Camps, Clubs & Youth / AquaTots

AquaTots

Ocean Wise is proud to launch our brand new parent & tot program designed to engage children ages 2 to 4 in all things oceans! Designed in consideration of the Early Childhood Education principles, toddlers and young children will be introduced to the amazing amount of life in our oceans while engaging the senses, fostering discovery, and making new friends.

Quick info

Ages

For children ages 2 to 4
**Guardian Must Also Attend

Dates

Winter Season: Feb. 6 to Mar 12
Spring Season: Apr. 9 to May 14

Times

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

$100

Members rate for season
or $20 Drop in rate per session

$125

Non-members rate for season
or $25 Drop in rate per session

Please note: After September 7, 2020, the Aquarium will pause all on-site public programming and temporarily close to the public while we focus on transforming the Vancouver Aquarium to a new model that is financially sustainable in the long-term and accelerates our mission of ocean conservation. This temporary closure impacts all Vancouver Aquarium and Ocean Wise educational programming that normally takes place at the Vancouver Aquarium. We look forward to welcoming back students, teachers, parents and all life-long learners when the Aquarium’s reinvention is complete. In order to continue our important work, the Ocean Wise Education team has further shifted programming online to accommodate our new learning reality. We encourage you to visit Online Ocean to learn more about all our virtual offerings.

Overview

Ocean awe and wonder for young families

Hands-on, unique, sensory engaging activities will immerse you and your young child in ocean sciences through discovery, arts and crafts, songs, games and gallery exploration. Discover the amazing wonders of the ocean in a safe, nurturing environment with our Ocean Wise educators, making new friends – children and animals alike!

Themes

Sneaky Animals

Feb. 6th & Apr. 9th: Who doesn’t love playing a game of hide and seek? A lot of animals love the game and will hide in the sneakiest places in the ocean. Learn about some of the ways these champions will never be found!

Do re mi fa so la ti do

Feb. 13th & Apr. 16th: Some animals make beautiful music in nature, and the ocean is no exception! Animals like sea lions and walruses make all sorts of sounds for all sorts of reasons. Come along for an underwater morning musical!

Touchy Feely

Feb. 20th & Apr. 23rd: Have you wondered how certain animals feel? Some animals might surprise you! We’ll show you some of our favourite props and use our sense of touch to explore the ocean.

Wacky Wonders

Feb. 27th & Apr. 30th: Animals can be silly too! From waddling penguins to upside down parrots, many animals in the aquarium can look funny! Find out why some animals look so funny.

Plug your nose!

Mar. 5th, & May 7th: The oceans can be a smelly place! Put your nose to the test as we dive in and learn from the best smellers in the ocean.

Please RSVP!

Mar. 12th & May 14th: Do animals have good table manners? Find out why you wouldn’t want some animals at your dinner table! From grabby sea anemones to inside out sea stars, we’ll see some messy ocean creatures!

Community Page

Further your learning by joining our community page!

Our AquaTots community page offers participants a chance to further their knowledge on the ocean by linking important resources, videos, photos.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We have created a list of frequently asked questions about our AquaTots program, please see information below. Click/tap each item to expand.

What does a typical AquaTots session look like?

AquaTots will feature a variety of activities including sing-a-longs, arts & crafts, games, story time, behind the scenes opportunities, and gallery exploration. Throughout the hour, we will rotate through the classroom and gallery spaces to keep your children engaged!


What type of clothing should my child wear?

All activities will take place within the classrooms or galleries, but please keep in mind that some galleries are outdoors, so dressing for the weather would be best. Please wear appropriate close-toed footwear for games and behind the scenes access.


What do the parents do during the lesson?

This program is designed as a parent/guardian and toddler program, meaning that adults will need to attend with a maximum of 2 children. Our educators will be leading activities for the children, but parents are highly encouraged to participate along with their children!


Where do we meet for the program?

Sign in begins 15 minutes prior to the start time at 9:15am at the AquaQuest Reception entrance on the north side of the building. 


What food or drink should I bring my child?

Our educators are not allowed to provide food to the children, so it would be a great idea to have a nut free snack on hand in case your child gets hungry. Please also bring a reusable water bottle, which can be filled at our water fountains!


Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made between 7-14 days of the program start date will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 7 days of the program start date will not be refunded. Rescheduling within 14 days of the program date will result in a 25% rebooking fee. Missed programs will not be refunded nor rescheduled. The Ocean Wise Education team reserves the right to cancel any program due to low registration.


More questions about Aquatots? email us for more information.

Learn about our other educational programs

AquaCamps

AquaCamps offer your children 4 to 12 years of age a fun and educational experience of a lifetime.

Junior Biologist Club

Junior Biologist Club is excited to start a new season where we continue to explore the animals, science, and research that happen behind the scenes at the Vancouver Aquarium.

AquaTots

Ocean Wise is proud to launch our brand new parent & tot program designed to engage children ages 2 to 4 in all things oceans!

Children's Birthday Parties

Your kids can enjoy a splash of a birthday at the Aquarium.

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