Family Field Trips

Spend a few hours with your family on a Saturday exploring New England's aquatic habitats. You bring sturdy shoes and plenty of enthusiasm, and we’ll provide the field guides, equipment and handouts. Aquarium educators will be there to help you and your family explore the watery world around you.

All trips begin and end at the field site, unless otherwise noted. These trips are recommended for ages 5 and up. Programs are scheduled rain or shine; however, in the case of severe weather, you will be notified about rescheduling. Advance registration is required and early registration is encouraged, as program size is limited.

Unless otherwise noted, the fee is $15 per person for members, $18 per person for non-members. Non-member price does not include Aquarium admission (not required). Payment is due upon registration.

2009 Family Field Trips

Where

When

Earth Day Celebration Beach Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day with the Aquarium as we explore a sandy beach habitat and help make the Earth a bit cleaner. We will provide bags and gloves, and wee will all brainstorm ways to keep our planet clean. There is no fee for this event, but registration is required.

Constitution Beach,

East Boston

April 25

11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Tidepool Trek

Rocky shores are home to a number of interesting animals that can be found in tidepools at low tide. These include snails, mussels and hermit crabs, to name just a few. Join Aquarium educators as we search for the hidden treasures in the tidepools.

East Point,

Nahant

May 2

11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Up-Close with Whales

Each year, whales travel to Stellwagen Bank to feed. Join Aquarium educators as we look for these magnificent creatures in their natural environment and engage in fun, educational activities onboard.

FEE: $30 for members, $30 for non-members (includes ferry ride)

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

May 17

9:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Morning with Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe crabs have been climbing ashore each spring for millions of years to mate and lay their eggs during the full and new moons. Travel through the salt marsh with us in hopes of witnessing this extraordinary event.

Duxbury, Mass.

May 30

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

Boston Harbor Ecology

Start in front of the New England Aquarium and explore Boston's inner coastline. Through hands-on activities, we will learn about the species that live in Boston Harbor.

Harbor Walk, Boston

June 20

1:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

Field Trip to the End of the World

We will explore the unique terrain of World's End, part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, and compare the different habitats we find, from the rocky shore to salt marshes.

World's End, Hingham

July 18

1:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

Boston Harbor Island Excursion

On this Excursion we will spend the day tidepooling, hiking, discussing the history of the island and enjoying the sights of beautiful Boston Harbor.

FEE: $30 for members, $30 for non-members (includes ferry ride)

Lovell's Island, Boston Harbor

August 15

10:00 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

Pongkapoag Bog Hike