The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Summer Camps

The Maritime Aquarium offers educational programs year-round:  through in-person and virtual marine-science programs for schools (and homeschoolers) during the school year, and also prorgams during the spring-break week of most local school districts and also through single- and multiweek summer camps. The Maritime Aquarium Summer Camp offers a selection of topics and sessions for ages 6 to 12. Plus, teens 13-15 can participate in an in-depth three-week apprentice experience in our Animal Husbandry and Education departments. 

Education

More than 80,000 school children are taught by Maritime Aquarium educators each year, during field trips to the Aquarium and also in their school classrooms during visits by Aquarium Traveling Teachers. Virtual/online programs are offered to the public too! The Maritime Aquarium’s research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound, cruises Long Island Sound year-round, with public and student groups.  Educators onboard introduce participants to the marine life of Long Island Sound and collect scientific data on the animals and water conditions. In winter, cruises seek out migrating seals and birds. A 64-foot catamaran, R/V Spirit of the Sound was the country's first hybrid-electric research vessel.

4D Theater

Built to replace the IMAX Theater (lost to a federal railroad bridge placement project), the Aquarium’s new 4D Theater opened in January 2021 and takes the guest experience to new dimensions – literally. Thanks to 3D glasses, images pop off the two-story screen, while environmental special effects – such as scents, bubbles, wind, snow and mists – create a fully sensory experience. Two different movies – each about 10 minutes long – play each hour.