Booking

Summer Camps

2025 Summer Camps 

  Dates, Ages and Descriptions are now visible!  

Limited Spaces, Register TODAY!  

 




Online Camp Registration:

Stay tuned for registration date & time.  Please note that your summer camp spot is not secure until you click Accept and complete your transaction.  Adding a camp to your basket does not automatically reserve your spot in camp.

Camp Cancellation Policy:

Camp registration has a 50% non-refundable processing fee per camp. If you cancel your child's reservation at least two weeks before the day of camp, you will receive a refund, minus the 50% processing fee per camp. There are no refunds within the two weeks prior to the first day of camp. Camps are cancelled 1 week prior to the start time of camp, if we do not reach minimum number. Participants will receive a full refund for any program cancelled by the Aquarium.

Age Policy:

Campers must be at the age stated in each camp program description, at the start time of camp. Please check to make sure your child is signed up for the appropriate age-level camps. We cannot make exceptions. Falsified registrations will be cancelled and the registration fee will be refunded minus the 50% processing fee per camp.  

Plunge into our Summer Camps!

Click on the calendar to use the Day Planner to see programs and activities
available on any given day.
Day Planner
For more program information, contact 252-475-2332 and to register, use the links below. If you have any registration questions, please contact the Group Liaison at jennifer.thomas@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2314.  

2025 Summer Camp Scholarships:

With the support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, a limited number of scholarships will be available for week-long and single-day camps, based on grant criteria. *Application period is CLOSED, stay tuned for more details on the next scholarship application cycle period!

Half-Day, Week-Long Camps

Ocean Explorers Camp

How many oceans are there in the world? What creatures lie beneath our big blue oceans? Dive into the wonders of the ocean by marveling at how sea stars move, counting the legs of a horseshoe crab, swimming like a sea turtle, guessing how deep the giant squid lives, and many more discoveries! Campers will will explore a variety of aquatic animals in different ocean habitats through fun-filled activities and crafts, and find out ways to help protect the ocean along the way.

Ages 6-7. Campers must bring sunscreen, hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Booster seat for shuttle, if required. Additional snacks will be provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is available to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

June 16-20, 2025   FULL!   If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

$220 per Child
$198 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Animal Planet Camp

Fly, slither, or swim your way to the aquarium for a week full of animal discovery! Learn about the wild lives of animals that live in many places on planet earth. Discover what animals like to eat, how they move, what sounds they make, and the diverse habitats they occupy. Get ready to observe animal characteristics, uncover incredible animal facts, share you favorite animal stories, and learn to let wild be wild. Campers will make animal-themed crafts, enjoy games, and meet our ambassador animals. Delve into the animal kingdom!

Ages 6-7. Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Booster seat for shuttle, if required. Additional snacks will be provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

August 11-15, 2025  FULL! If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

$220 per Child
$198 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Full-Day, Week-Long Camps

Junior Shell-ebrate Turtles Summer Camp

Scutes, carapace, and beaks, oh my! Come shell-ebrate turtles and all their amazing characteristics and adaptations! Is there such a thing as a chicken turtle? Discover the diversity of turtles by observing some of our turtle ambassador animals. Visit the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center and take part in rescue and rehabilitation simulations in the Operation Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit to learn how we rescue, care for, and release stranded sea turtles. Get ready for a full week of turtle-tastic crafts, hands-on discovery games, and more to make turtle promises on ways to help protect them!

Ages: 8-9. Campers must wear closed toe shoes, and bring a bag lunch each day.  Booster seat for shuttle and field trip days, if required.  Additional snacks are provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

June 23-27, 2025  FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm

$275.00 per Camper
$247.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

EcoSeekers Summer Camp

Become an EcoSeeker for a week and discover all the cool coastal ecosystems!  Campers will learn what ecology is, understand important ecological concepts, and explore the relationships between animals and plants in their habitats through engaging hands-on activities and eco-friendly crafts.  Embark on tree-mendous adventures through maritime forest hikes at Nags Head Woods.  Investigate aquatic plants and animals using collection equipment at the salt marsh and the beach. Check out an active living sand dune at Jockey's Ridge State Park with a park ranger and learn more about dune ecology.  Join us for a week of EcoSeeking experiences!

