured guest of this presentation is one of the Aquarium’s moon jellies. The discussion includes the life cycle and structure of this jammin’ jellyfish!

$2 per student
Grades 2-12, maximum 150

Sea turtles are some of the oldest, most intriguing and fascinating reptiles on the planet. Explore the life history and adaptations of these threatened and endangered species.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150

Don’t be afraid! Come and learn the basics of these misunderstood creatures, and replace fear with fascination. A live snake tells the story of these amazing legless reptiles.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150

Educators help explore ectothermic friends by presenting live amphibians, life history facts, and the unique traits of a few of these important species.

$2 per student
Grades K-8, minimum 50

Wetlands are muddy, murky and mysterious places. Come experience this mucky world and its slimy residents without leaving the Aquarium. 

$2 per student, Grades 3-8

Maximum 150, Program Length 45 minutes

 

Topics Covered: Movement, Physical Characteristics, Comparisons, Environmental Needs, Human Actions, Life Cycles, Variations, Energy Transfer, Environmental Changes, Ecosystems Biotic/Abiotic Factors, Stewardship, Competition, Water Quality, Climate Change, Human Impacts, Biodiversity, Depletion, Adaptations, Conservation, Natural Selection

How do sharks survive challenges of nature and those presented by humans? The Aquarium's live shark displays provide an ideal living classroom for students to explore the challenges sharks face and how they have adapted to survive for more than 400 million years. Students tour shark exhibits to observe live shark behavior and adaptations, and touch models to discover sharks’ unique design.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 1 and up, maximum 25 participants

What do squid, mussels and snails have in common? They’re all mollusks! Through scientific observations and squid dissection, students discover the special characteristics of the phylum Mollusca.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants

Introduce your group to the wonders of water! Students learn about the water cycle and the importance of clean water through hands-on water testing and animal explorations. Participants test the pH and salinity of several Aquarium exhibits to determine what types of wildlife survive in each environment.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants

 

Take a hike down the beach to discover the importance of protecting this fragile habitat. Students learn the value of dune management and habitat protection as they discuss seashells, sea turtles and ocean waves.

Approximately 1 hour

Ages 8 and up, maximum 30 participants

Participants visit the Aquarium’s food preparation areas, animal holding areas and husbandry laboratories. The program features a spectacular view of the Living Shipwreck from above. Closed-toe shoes are required.

45 minutes

Ages 6 and up, maximum 15 participants

Take a "journey" through the great state of North Carolina. Starting
with the mountains, explore the different habitats and ecosystems of the
state, eventually ending at the sea. Program includes live animals and
educational props from these habitats. Great for all ages. (1-1.5 hours) 

Can't have visitors come to your school? No problem, this program is also offered virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams!

Take a "journey" through the great state of North Carolina. Starting
with the mountains, explore the different habitats and ecosystems of the
state, eventually ending at the sea. Program includes live animals and
educational props from these habitats. Great for all ages. (1-1.5 hours) 

Can't have visitors come to your school? No problem, this program is also offered virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams!

Have a close encounter with native reptiles of North Carolina’s land and sea. Learn about characteristics of this amazing group of slithering, sliding, swimming and crawling creatures. Discover where they live, what they eat and which ones may be hiding in your own backyard. See
and touch the scales and scutes of live turtles, snake and an alligator! Great for all ages.   (1 hour)

Can't have visitors come to your school? No problem, this program is also offered virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams!

Explore the similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians, and then examine the life cycles and adaptations of the two classifications. After an encounter with our ectothermic friends, transform your space into a swamp with interactive props and live frogs, toads and turtles. Grades: K–6 (1 hour)

Can't have visitors come to your school? No problem this program is also offered virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams! *Interactive props and noisemakers are not included in the virtual program*

Sea turtles are some of the oldest, most intriguing and fascinating reptiles on the planet. Explore the life history and adaptations of these threatened and endangered species. Find out where hatchlings go during their time at sea, and what brings turtles back to the same North Carolina beaches where they hatched. See a loggerhead sea turtle, as well as examine sea turtle shells, skulls and other bones. Adaptable for all ages. (1 hour)

Can't have visitors come to your school? No problem, this program is also offered virtually via Zoom, Skype, or Teams!