Did you know that you can take aquarium virtual field trips … across the globe … for free? Depending on the site, you may also access supplemental programs and resources designed for students, teachers, and families. Whether you’re trying to supplement your lesson plans, or just give kids something interesting to look at, these aquarium virtual tours have a lot to offer.
Seattle Aquarium
For a complete field trip experience, head over to Seattle Aquarium’s YouTube channel. There, you’ll find a Dive Buddy in full scuba gear guiding the learning experience from underwater. It doesn’t get more immersive than that! And kids can learn all about the animals and food web found in the Puget Sound waters.
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Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut has put some of their most popular programs online for kids to enjoy from anywhere! With specific content based on grade level—from Kindergarten through 12th Grade—this is a fantastic resource, especially for distance learning. Unlike some of the virtual aquariums on this list, this one requires advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead!
Georgia Aquarium
You’ll be absolutely captivated by the Georgia Aquarium which is based in Atlanta. This vibrant virtual aquarium offers a variety of live views including the Indo-Pacific Barrier Reef Webcam, Ocean Voyager Webcam, Jelly Webcam, and more!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
You might not live in California, but you can still enjoy much of what the Monterey Bay Aquarium has to offer. There are many views to enjoy including the Open Sea Cam, Monterey Bay Cam, and even a Shark Cam. And, be sure to check out the virtual aquarium’s narrated feedings (check the website for details)!
National Aquarium
Take a virtual field trip over to the nation’s capital for this adventure! Located in Washington, D.C., you can navigate the National Aquarium online through a View Map and explore scenes such as Alligators, Sea Turtles, Channel Islands, American Samoa, and even the Amazon River!
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago goes above and beyond to give kids a behind-the-scenes look at aquatic life. This YouTube channel is filled with fun lessons in biology (don’t miss the beluga sonogram!), environmental facts, and adorable videos. This is a fantastic resource for learning more about animals, their habitats, and our beautiful planet.
South Carolina Aquarium
Looking for some STEM-based activities to enhance learning (and beat boredom)? The award-winning education team at the South Carolina Aquarium offers virtual visits and nature challenges that are fun for the whole family! Become a digital explorer. Discover all of the complex habitats South Carolina has to offer and the fascinating animals that call it home.
Ripley’s Aquariums
Explore Ripley’s Aquariums at home and learn all about the amazing animals of our world waters! Staff educators will guide you through live feedings, educational encounters, storytime, and much more. The site offers downloadable animal activities, crafts, and educational materials for Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School students.
Aquarium of the Pacific Online Academy
For more of a structured learning experience, head over to the Aquarium of the Pacific. They’ve created an Online Academy that offers educational activities through on-demand videos and scheduled interactive live programs with their educators. Plus, their live online courses for K-12 kids and printable certificates is a great way to engage and reward students.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Catch a glimpse of the unique (and luxurious) offerings at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Choose from three different views: The Main Tank, Underwater Zoo, and Shark Week Exhibit. It’s not as extensive as some of the other virtual aquariums on this list. But, it’s a great way to see something new for a few minutes!
New England Aquarium
Boston’s New England Aquarium has created a virtual portal for sharing live presentations, new videos, and even activities you can try from home! Interested in checking out the daily presentations? The aquarium posts them on their Facebook page every day at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
OdySea Aquarium
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the OdySea Aquarium has developed several online portals to promote learning. Kids will be fascinated by the Shark Live Cam and sink into the Virtual OdySea Classroom where they can learn more about penguins, jellies, and more!
Texas State Aquarium
They say that everything’s bigger in Texas, which would explain why this aquarium’s virtual tours section is so extensive! You won’t grow bored with all of the views they offer. Find a tunnel view of the Caribbean Sea, up-close look at the coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico, and a cam that lets viewers mingle with flamingos!
Tennessee Aquarium
Don’t live in the Chattanooga area? No problem. You can visit the Tennessee Aquarium anytime with their wonderful live cams! Check in on their gentoo and macaroni penguins, witness courtship, nest building, rearing young, and even molting. Watch river otters scampering up and down a multi-tiered landscape. Lastly, venture into the saltwater exhibit, home to thousands of colorful reef fish, toothy sharks, and a rescued green sea turtle!
Virtual Aquarium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9O1YIt3oo
Perfect for winding down at the end of the day, Virtual Aquarium shares the best freshwater and marine aquariums all in one place! Plus, with relaxing sounds of the ocean, waterfalls, and rainforests, you could leave this on as a screensaver on your television for a calming backdrop throughout your day.
Did we miss one of your favorite aquarium virtual field trips? Share them with us, and we might just add it to this list!
Also, check out the Best Field Trip Ideas for Every Age and Interest (Virtual Options Too!)
