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.

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

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  1/2  hour

Grades 3 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 1/2 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