Ages: 8-9. Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, long-pants (woodland trail days), closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Additional snacks will be provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

July 21-25, 2025  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332      

Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm

$275 per Camper
$247.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Junior Aquatic Adventures Summer Camp

Have fun in the sun and dive into science exploration with aquatic ecosystems on the Outer Banks! Investigate the “splash” intertidal zone at the beach and muck around for crabs in the salt marsh. Learn to identify fish and crab species and practice fishing techniques from our Soundside Pier. Fulfill your aquatic adventure interests by learning the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking in the Croatan Sound at the Aquarium, and venturing offsite for a kayak tour behind the tallest, active living sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Other exciting activities include aquarium tour time, crafts, and encounters with our ambassador animals. Wrap up the week with an ecosystem relay race! 

Ages: 10-11. Campers must bring closed toe shoes, swimsuit, closed toe water shoes, a towel, change of dry clothes, sunscreen, and a bag lunch. Booster seat is needed for shuttle and field trip days, if required. Additional snacks are provided. 

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

July 7-11, 2025   FULL!   If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm 

$275.00 per Camper
$247.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Junior Aquarist Summer Camp

How do you train a turtle? What do you do to keep a river otter’s mind active? Ever wondered what it would be like to work alongside fish and sea turtles? Become an honorary junior aquarist and get a beginner's look at what it means to be an aquarist at the Aquarium. This camp is perfect for animal lovers who want to learn more about aquarium animal care with diet prep, animal enrichment/training sessions, habitat maintenance and more! This camp provides behind-the-scenes experiences, hands-on aquarist tasks, visits with ambassador animals, and interactive exploration of the Aquarium’s amazing animal habitats.

Ages: 10-11. Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Additional snacks will be provided.

*Optional $20 Shuttle Service is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork*

July 28-August 1, 2025   FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332    

Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm 

$275.00 per Camper
$247.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Aquarist Camp

Are you thinking about a career in marine science and conservation? Meet some amazing aquarist professionals in this growing field and join them behind the scenes on the job to see what it takes to care for aquatic and terrestrial animals in our aquarium. Campers will learn about NC native animal species living in the aquarium, understand and prepare animal diets, investigate and test water quality, and learn about different life support systems. Experience animal enrichment and training first-hand that provides good animal well-being. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to dive into the life of an aquarist!   

Ages: 12-13. Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Additional snacks will be provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park, mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM), with returned completed paperwork

July 14-18, 2025   FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00am- 3:30pm

$275 per Camper
$247.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Fisherman's Camp

Brush off your fishing rods, waders, and cast nets as we become future watermen! Campers will go fishing every day, identify their catch, and take a tour of a local fish-packing house. Join us as we leave the shoreline for a grand adventure aboard a vessel to learn and practice some fishing techniques and reel in a local fish or two from the sound. Uncover the secret lives of oysters with a visit to the NC Coastal Federation to learn about the three F's (Filter, Food, & Fish Habitat) they provide and oyster farming in NC.  Learn more about sustainable seafood practices with a fisheries specialist and enjoy a fishy snack prepared by a local chef.  Discover more about sea turtles and watermen efforts to save these endangered animals. From catching to conservation, learn a waterman’s side of fishing!

Ages: 12-13. Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, necessary field attire, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the week of camp. Additional snacks will be provided.

*$20 Shuttle Service option is provided to and from Whalebone Park mornings and afternoons (except Monday AM & Friday PM)* 

August 4-8, 2025  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm 


$300 per Camper
$270 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 5 Days
Reserve

Single-Day, Day Camps

Sea Turtle Hatchlings Day Camp (Ages 6-8)

Discover the world of sea turtles and their hatchlings by spending a day at the Aquarium. Learn about the 5 types of sea turtle species along our coast, label turtle body parts, "swim" through the life cycle of a sea turtle, and take part in more turtle-tastic activities! Campers will also make cool turtle crafts, play sea turtle games, discover turtles during Aquarium tour time, and visit the S.T.A.R. Center. Most importantly, campers will learn ways to help protect these species and their habitats.   

Ages 6-8. Campers must wear closed toe shoes and bring a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks are provided. 

