Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is teaming up with the SHYC Sailing Foundation to offer 2 unique 8 week afterschool programs!  Check out the program descriptions below to learn more about these programs and click here to learn more about the SHYC Sailing Foundation.  Please contact MaryEllen at 860-572-5955 ext.156 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to register.

Ecological Footprint (grades 6^th – 8^th)
Mondays, 4pm – 6pm. April 16^th – June 11^th (no class 5/28)
Join Mystic Aquarium and the Sailing Foundation as we take an in-depth look into the impact we as humans have on the Earth and how we can make small, yet important changes in our own lives to better our environment.  In this program you will spend the first 4 weeks at the aquarium exploring the exhibits and getting up close with their inhabitants as we try to discover how the choices we make every day can affect ecosystems and organisms found around the world.  The second 4 weeks will be spent at the Sailing Foundation building on environmental topics relating to local ecosystems and the species inhabiting them. In addition we will look towards popular green technology and innovation, while learning to make some changes to directly influence our own homes. Weather permitting, 2 classes in May will be spent utilizing a boat to take us into the field to investigate the ecological footprint we cast on our environment as humans while learning how we can make knowledgably choices for the future.
Pre requisite: none
Enrollment is limited to 15 students.
$ 180 for 8 classes over 8 weeks. 

Adaptations & Communication (grades 4^th – 5^th)
Tuesdays, 4pm – 6pm. April 17^th – June 5^th
Join Mystic Aquarium and the Sailing Foundation as we learn some of the weird and wonderful ways in which animals use to communicate. We will be delving into some of the amazing survival strategies animals use to inhabit areas all over the world.  During your 4 weeks at Mystic Aquarium you will observe animals ranging from California sea lions to bearded dragons to discover their unique behavioral adaptations.  The second 4 weeks will be spent at the Sailing Foundation looking into communication and survival strategies of a variety of animals from crabs, to seabirds, to squid.  Weather permitting, 2 classes in May will be spent utilizing a boat to take us into the field to investigate animal interactions in Fisher’s Island Sound.  
Pre requisite: none
Enrollment is limited to 15 students.
$ 180 for 8 classes over 8 weeks.

Join us from 11:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, April 21 & Sunday, April 22 as we celebrate our planet Earth.  Hands-on activities, games, scavenger hunts and crafts will teach you how to reduce your person impact.  Activities are included with aquarium admission.  Registration is not required. 

Calling all scrap artists!  We want your recycled creations for the second annual Scrap Art Sculpture Contest.  Sculptures will be voted on during the April 21 and April 22 Earth Day celebrations and the winner will be announced on Earth Day April 22nd at 6:00pm.  The winning artists will receive a trophy and Behind-the-Scenes tour.  Art pieces must be registered at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it prior to April 13 and abide by the following criteria:

• The contest is open to individuals and groups (up to 15 individuals) of all ages
• All scrap art sculptures must be marine themed
• The sculpture must consist of at least 75% reusable goods
• All reusable goods used in the sculpture must be cleaned prior to use
• Sculptures must not have any sharp edges
• Sculptures should be no larger than 30 inches long by 30 inches wide by 60 inches tall
• Sculptures should be no heavier than 25 pounds and must stand on its own
• All art submission must be dropped off between 9:00am - 5:00pm on April 20

Click here to see all of last year's entries.

With the help of generous funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, celebrate our local estuary in style on Saturday, May 26 from 11:00am - 3:00pm. Whether you participate in hands-on activities, decorate your own reusable tote bag, speak with visiting environmental organizations or attend a special program, there is something fun and educational for your whole family. Activities are included with aquarium admission.

Join us on Saturday, June 9 from 11:00am-3:00pm to celebrate our ocean planet and learn simple ways you can make a difference during our annual World Oceans Day party.  Aquarium staff will share fun hands-on activities which will entertain and educate your whole family on the importance of the world’s oceans.   Then join us at Bluff Point State Park on Sunday, June 10 from 10:00am-2:00pm as we continue the party by the coast.  You can help clean the beach, talk to marine biologists, look for Long Island Sound inhabitants and much more as we celebrate our wonderful oceans. 

Click here to register for a Family Horse Crab Walk

Learn more about these living fossils and the role they play in our local ecosystem as we head to the beach to count these animals during the full moon Family Horseshoe Crab Watch. On June 2 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, aquarium staff will take you on a stroll down the bay side of Napatree Point in Watch Hill, R.I or May 19 from 6:30pm-9:30pm at Bluff Point State Park, to witness this incredible phenomenon. Be prepared to get wet feet and hike a distance!
Cost: $5 per person

Ages 14 to 17

Join an amazing and fun group of teenagers interested in marine science and environmental conservation in our community.   You will receive leadership training and learn about a wide range of issues related to marine environments and oceanographic exploration - all while having fun.  E-mail Maryellen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Come join us!