Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing oceanographic exploration and marine life education, conservation and research.

Early Childhood Programs

Information on Early Childhood Programs
Did you know that the aquarium has a specially designed early childhood classroom.

Advance registration is required for all programs. Contact 860.572.5955 ext.520 or email reservations@mysticaquarium.org for additional information or to make a reservation.

Munchkin Morning

Ages 2 to 5
(Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Back by popular demand! Bring the little munchkin in your life to the Aquarium for some seasonal fun.  You and your little one will be allowed through the gates before we open to the public, a great way to experience the Aquarium without the crowds! Inside we’ll have a variety of activities including seasonal crafts, animal touch and learn programs and fun music. We will also provide breakfast goodies to help start the day on the right foot!
Spring Session: Friday, April 18, 7:30am - 9:00am
Summer Session: Monday, June 30, 7:30am - 9:00am
Members: $20 child/adult pair; $10 each additional child
Non-members: $30 child/adult pair; $12 each additional child

Summer Programs

In addition to the Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me and Sea School programs the following programs are offered during the summer…

Animal Spotlight- at the Aquarium and on the Coast
Ages 2 to 4 (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Young children often ask the most unusual questions about animals. Looking for the answers?  Bring your little one and join us to learn all about aquatic animals. We will meet in our specially designed early childhood classroom and use stories, props, puppets, costumes and even live animals to engage the curiosity of these young minds. Each session is four weeks long. We will spend our last class on an adventure to Bluff Point State Park in Groton, CT to explore the natural habitat and search out the creatures that live there.  Choose one of the following two sessions.

Session 1: Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, 1:00pm- 2:00pm, Meet at the Aquarium     
August 1, 1:00pm- 2:15pm, Meet at Bluff Point State Park
Session 2: Fridays, August 8, 15, 22, 1:00pm-2:00pm, Meet at the Aquarium    
August 29, 1:00pm-2:15pm, Meet at Bluff Point State Park
Members Series Package: $40 child/adult pair; 2nd child $18
Non-members Series Package: $52 child/adult pair; 2nd child $22

Sea Urchins
Ages 4 to 6
What does a penguin eat?  Is a tortoise different from a turtle?
Kids have curious minds and ask us all sorts of questions.  This half day camp is full of fun and activities that will help answer a lot of their questions. Stories, costumes, live animals and crafts will all be utilized to help your child learn about the many fascinating animals found at the Aquarium.

Monday – Friday, June 23-27, July 7-11 or August 11-15, 8:30am – 11:30am
Members: $180 / Non-members: $215

Interested in a full day camp program for your 6 year old?  Seasonal programs for 6-13 year olds.