We are delighted that you have chosen the National Aquarium’s Washington, DC, venue for your field trip, where we celebrate our nation's protected marine sanctuaries. The Aquarium is a wonderful introduction to America's Aquatic Treasures™, featuring more than 1,500 animals, including alligators, sharks, and turtles.
Our Education Department offers a variety of grade-appropriate education programs for students. Many programs include teaching materials and classroom review worksheets. Here you will find information about programs that are designed specifically for your students and how to prepare for your field trip.
Advance reservations are required for all school groups. Please plan your field trip date and reserve your classroom program early, as space is limited.
Step 1: View Aquarium Programs
Enhance your students' Aquarium visit by creating meaningful and memorable encounters with our living collection. Enroll your students in age- and grade-appropriate education programs to help students appreciate the amazing variety of creatures that live in and rely on water. All National Aquarium education programs are designed to meet national education standards.
Programs can be modified for high school groups. Don't see a topic that meets your needs? Our Education Department can develop specialized programs that supplement your curriculum. Call our Education Department at 202-482-0852 to discuss your needs.
Story Time (Grade Pre-K)
Story time sessions include a story from the work of children’s author Suzanne Tate. Choose from Ellie & Ollie Eel, Great Sharky Shark, Izzie Lizzie Alligator, Oozey Octopus, Spiny Sea Star, Stevie B.Seahorse, and Tammy Turtle.
Program Length: 15 minutes
Days Offered: Monday and Wednesday
What Is a Fish? (Grades K–3)
Students learn how fish are different from other animals and how their special characteristics make them well adapted for survival in their watery environment.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
How to Be a Fish Detective (Grades 3–5)
Students learn about the characteristics of fish and their adaptations for survival in their environment. Activity worksheets to be completed while at the Aquarium are available by clicking the "Step 4" on the tab above.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Secrets of the Shark (Grades K–8)
Students learn about sharks' unique biology, separate fact from fiction about these misunderstood animals, and become aware of the threats sharks are facing.
Grades: K–3 Program Length: 30 minutes
Grades: 4–8 Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Coral Reefs (Grades 4–8)
Sometimes called the "rain forests of the sea," coral reefs provide numerous services to animals and people. Students learn how these environments play a vital role in our ocean ecosystem and why they need protection.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Aliens Among Us: Invasive Species (Grades 4–8)
Students are introduced to animals and plants from around the world that have invaded the local ecosystem, their impact on our environment, and the problems they are creating for native species. How did they arrive in strange places and what can be done about it?
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Endangered Species (Grades 4–8)
Students gain background knowledge about the Endangered Species Act, learn why animals are becoming endangered, and understand why biodiversity benefits us all.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Amphibians and Reptiles (Grades 4–8)
Students learn about the fascinating world of slimy and scaly creatures and why they are so important.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Estuaries (Grades 4–8)
Using the Chesapeake Bay as a model, students learn how estuaries play an important role for wildlife and why their health and preservation is crucial for the survival of numerous species.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Days Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Step 2: View Fees and Chaperone Requirements
The National Aquarium's education programs are available year round, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Advance reservations are required for all school groups.
Admission and Program Fees
Washington, DC, public school and public charter school groups are admitted free of charge Monday–Friday with valid teacher I.D. and a confirmed reservation. All other groups with a reservation pay a reduced admission, but must make a single payment to qualify for the special rate.
Admission fees are subject to change without notice.
Washington, DC, Public School and Public Charter School Groups
Admission
Admission to the Aquarium is FREE for Washington, DC, public school and public charter school groups.
Programs
Programs for Washington, DC, public school and charter school groups are offered FREE of charge, but require advance reservations.
For grades Pre-K–6, a classroom program can accommodate up to 25 in a session. For grades 7–12, the maximum program size is 20. If your group is larger than 20 or 25, you will need to schedule additional classroom time to accommodate your entire group.
Other School Groups
To obtain the Aquarium's special school group admission rate, the group must have a confirmed reservation with a minimum of 15 students ages 3 and over.
