Each year, Community Programs provides free outreach programs to more than 12,000 inner-city children and families at after-school programs, community centers, camps, child care centers, libraries, boys and girls clubs, and community and neighborhood events.

Aquarium staff and teen interns present hands-on traveling exhibits that allow children to observe, touch and learn about marine animals and habitats. Programs are built on solid scientific materials presented in a fun, interactive way to foster an interest in aquatic life and build environmental awareness. Free Aquarium admission is offered to many of the participating children. For more information, schedule a community outreach program for your organization and fill out the community outreach application form.

(Community outreach programs do not travel to schools; see school programs for more information. School groups can also apply for free admission as part of the Aquarium's "Free to Learn" Free Admission Program.)

Here are some popular community outreach programs: 

Traveling Tidepool Outreach Program

Our popular traveling tidepool exhibit is our most effective off-site educational tool for groups in Boston and Cambridge. The program allows participants to handle and observe a wide range of live tidal pool animals from local waters.

For organizations outside of Boston and Cambridge that would like to book a fee-based Tidepool Open House program please contact Sunnye Dreyfus via email sdreyfus@neaq.org or at 617-973-6596.

Shark Cart Outreach Program

In this program, participants handle real shark jaws and skin, identify the biggest and smallest sharks, and learn about the many special adaptations that make sharks efficient predators.

Raiders and Invaders Outreach Program

This program gives students an introduction to invasive species, what they are, and where they come from.