Your preschoolers, ages 3-5, are invited to join us for our exciting programs while you enjoy much deserved “you” time! These 2-hour programs use our specially designed early childhood classroom with our dedicated instructors who are experienced in engaging with preschool-aged children. Each program includes content designed to help build foundational skills for learning through play, exploration, and social interaction. Educators will pique their curiosity with fun crafts, visits with Aquarium experts and the animals they care for, and exciting activities using our unique Aquarium and preschool-aged resources.

• For preschoolers, ages 3-5: (Please note that your child must be at least 3 years old by the start of the program and fully toilet trained. See the definition below.**)
• $40 per 2-hr program per child: register for 2 or more Independent Preschooler Programs at once and receive $10 discount per program at the time of reservation! 
  • Please note we have a minimum requirement to confirm each program date. A full refund will apply for any date we may cancel due to under-enrollment.
• You will enter/exit our educational building, so general admission is not required to attend this program and is not included.
• A follow-up email will be sent with additional registration information.
• A member of the Education staff will meet you 10-minutes prior to start-time at the external parking lot entrance of the Milne Ocean Science & Conservation Center located on the far-right side of the Mystic Aquarium complex with overflow parking. 

All About Animals

Preschoolers will learn basic concepts and skills together through immersive lessons featuring stories, crafts, games, and meeting animals! Children will enjoy their time in our classroom, and exploring the aquarium during this program.

Seals and Sea Lions - Tuesday, April 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm

Purchase Tickets

Please contact David in the Education & Conservation Department with questions.

dmadden@mysticaquarium.org or 860.572.5955 (x431)

** Toileting Policy

As a requirement for enrollment, all children need to be fully toilet trained. The aquarium is not licensed for an under-three endorsement (sections 19a-79-10) from the Office of Early Childhood which means that staff are not permitted to change diapers/pullups or wipe a child, however they may assist them verbally as to how to clean themselves and change their clothes. The requirement for children to enter the program is that they need to be able to use the bathroom independently. We do suggest that you consider the practicality of the clothing your child wears; the clothes should be easy to take off and put back on while in the restroom. One-piece outfits are not recommended. This means that a child:

1. Knows when they need to use the bathroom.

2. Can unfasten, pull down bottoms and underwear.

3. Pull underwear up and pull up and fasten bottoms.

4. Can get on the toilet, wipe themselves, flush the toilet and wash their hands.  

5. Diapers or pullups are not permitted.