Admission
Grades Pre-K–6: $2.95
Grades 7–12: $6.95
Adult: $7.95
Programs
15-minute Program: $10
30-minute Program: $20
45-minute Program: $30
Fees are based on program length and many include materials and follow-up classroom activities. Reservations are required and program fees must be paid in advance.
For grades Pre-K–6, a classroom program can accommodate up to 25 in a session. For grades 7–12, the maximum program size is 20. If your group is larger than 20 or 25, you will need to schedule additional classroom time to accommodate your entire group.
Deposit
A deposit of $75 toward Aquarium admission and all fees for education programs are due 21 days prior to your visit date. Purchase orders and vouchers are not accepted in lieu of payment. Deposit requirements for DC public and public charter schools with free admission may vary. Full payment of remaining balance is due upon arrival in one lump sum. Approved forms of payment are cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you cancel your program reservation more than 21 days in advance
of your scheduled visit, all payments will be refunded. If you cancel your reservation less than 21 days in advance, or fail to arrive for your scheduled program, you forfeit the program fees. Groups that are 15 minutes late forfeit classroom program time and program fees. Schools that cancel late or do not show up for programs will be charged a $75 cancellation fee.
Chaperone Requirements
The National Aquarium requires that each school group be accompanied by adult chaperones at all times. Teachers count as chaperones.
| Grades |
Number of Adults Free Additional chaperones pay $7.95 each |
Number of Adults Required |
| Pre-K–K |
1 adult per 5 students |
1 adult per 5 students |
| 1–5 |
1 adult per 6 students |
1 adult per 6 students |
| 6–8 |
1 adult per 8 students |
1 adult per 8 students |
| 9–12 |
1 adult per 10 students |
1 adult per 10 students |
| Special Ed |
1 adult per student |
1 adult per student |
Step 3: Make a Reservation
Prior to reserving your program date, select several possible dates and times to visit. Morning sessions fill more quickly than afternoons, so you may want to consider planning an afternoon visit.
A school visit and education program must be reserved, and a deposit and
program fees paid in advance. If you are planning a self-guided tour for your class, without one of our programs, your school group can still receive the reduced admission rate. To obtain this rate, a reservation and deposit are required 21 days in advance. The Aquarium does not bill, accept purchase orders, or issue pre-payment tickets. Approved forms of payment are cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard.
Call 202-789-2782 to reserve your school group and education program.
When you receive your reservation confirmation, please verify all
information and return the signed agreement with your deposit. Your deposit and a signed copy of your reservation are due 21 days prior to your visit.
If you have any other questions, please
contact the Education Department:
By phone: 202-482-0852
By fax: 202-482-4946
By e-mail: nadceducation@aqua.org
Step 4: Download Program Worksheets
Prior to visiting the Aquarium for one of the following education programs, download and print the accompanying student worksheet.
Amphibians and Reptiles Student Worksheet
Coral Reefs Student Worksheet
Endangered Species Student Worksheet
Estuaries Student Worksheet
How to Be a Fish Detective Student Worksheet
Secrets of the Shark Student Worksheet
Rules to Remember
- Teachers, you are responsible for the behavior of your students.
- While groups may carry their lunches, no eating or drinking is allowed within the Aquarium. There are restaurants and food courts within walking distance that may be an option for your group.
- Please instruct your students not to tap on the aquarium glass or tanks. This
may stress or injure the animals.
- Running, horseplay, and shouting are not permitted within the Aquarium.
- There is no waiting area in the Aquarium. Groups are not allowed to wait
in the Department of Commerce Building upstairs lobby or on the stairs for their buses. Call the bus at least 10 minutes before you are ready to leave to
come pick up your group or to make arrangements for the bus to meet you at a particular time.
- Full payment of remaining balance is due upon arrival in one lump sum. Approved forms of payment are cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard.
- The National Aquarium reserves the right to ask any group displaying
inappropriate behavior to leave the facility.
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