N.C. Aquarium

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
While you're here make sure you visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Designed to take you on an aquatic journey across North Carolina "from the mountains to the sea," the exciting new exhibits are not to be missed. Enjoy free, daily programs for kids and adults. See and experience live animal programs, discovery labs, nature trails, dive shows, and animal feeding demonstrations.

Emerald Isle Realty proudly sponsors the new saltwater tank "Grass Flats," home of the official state fish, the Red Drum. We've dedicated our tank to all of our vacationing families.

 

Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Call 252-247-4003 or 866-294-3477 for admission fees or visit online at www.ncaquariums.com.

 

 

 

Free admission to North Carolina Aquarium on Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will waive the usual admission fees for all visitors on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 21. The Aquarium will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as usual.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of two days reserved each year for the public to visit any of the three state-operated Aquariums without charge. Admission also is waived on Veterans Day. The no-charge tradition began in 1994.

"Setting these days aside as free days guarantees that everyone, regardless of financial ability, can enjoy the Aquariums," said David Griffin, director of the North Carolina Aquariums Division.

Usual admission fees at the aquariums are $8 for adults; $7 for ages 62 and over and $6 for ages 6-17. Admission is free to children 5 and under and to all North Carolina schoolchildren who visit in pre-registered groups.

North Carolina's three public Aquariums are located at Fort Fisher, at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island. The aquariums work together to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments. 

For more information, call the Aquarium at 252-247-4003 or see www.ncaquariums.com.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers personal encounters with many sea creatures such as stingrays. Admission to the three state-operated Aquariums is free for all visitors on Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Photo by Claire Aubel for North Carolina Aquariums

 

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January 08 Calendar One-time events

Through March 10. Registrations accepted for second annual Get Hooked! Fishing School on March 15. Up to five sessions by expert instructors, catered lunch, prizes and giveaways. Fee is $40 with early registration discount if paid before Feb.22. Fee is $50 if paid between Feb.22-March 10. Ten percent discount for North Carolina Aquariums members. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Mon., Jan. 21:  Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission for all to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Details, 252-247-4003.

Programs that repeat weekly

Mon. 14, 21, 28: Succulent Seafood, 2-4 p.m., visit restaurants with the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores as the area's top chefs demonstrate how to prepare fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions include a taste test! Ages 12 and up. Registration required, $15. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Tues. 8, 15, 22, 29: Behind-the-Scenes - Aquarium Close Encounters, 2-3:30 p.m., visit labs and holding areas, help with food preparation and feed the animals in this thorough behind-the-scenes tour that includes a look at the Living Shipwreck from above, ages 6 & up. Registration required, $10, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Wed. 9, 16, 23, 30: Dinner with the Critters, 6-7:30 p.m., enjoy pizza, learn about animal care and see what it's like to feed the animals in the invertebrate touch tank, ages 5 & up. Registration required, $15, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Sat. 5, 12, 19, 26: Breakfast with the Rays, 8-9:30 a.m., enjoy a continental breakfast and help feed these amazing animals before the Aquarium opens for the day, ages 5 & up. Registration required, $15, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Sun. 6, 13, 20, 27: Behind-the-Scenes - Aquarium At a Glance, 4-4:45 p.m.,
visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas and labs, and get a look at the Living Shipwreck exhibit from above, ages 6 & up. Registration required, $5, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.