Wednesday, June 11th   9am-4pm  FULL!   If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

$65 per Child
$58.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

Diggin' Dinosaurs Day Camp (Ages 6-8)

Embark on a journey through a Jurassic world and experience the age of dinosaurs! What did the Ankylosaurus eat? How fast did the Tyrannosaurs Rex run? How big was the Plesiosaurus? From sharp teeth and curved claws to pointed beaks and long necks, dinosaurs had amazing adaptations to survive. Campers will take prehistoric quests to learn fun facts about dinosaurs, their habitats, and how they lived millions of years ago. Other fun activities will include meeting some of our residential reptile "dinosaurs," becoming a junior paleontologist with dino-dig activity, making dino-themed crafts, and more! Come have a DINO-mite time with us!

Ages 6-8.  Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks will be provided.

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

July 1st,  9am-4pm  FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

$65 per Child

$58.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

SENSEational Sharks! Day Camp (Ages 6-8)

Do you think that sharks are scary or awesome? How many senses do sharks have? Come spend a day learning some cool shark facts and debunking shark myths. Discover some shark relatives, such as skates and stingrays. Search for some shark teeth in the fossil pit, chomp into some ocean snacks, play silly shark games, and make sharky crafts. Check out some local shark species in the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit, observe the stingrays get fed in the touch pool, and learn ways to help protect sharks and their habitats. 

Ages 6-8. Campers must wear closed toe shoes and bring a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks are provided.

July 2nd     9am-4pm  FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

$65 per Child
$58.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

Mermaids & Sea Monsters Day Camp (Ages 6-8)

Dive in to the mystical world of mermaids and sea monsters. What is the Kraken? Are mermaids the sirens of the sea? Campers will hear stories of mythological ocean lore like the multi-headed hydra, the loch ness monster, "merfolk" half-human half-fish people, and more. Hear about imaginary tales and superstitions and then tour the aquarium to see real ocean creatures. Join us for an enchanting day filled with games, dress up as a mythical creature, design imaginative crafts, see ambassador animals, and more! 

Ages 6-8.  Campers must wear closed toe shoes and bring sunscreen and a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks will be provided. 

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

July 3rd,  9am-4pm  FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

$65 per Child

$58.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

Coastal Trotters Day Camp (Ages 9-12)

Explore the Outer Bank’s coastal ecosystems that local animals and plants call home! Campers will journey from dynamic beaches to salt marshes as they explore different coastal habitats during local field trips. Activities may include seining for fish, digging for mole crabs, discovering items washed ashore on the beach, line fishing for blue crabs, and more! Campers will also enjoy some Aquarium time and encounter ambassador animals. Come spend a day discovering coastal environments and learn the many ways to help protect them.

Ages 9-12.  Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks will be provided.

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

June 10th     9am-4pm  FULL!   If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

$65 per Child
$58.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

Water Adventures Day Camp (Ages 9-12)

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen for a day of water adventures! Kayak on the Croatan Sound, explore a nearby marsh habitat with seine and dip nets, and participate in a shoreline cleanup. Learn the features of an SUP, "Stand-Up Paddleboard," gain paddling techniques, and practice your balance to pop up on your board! Learn how important coastal waterways are and how to keep them clean and healthy for coastal animals and plants. Campers will also get a chance to tour the Aquarium and visit with ambassador animals. 

Ages 9-12.  Campers must bring an extra pair of clothes, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, closed toe water shoes, and a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks will be provided.

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

June 12th   FULL!  and July 4th   9am-4pm   If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

$65 per Child
$58.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve

Junior Aquarist Day Camp (Ages 9-12)

Calling all young aquarium keepers!  Learn what it takes to care for some of the animals and to work behind the scenes at the Aquarium.  Activities include behind-the-scenes experiences, ambassador animal encounters, food prep for the shark exhibit, a squid dissection, animal enrichment design, and more. Be prepared to spend time in our aquarium “kitchens” and get a little fishy! 

Ages 9-12.  Campers must bring sunscreen, a hat, closed toe shoes, and a bag lunch for the day.  Additional snacks will be provided.

*Shuttle Service is not available* 

June 30th     9am-4pm  FULL!  If camp is FULL, to be put on online waitlist, click on camp and select waitlist button. Questions? Contact dana.thomason@ncaquariums.com or 252-475-2332  

$65 per Child
$58.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Duration 7 Hours
Reserve