Book an in-depth Education Program in a one of our classrooms, or a shorter Lecture at one of our animal habitats.
Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat (All Grades)
Get ready for an interactive and educational 2 hour adventure aboard the Atlantis Explorer. It’s a fascinating way to discover the ecological wonders of Long Island’s waterways. The Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat takes you down the Peconic River and into Flanders Bay, you’ll stop briefly at a private beach to seine for fish and look at available wildlife. Conducted by Aquarium Educators, this adventure offers plenty of opportunity for hands-on exploration while promoting environmental awareness and education about the Peconic Estuary. Weather permitting, the Tour boat will not sail if there are small craft advisories for the Long Island Sound per the US Coast Guard.
Available May, June and September • Weekdays at 9am and 11:30am
$20.70*/person
Penguin Meet & Greet (All Grades)
Your class of up to 30 attendees will meet in a private room with one of our African penguins and a member of our Animal Care Staff, who will provide information on this favorite feathered friend. This is a hands-off experience, participants will not be permitted to touch the penguin, but can take photos. Offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 11:00am, 11:15am and 11:30am.
$232.87 per program up to 30 people for 15 minute session.
Education Programs
Camouflage (Pre-K)
Introduction to the many disguises animals use to escape detection. Students will learn how color pattern, mimicry and countershading help animals “hide in plain sight” within their environments. A fun game will help students camouflage with their surroundings. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 30 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS3, LS4
Just Buggy (Grades Pre K-2)
What is the difference between a bug and an insect? We will introduce why bugs are fun and beneficial to our environment. Live bugs will be featured in this class. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45 minutes session.
Standards: LS2, LS3, LS4
Frogs and Toads (Grades K-2)
Students will be able to describe and identify the differences between frogs and toads, where they live, distinctive characteristics, and more. Various activities will lead to discovery learning and firsthand observation of the world of frogs and toads. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45 minutes session.
Standards: LS1, LS3, LS4
Our Valuable Estuary (Grades 1-5)
Estuaries are the most productive ecosystems on earth containing more life per square inch than the rainforest. Students will recognize estuaries as critical for the survival of many species that depend on the estuary as places to live, feed, and reproduce. They will learn about our own Peconic Estuary which has been designated as an “Estuary of National significance.”
From May 25th-September 30th this program will be held outside in our interactive salt marsh.
$5.17/person. 45 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS2, LS4, ESS2, ESS3
Migration Station (Grades 2-5)
Students will explore the hazards and helpers that migratory animals encounter on their long journeys.
We will define migration and summarize factors affecting migration. This fun and interactive class will have all the kids flapping. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS3, LS4
Amazon Biodiversity (Grades 3-5)
Students will be able to investigate the ecological importance of the Amazon Basin ecosystem. Topics include conservation, seasonal variations and biodiversity. The program concludes with a visit to the Aquarium’s Amazon Rainforest exhibit in order to reinforce topics discussed in the classroom.
$5.17/person. 45 minute session.
Standards: LS2, LS3, LS4
Butterflies (Grades 3-5)
Students will be able to identify and describe the stages of development of butterflies, determine the parameters to classify a butterfly as an insect. Activities will lead students to uncover the importance of butterflies and the humane treatment of them.
$5.17/person 45 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS4
Survival of the Fittest (Grades 3-5)
Students will discover that: animals adapt in diverse environments, animals need water, food, shelter, and air to survive. Students will determine what favorable traits for survival are. Students will understand what it takes to survive in the wild. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45 minute session.
Standards: LS3, LS4
Downstream Disaster (Grades 6-8)
Students demonstrate how everyone contributes to the pollution of rivers and streams. Students will differentiate between a point and nonpoint source pollution.
Students will be asked what can be done to reduce pollution and determine best management practices. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS4, ESS3
Environmental Factors (Grades 6-8)
Students will be able to identify abiotic and biotic environmental factors and their impact on marine and land animals. Students will participate in activities leading them to discover needs and troubleshoot pitfalls of various ecosystems. The group will also tour the Aquarium to examine the represented ecosystems in our exhibits.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS2, LS4, ESS2, ESS3
Shark Ecology (Grades 6-8)
Sharks have survived for over 400 million years! Students will explore various concepts of their living environment through observation and discussion of shark senses and adaptations. Students will investigate how sharks survive and make a living in specific marine environments. The concepts explored will enable students to transfer their knowledge to other living organisms and environments. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS2, LS4
Behind the Scenes (Grades 6 and up)
Find out what goes on behind the scenes at Long Island Aquarium. Learn how we manage this enclosed ocean, feeding thousands of animals, constantly monitoring water quality, and maintaining our 120,000 gallon shark exhibit. Max 12 people. 11 years and up only.
$5.17/person. 50 minute session.
Standards: LS2, LS
Coral Reef Ecology (Grades 9-12)
Students will examine various coral species and vibrant reef fish up-close. Concepts involving biodiversity, specialization, symbiotic relationships and environmental conservation/preservation will be discussed. Students will also view our magnificent all-living Coral Reef display! Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Standards: LS2, LS4, ESS2, ESS3
Animal Adaptations (Grades 9-12)
Adaptation is a vital survival skill in a changing world. Animals must adapt to their environment for countless reasons ranging from food acquisition to comfort. Students will explore firsthand the evidence left behind from centuries of adaptations.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Standards: LS1, LS2,LS3,LS4
Shark Dissection Lab (Grades 9-12)
Students will use specimen observation and dissection skills to learn basic vertebrate anatomy and gain a better understanding of sharks – the most numerous group of vertebrates. All necessary tools are provided for groups of students to dissect a preserved shark and investigate the diversity and adaptations of the fish. Limit 32 students per session.
$5.17/person + $175 Lab Fee. 80 minute session.
Standards:LS1, LS4
Guided Tours (all ages)
Join us as we explore some of the more popular exhibits Long Island Aquarium has to offer. Max 20 people per group.
$5.17/person. 60 minute session.
Personal tour guide (all ages) If you’re looking for a tour guide to guide you through the aquarium for the entirety of your visit. Up to 20 guests/ $362.25 up to 4 hours.
Seashores (all ages)
The animals living along our shores come in many different colors and shapes, and this program gives students the chance to meet some of these diverse characters. Students will learn about the varied coastal environments surrounding Long Island, as well as the animals that have adapted to those specific habitats. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45-60 minute session depending on class age.
Standards:LS2, LS4, ESS2
Love Ugly (all ages)
The exotic pet trade has flourished in recent years… however not every animal on sale will make a good pet. Learn the differences between “good pets” and “bad pets” and meet some of the more manageable pets that appear on our Critter Cart. Also available as an Outreach Program.
$5.17/person. 45 minute session.
Standards:LS2,ESS2
Kayak Guided Nature Tour (ages 12 and up)
A naturalist will take you on a guided kayak tour of the Peconic River located behind the Long Island Aquarium. Kayaks and life jackets provided. Seasonal.
60 minutes on water.
Educational Lectures @ Animal Habitat
Your group will enjoy a private lecture at a stanchioned off animal habitat! Each lecture is 20 minutes.
$3.11* per person
Lecture Options
15-35 person Capacity:
Stingrays
Lagoon Animals
North American River Otters
Sharks
Coral Reef
Seahorses
Octopus
15-45 person Capacity:
African Penguins
Seals
Fishing Cat
Barred Owl
*If you have an old favorite or program that you do not see listed, please inquire with our Director of education. Minimum 15 students per class
*There is a 3.5% discount on purchases made in cash or check.