Aquarium Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9AM-3PM Friday-Sunday: 9AM-5PM
DAY CAMPS
Home » Day Camps
Looking to get your feet wet? Single and two-day camps provide a great introduction to some of the Aquarium’s most popular species and programs. During these sardine-sized camps, we’ll shine the spotlight on a specific animal, explore the features of the ocean, or learn how we provide enriching experiences to the animals under our care.
All camps feature opportunities to view behind-the-scenes areas, talk to zoological or veterinary staff, experience up-close animal interactions, and participate in hands-on activities. Aquarium members save 10% on camp fees.
Questions? Email our education department.
In these half-day camps. you’ll get an introductory crash course on some of the most popular and charismatic species at the Aquarium!
Ages: 8-12
Cost: $40 Aquarium members save 10% on camps and classes.
There are five different Species Spotlight camps, and each one is focused on a different animal.
Dive into the facts about these favorite feathered friends—their biology, where they live, what they eat, the threats they face in the wild, and more. See first-hand how human impact can be harmful to seabirds through a science experiment that demonstrates the effect of an oil spill on feathers.
The Aquarium is proud to be home for rescued/non-releasable harbor seals and California sea lions. In this camp, you’ll observe the differences between the two species, discover how seals stay warm in the winter, experience what it’s like use powerful whiskers called “vibrissae” to navigate dark waters, find food, and even balance objects, and meet with one of our trainers.
Sharks are known for their predatory bite, and that can make them seem frightening. During this camp you’ll learn how the traits that make sharks appear scary, actually make them super special, and in need of saving! Explore shark senses (hint – they have more than we do!), and learn about the adaptations that helped sharks become the apex animals of the ocean.
From the tiny cardinal tetra to the grandiose Asian arowana, there are more than 100 species of fish at the Aquarium! Explore how fish can be found in all kinds of environments and learn about the adaptations that help them thrive. Meet an aquarist and chat about what it takes to maintain complex aquatic habitats, discover how we prepare diets, and see how we provide medical treatment to animals showing signs of stress or sickness.
Turtles come in all shapes and sizes! Explore the needs, adaptations, and special conditions of different turtles by interacting with bones, shells, and the aquarium’s live ambassador turtles. Learn the differences between freshwater and sea turtles. Discover the various threats turtles face, then practice different conservation methods in a fast-paced turtle-egg relocation race.
Become an architect of animal adventure at the Aquarium! Learn about animal enrichment and discover why it is so important to the wellbeing of all the Aquarium’s residents, big and small. Witness how our aquarists and animal care specialists imagine and build enrichment items to cater to the unique needs of the species under their care – then create an enrichment item of your own!
Do you love the ocean? The first step toward understanding the mysteries of the blue planet is to take a deep dive into the science of water. Explore the properties of water, the differences between saltwater and freshwater, and the diversity of aquatic habitats that water sustains. Learn about various marine biology careers and get a taste of life as an aquarist by gathering water samples and testing water quality in the lab.
This program is one class that takes place over two days. Participants should plan to attend both sessions.
Participants should bring:
Ages: 12-16
Cost: $120 Aquarium members save 10% on camps and classes.
RELATED PROGRAMS
Spend a week at the Aquarium and take a deeper dive into some of the topics covered in our day camps!
Spend the summer learning and playing alongside live animals, both indoors in our immersive Aquarium setting and outside in the surrounding State Park.
The Aquarium’s homeschool classes are the perfect complement to any science curriculum for students at every level. Classes take place on the second Tuesday of the month, September-May.