Join us for a summer of fun at Marine Summer Camp!
Calling all campers! Welcome to another summer of fun and aquatic exploration. During each five-day week, campers will learn all about some of the marvelous marine life here at the Aquarium through games, crafts, activities and more. We’ll come together to find ways to help support and protect the world’s one ocean. During each camp, these young ocean enthusiasts will have opportunities to get close to marine creatures and experience parts of the Aquarium that guests rarely have the chance to see.
This year, camp will begin June 22 and run through August 28. Each camp is a five-day session that starts at 9:30am and ends at 4pm, except for Micro-biologists (ages 4–5), which runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm daily. Additional care time is available for one hour before and after camp.
2026 registration
Public registration is now open!
Seattle Aquarium members receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Check your member dashboard for more information.
Camp sessions tend to fill up quickly. Make sure to sign up early!
If a camp you are interested in is already sold out, please add yourself to the waitlist. A sold-out session does not affect scholarship applications.
Questions? Please contact the Registration team at registration@seattleaquarium.org.
Camp ages and themes
Micro-biologists (4–5 years)
Get ready to have a “plank-ton” of fun learning all about plankton! Many sea animals start life as these teeny-tiny critters, including fish, crabs, squid, clams, sea stars and more. Each day, we’ll explore plankton’s possibilities, including their growth, habitat and family structure. Through crafts, activities and exploring the Aquarium, we’ll come to appreciate that sometimes the best things come in small packages.
Please note: This session will run 9:30am–12:30pm daily.
Octopus odyssey (6–7 years)
Join us to explore the world of cephalopods, some of the most intelligent creatures on the planet. We’ll go over the habitats, behaviors, needs and life cycles of these fascinating sea animals. Get to know the Aquarium’s resident cuttlefish and discover what makes animals like them so amazing. With activities, games and crafts galore, we feel confident you’ll be “ink-spired” to learn.
Fin-tastic sharks (8–9 years)
Think there are no sharks in Washington waters? Think again! Through a week of games and other “fin-tastic” shark activities, we’ll learn about these often misunderstood apex predators that play critically important roles in the marine ecosystem—and are also important indicators of ocean health. We’ll also consider real-world issues impacting shark populations and look for solutions.
Evolution in action (10–12 years)
Design your own creative sea creature and put it to the test! Drawing inspiration from the abundance of adaptations found in Puget Sound and the Coral Triangle, you’ll craft your own one-of-a-kind creature. From teeth for shredding to spines for protection to fins for speed, the possibilities are endless! Think about how your creature might leave behind fossils or adapt in a changing world. Create a deepwater behemoth or a speedy seaweed-eater, and see how well your creation survives against other creatures or a catastrophic extinction event!
Camp schedule
| Dates | Camp | Age range (years) |
|---|---|---|
|
June 22 – 26 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
June 29 – July 3 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
July 6 – 10 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
July 13 – 17 |
Micro-biologists |
4 – 5 |
|
July 20 – 24 |
Evolution in action |
10 – 12 |
|
July 27 – 31 |
Evolution in action |
10 – 12 |
|
August 3 – 7 |
Micro-biologists |
4 – 5 |
|
August 10 – 14 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
|
August 17 – 21 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
|
August 24 – 28 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
Camp prices
Micro-biologists
4–5 years-
9:30am–12:30pm daily
Octopus odyssey
6–7 years-
9:30am–4pm daily
Fin-tastic sharks
8–9 years-
9:30am–4pm daily
Evolution in action
10–12 years-
9:30am–4pm daily
Seattle Aquarium members receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Check your member dashboard for more information.
Before/after care prices
Before and after care is available for an additional fee. Before care is from 8:30–9:15am and after care is from 4–4:45pm.
Single session
-
Price per individual session of before or after care.
Full week of before or after care
-
Before or after care for one week of camp.
Full week of before and after care
-
Before and after care for one week of camp.
Scholarships
Marine summer camp is happy to offer a limited number of needs-based scholarships that can help cover the cost of camp. If you are interested, please fill out the application below. Anyone can apply for camp scholarships, including Aquarium staff, volunteers and members, but please note that scholarships can only be granted to Washington state residents.
Caregiver handbook
Check out our marine summer camp caregiver handbook for detailed information on before and after care, what to bring to camp, sign-in/-out procedures and more.
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs cover changes to this year’s camp. For general FAQs, please see the marine summer camp caregiver handbook.
Why are camp hours different this year?
Our summer camps will run from 9:30am to 4pm each day (except for Micro-biologists, which runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm). Starting at this time allows us to prepare for a full day of fun and learning with the campers. Before and/or after care is available each day of camp.
Why are there fewer camp sessions this year?
There will be one camp session per week, with one specific age group each week, ensuring a more personalized experience for all campers.
What happened to the camp for 13 and 14-year-olds?
We’ve made some adjustments to our program, and unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated camp for 13 and 14-year-olds this year. In past years, the camps for 13 and 14-year-olds were not as popular as the camps for younger kids, so we prioritized staffing for our other camps.
How many spots are available each week?
The Micro-biologists camp has 20 spots each week—18 for members and the public, and 2 reserved for scholarship recipients.
All other camps have 25 spots per week—23 for members and the public, and 2 reserved for scholarship recipients.
How are age groups organized at camp?
Each week of our camp is designed for one specific age group:
- Micro-biologists: 4–5 years old
- Octopus odyssey: 6–7 years old
- Fin-tastic sharks: 8–9 years old
- Evolution in action: 10–12 years old
This means that campers will interact and participate in activities with children in the same age range for a more focused and age-appropriate experience.
Can my child attend a camp outside of their designated age range?
No, we cannot accept campers outside of their designated age range as all campers are placed in groups that best suit their developmental stage. This practice helps us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Who will be in charge of my camper group?
Each camp session will have one camp operations lead, one lead camp counselor and three camp counselors, along with additional support staff at any given time. Seattle Aquarium camp counselors come from diverse backgrounds. They all have a passion for marine life and sharing it with others. Counselors will be trained in CPR and first aid. All camp staff are required to pass background checks.
Will campers have enough space?
Yes! All campers will have more space in the classroom, allowing for a comfortable and engaging experience.
Will campers get to experience the new Ocean Pavilion?
Absolutely! Every camper will have the exciting opportunity to explore our new Ocean Pavilion expansion this summer.
What is the loading zone for? Can I use it for drop-off and pickup?
The loading zone is not available for drop-offs or pickups. All caregivers must bring their campers into the classrooms on the Aquarium campus for both drop-off and pickup. For pickup, caregivers are required to show a government-issued ID to ensure the safety and security of all campers. Please plan accordingly, as the loading zone is not intended for parking at any time.
