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.

Come learn about North Carolina’s largest wetland predator. Discover their unique features and adaptations that help them survive.

$2 per student, Grades Pre-K-12

Maximum 150, Program Length 45 minutes

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

Sea Turtles are some of the most loved animals in our ocean. Come join us on a journey through their life cycle and learn ways to help these threatened and endangered species along the way.

$2 per student, Grades Pre-K-12

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, Climate Change, Human Impacts, Biodiversity, Depletion, Adaptations, Conservation, Natural Selection

Come discover why snakes are vital to the environment. Explore their amazing characteristics that allow them to live a life without legs.

$2 per student, Grades Pre-K-12

Maximum 150, Program Length 45 minutes

 

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

How can an animal survive in our world without bones, a brain or blood? Drift with us into a better understanding of these mysterious underwater creatures.

$2 per student, Grades 2-12

Maximum 150, Program Length 45 minutes

Topics Covered: Movement, Physical Characteristics, Comparisons, Environmental Needs, Human Actions,

What do you, a swamp and an instrument have in common? Join our wetland friends and jump into their symphony to find out.

$2 per student, Grades Pre-K-2

Maximum 50, Program Length 30 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

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

What does it take to defy gravity? Come take flight with us as we explore a world above the ground.

$2 per student, Grades K-12

Maximum 150, Program Length 45 minutes

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

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 hour

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants

 

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 hour 

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants

Bring your old shoes and gear up for discovery on a trek through the maritime forest to the salt marsh and shallow waters of Bogue Sound. Explore the creatures that inhabitat this fragile system and why they are so important and need our protection.

Approximately 2 hours

Ages 8 and up, maximum 30 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

Explore protected marsh habitats and the diversity of coastal nurseries with an Aquarium naturalist. See migratory birds that depend upon these flyways for survival. Paddle through tidal flats and quiet backwaters and become aware of the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine environment. Boats and equipment are provided.

Approximately 2 hours

Ages 12 and up, maximum 20 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

This comprehensive tour includes a close up of food preparation areas, labs, animal holding areas, and a spectacular view of the Living Shipwreck from above. Participants also enjoy hands-on husbandry experience and assisting staff in food preparation and broadcast feeding the fishes in our largest tank! Closed-toe shoes are required.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Ages 8 and up, maximum 15 participants