Education

Exploration starts at an early age.

We love that parents, grandparents, families & friends take the time to explore the world together with their visits to Aquarium of Boise. We support learners, of all ages, with our educational programs as a part of our mission to educate, inspire & conserve.

Community Outreach Group Tours & Programs Conservation

Using Zoom or Google Hangout you can purchase a virtual teleconference meeting with a biologist/educator at the Aquarium of Boise.

Community outreach

Virtual Teleconference Meeting with Students

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Group Tours & Programs

Explore, learn, interact.

Educational Class Booking Form Outreach Booking Form Tour Booking Form Behind the Seas Feeding Tour Outreach Booking Form
Groups

The aquarium offers a special group discount rate for schools and non-profit organizations, requiring 5 or more students. Groups must schedule in advance and will not receive the offer as a walk-in group.

  • $11 per adult
  • $7 per student (or child under age 12)
  • School groups of 10 or more, 1 free chaperone. Groups of 20 or more, 2 free chaperones, with a maximum of 2 free chaperones total, no matter the size of the group.

    No free chaperones for homeschool groups.
Guided Tours

A staff member will guide schools and groups throughout the aquarium, teaching fun facts about fresh- and saltwater aquatic species, reptiles and aviary animals.

  • $11 per adult
  • $8 per child
  • School groups of 10 or more, 1 free chaperone. Groups of 20 or more, 2 free chaperones, with a maximum of 2 free chaperones total, no matter the size of the group.

    ‍No free chaperones for homeschool groups.
Behind the Seas Feeding Tour

You will have the opportunity to be personally escorted by one of our Aquatic Specialists throughout the aquarium to assist in multiple feeds. You will have the option of choosing to feed 3 or 5 of our aquatic exhibits, including our Tropical Tank, Small & Large Amazon Tank, Shark Tank, and Bamboo Shark Pool. Some of our animals you'll have the opportunity to personally feed include our California Round Rays, a variety of Tropical Fish, Silver Arowana, Pacu, Atlantic Stingray, Bamboo Sharks, Queensland Grouper and many more. Enjoy the close interactions and behind the scenes sights that only staff have the daily luxury of feeding.

Schedule (Approximately 45-60 minutes long)

  • Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday
  • 10am-10:30am: Arrival time
  • 11am: Feedings begin

PLEASE SCHEDULE A WEEK IN ADVANCE!

Requirements

  • Wear any clothing you do not mind getting wet/dirty
  • Wear closed toe shoes, no heels or open toe shoes allowed (i.e. flip flops)
  • We recommend any guests with any shellfish or seafood allergies do NOT participate in this encounter
  • Guests ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a participating adult (18+)
  • Groups of 4 or less only

Accessibility

  • Use of stairs; elevators are NOT available
  • Walking/standing for 60 min. max
  • Wet and slippery floors
  • Light and dark areas
  • Confined Spaces
School Programs

Our programs have been designed to meet the Idaho Content Standards for Science.

‍Preschool: $47.00/class plus school admission, 2 free chaperones. Maximum of 15 participants.

  • Our 5 Senses
    Get up close and personal with the aquarium with ALL of our senses!
  • Swim, Crawl or Float
    We will learn how different ocean animals move through the ocean.
  • Bigger or Smaller?
    We’ll find out if we’re bigger or smaller than some of animals in the sea.
  • Hey, Where did you go?
    Some animals are experts at hiding! Join us while learn about camouflage.
  • What’s For Breakfast?
    We will learn food chains of the ocean.
  • Fantastic Fish
    Join us while we learn about some of our favorite fishy characters.

K-6th Grade:

  • Shark & Ray Lab:
    Discover the wonder and diversity of sharks & rays and their unique adaptations. $26.00 per lab + school admission. Labs run about 45 mins to an hour long.
  • Baleen and Tooth Whale Lab:
    For 3rd graders. Explore the difference between these ocean giants and their toothed cousins in this unique STEM Lab. $26.00 per lab + school admission. Lab runs about 45 mins to an hour long.
  • Squid Lab:
    For K-6th graders. Octopus, squid and cuttlefish have some special features. Explore these curious cephalopods with this Squid Dissection Lab. $5.50 per student + school admission. No more than 20 students per lab.
Outreach Programs

Life in the Ocean $125.00/hour:
Allow us to bring the aquarium to your classroom! Our educator will give students a visual guided tour discussing the diversity of life in the ocean. Students will have the opportunity to explore and interact with some of the Aquarium’s resident animals.

Conservation

Seafood Watch

Aquarium of Boise partners with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch® program to promote sustainable seafood messaging.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch® program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's caught or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for future generations. Our recommendations indicate which seafood items are "Best Choices" or "Good Alternatives," and which ones you should "Avoid."

Learn more at seafoodwatch.org.

Vaquita Conservation

Endangered Species: Vaquita Porpoise

The vaquita is the world's most endangered marine mammal. The vaquita is a small porpoise (which are cousins to whales and dolphins). It is found in a tiny area in the extreme northern Gulf of Mexico, near Baja California, Mexico. There is only one small population, and if the species goes extinct, it will be gone forever.

The Aquarium of Boise has partnered with other zoos & aquariums, conservation organization and other government & non government organizations to promote the conservation of this unique marine mammal.

For more information go to www.vivavaquita.org to learn more about how you can help.

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