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 23 and run through August 29. Each camp is a five-day session that starts at 9:30am and ends at 4pm, except for Micro-biologists (ages 4–5), which is a four-day session that runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm daily. Additional care time is available for one hour before and after camp.
2025 registration
Public registration is now open! Use the link below to register for camp.
Seattle Aquarium members receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Check your member dashboard for more information.
Only 20 spots are available for each session, and we 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.
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 for four days, 9:30am–12:30pm.
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 23 – 27 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
June 30 – July 3 |
Micro-biologists |
4 – 5 |
|
July 7 – 11 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
July 14 – 18 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
July 21 – 25 |
Octopus odyssey |
6 – 7 |
|
July 28 – August 1 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
|
August 4 – 8 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
|
August 11 – 15 |
Fin-tastic sharks |
8 – 9 |
|
August 18 – 22 |
Evolution in action |
10 – 12 |
|
August 25 – 29 |
Evolution in action |
10 – 12 |
Camp prices
Micro-biologists
4–5 years-
Four days
-
9:30am–12:30pm daily
Octopus odyssey
6–7 years-
Five days
-
9:30am–4pm daily
Fin-tastic sharks
8–9 years-
Five days
-
9:30am–4pm daily
Evolution in action
10–12 years-
Five days
-
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.
Please email registration@seattleaquarium.org or give us a call at (206) 693-6196 if you have any questions about the application process.
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.
2025 FAQs
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?
We have 20 spots available each week—18 spots for members and the public, and 2 spots 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register my child for multiple weeks of marine summer camp?
You’re welcome to register campers for all the weeks you wish! Please note that for themes within the same age group, experiences for your camper from week to week may be structured very similarly. However, the Seattle Aquarium is a living facility, and no two days are ever quite the same!
Who will be in charge of my camper’s group?
Each camp group will have two to three camp counselors and additional support staff and volunteers at any given time. Seattle Aquarium camp counselors come from diverse backgrounds, and 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 my camper always have the same instructor/counselor?
Campers should expect at least one of their assigned counselors to remain unchanged throughout the week. However, other staff may change depending on the activities the campers will be participating in.
Do campers get to go behind the scenes or touch the animals?
Campers will be able to see areas of the Aquarium that are usually off limits to the general public, including areas with animals. We incorporate touchable intertidal animals into all the age groups, so campers will have opportunities to get to know a variety of different amazing animals! Behind-the-scenes experiences will vary depending on age group.
Are before/after care available?
Before and after care is available for all campers except those enrolled in our Micro-biologists camp. Before/after care incurs an additional cost, which varies depending on how many days you register for it. Before care is from 8:30-9:15am; campers may be dropped off at that time or any time before the camp day begins. After care is from 4-4:45pm; campers must be picked up by that time. Campers choose from crafts, free play and more individual activities during before and after care.
Will field trips be part of the camp experience this year?
We offer a field trip experience for the Evolution in action camp (for ages 10–12).
Are scholarships available?
Marine summer camp is happy to offer a limited number of needs-based scholarships that can help cover the cost of camp. Scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested in a scholarship, you must apply using the form above. Scholarship applications will be reviewed starting in April.
The scholarship application form can be found above in the “Scholarships” section of the camp registration page. Please email us at registration@seattleaquarium.org if you have any questions about this process.
The camp dates I want are full. Do you have a waitlist?
We do have a waitlist for camp! Waitlists open after general registration on April 21. If the dates you want for camp are not available, you will be able to add yourself to the waitlist for your preferred week(s) of camp. Please keep in mind that the waitlist is first-come, first-served. If you have questions or are having trouble adding yourself to the waitlist, you can contact registration at registration@seattleaquarium.org or (206) 693-6196.
What options are available for parking near the Aquarium?
There are several convenient paid parking garages near the Aquarium, including the Pike Place Market Garage with entry on Western Avenue, and paid street parking on Western Avenue. Please be aware that the City of Seattle is currently conducting major road construction between Alaskan Way and Western Avenue which may directly impact parking and camper drop-off and pickup. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Directions & Parking page. More information will be available as construction on the waterfront evolves.
Can campers sign themselves in?
An adult must accompany their camper to the Seattle Aquarium to sign them in and out each day. For sign out, the accompanying adult must show photo ID to verify they’re on the approved pickup list (established during registration). There is no curbside drop-off or pickup.
Who can pick up my child from camp?
Any adult on the approved pickup list you provided during registration can pick up your child. At pickup, the adult must show a valid photo ID that matches a name on your approved list. If you need to modify or clarify any of the names on your list, please reach out to registration at registration@seattleaquarium.org or (206) 693-6196.
Can I drop off my child late to camp?
Campers are expected to be present for the beginning of the day so that everyone can have a great experience without interruptions, but we understand that unforeseen issues may arise. If you anticipate being late, please contact registration as soon as possible so they can meet you and your camper when you arrive and get them to their group.
What is lunch like? What kind of food can my camper bring?
Those enrolled in our Micro-biologist camp will not eat lunch but will have time for a snack, which they will need to bring each day, along with a reusable water bottle.
All other campers will need to bring their own lunch, two snacks (one each for morning and afternoon), and a reusable water bottle each day. Campers will eat lunch outdoors (weather permitting) at Waterfront Park on Pier 62, the next pier north of the Aquarium.
Food must not require any additional cooking or refrigeration. Marine summer camp has a “no sharing” policy when it comes to food. Make sure to indicate any allergies during registration so any necessary accommodations can be made.
What should my camper bring with them each day?
Campers will need to bring lunch, two snacks, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle each day. A marine summer camp T-shirt will be provided on the first day of camp. Campers are expected to wear their camp T-shirt every day of the week. Additional shirts may be available for purchase, although stock is limited.
Can my camper be grouped with a friend or family member?
If your camper’s friend or family member is in the same age group and registering for the same week, they’ll be in the same group. When registering, you can make a note that you’d like them to be together.
What is your cancellation policy?
A full refund will be given for cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the first day of camp. For cancellations made less than 14 days prior to first day of a program, a 90% refund will be given to reflect administration costs.
There is no charge for moving a camper to another camp session, although camps fill up and the waitlist is not a guarantee of entry. In the event of a child’s illness or family emergency, please coordinate with camp staff via registration@seattleaquarium.org to see if another date is available.
The Seattle Aquarium reserves the right to cancel any program. In the event that the Seattle Aquarium cancels a program, all program fees will be refunded.
