Summer Camp
WCS Education has your summer covered with fun, educational camp experiences! We provide unforgettable experiences for your camper including age-appropriate hands-on activities, up-close animal experiences, time to explore the park and tons of educational fun that builds on campers' innate love for our wild planet.
Select a camp experience below for more information!
Pre K - Kindergarten - CUTTLEFISH
Vets in Training
What does it take to care for aquarium animals? We'll go behind the scenes to see how people help animals, from vets and keepers to engineers and exhibit designers. Along the way, you’ll meet ocean animals, explore exhibits and visit the beach.
*This drop off camp is designed for Pre-schoolers and those entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024. Campers must be 4 years old on or before their first day of camp.
Pre K - Kindergarten - CUTTLEFISH
Home Sweet Home
What makes an animal feel at home? We'll explore what it takes to thrive in different habitats, from the shore to the sea floor. You’ll meet animals up-close, play games with new friends, and craft your very own exhibit model.
*This drop off camp is designed for pre-schoolers and those entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024. Campers must be 4 years old on or before their first day of camp.
Pre K - Kindergarten - CUTTLEFISH
Sense-sational Sea Creatures
Dive into all five senses! Each day we'll explore the remarkable ways aquatic animals see, hear, taste, touch and smell. From nature walks on the beach to hands-on crafts, this will be a week of furry, feathery and slimy fun!
*This drop off camp is designed for pre-schoolers and those entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024. Campers must be 4 years old on or before their first day of camp.
1st - 2nd Grade - PENGUINS
How Do You Feed a Shark?
Curious about what it takes to care for your favorite aquatic animals? Find out at camp! We'll go behind the scenes to learn about aquarium experts, from vets and keepers to engineers and exhibit designers. You'll visit exhibits, explore the beach and meet ocean invertebrates along the way.
1st - 2nd Grade - PENGUINS
Reef Rescuers
Discover the vibrant world of coral reefs and why they matter! Join us for a week of hands-on adventures, crafts and games as we learn how WCS scientists are protecting coral worldwide. You'll even get to go behind the scenes and see where the aquarium grows real coral!
1st - 2nd Grade - PENGUINS
Jaws and Paws
Animal adaptations are wild! From strong jaws and sharp teeth to thick skin and fast reflexes, we'll delve into the ways predators and prey survive. You'll see what our aquarium animals eat, get crafty in the classroom and observe wildlife on the beach.
3rd - 5th Grade - OTTERS
World of Water
How does water connect us? We'll take a deep dive into habitats and the creatures that call them home. From freshwater lakes to brackish estuaries and the deep sea, you'll explore the world of water and meet aquatic animals along the way. You'll also get crafty with creative projects inspired by coral reefs and the new Washed Ashore exhibit!
3rd - 5th Grade - OTTERS
Fintastic Sharks
Think you're the biggest shark expert? Take the plunge at shark conservation camp! Each day we'll dive deeper into the world of sharks. You'll learn how WCS scientists are protecting sharks and how you can use your knowledge to advocate for these amazing animals. You'll work together with your fellow fintastic campers, exploring the aquarium and learning all about these apex predators. By the end of the week, you'll be ready to share what you learned about shark conservation with your fellow campers—and everyone at home!
6th - 8th Grade - SHARKS
Creatures of Coney Island
Come one, come all who swim or crawl! Meet the creatures of Coney Island, both big and small! You can play a role in protecting local wildlife right here in the habitats found in Brooklyn. Investigate our exhibits, visit the beach and go behind the scenes. Each day brings spectacular scientific adventures and close encounters with aquatic animals!
6th - 8th Grade - SHARKS
Aqualympics
World records aren't just for athletes! We'll investigate the world’s fastest swimmers, strongest jaws, champions of camouflage and more amazing animal adaptations. You'll also get to meet aquatic invertebrates up-close every day. Together, our team of campers will conduct experiments, create environmental art and explore the aquarium all week long. Let the games begin!
Schedule
| June 24 — June 28 5 day camp |
Cuttlefish - Vets in Training Penguins - How Do You Feed a Shark? Otters - World of Water |
| July 1 — July 3 3 day camp |
Cuttlefish - Home Sweet Home Penguins - Reef Rescuers Otters - Fintastic Sharks |
| July 8 — July 12 5 day camp |
Penguins - Jaws and Paws Otters - World of Water Sharks - Creatures of Coney Island |
| July 15 — July 19 5 day camp |
Penguins - Reef Rescuers Otters - Fintastic Sharks Sharks - Aqualympics |
| July 22 — July 26 5 day camp |
Penguins - Jaws and Paws Otters - World of Water Sharks - Creatures of Coney Island |
| July 29 — August 2 5 day camp |
Otters - Fintastic Sharks Sharks - Aqualympics |
| August 5 — August 9 5 day camp |
Penguins - Jaws and Paws Otters - World of Water Sharks - Creatures of Coney Island |
| August 12 — August 16 5 day camp |
Cuttlefish - Sense-sational Sea Creatures Otters - Fintastic Sharks Sharks - Aqualympics |
| August 19 — August 23 5 day camp |
Cuttlefish - Home Sweet Home Otters - World of Water Sharks - Creatures of Coney Island |
| August 26 — August 30 5 day camp |
Cuttlefish - Sense-sational Sea Creatures Otters - Fintastic Sharks Sharks - Aqualympics |
Price
$540 members / $600 regular (5 day camp)
$325 members / $360 regular* (3 day camp)
*Prorated price the week of July 1 - July 3
Extended Care
We offer an Extended Care add-on that runs from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Extended Care includes fun activities, exhibit visits, and nature play exploration. Add-on items such as Extended Care and additional camp t-shirts are available for purchase once you add a camp to your cart.
Accessibility
Participants in this program will spend plenty of time outdoors during a range of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and precipitation, as well as travel over uneven, natural surfaces. Accommodations may be available. Please contact us for more information.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call 800-433-4149 or email nyaeducation@wcs.org.
Please visit the New York Aquarium Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.
