Please contact education@centralcoastaquarium.com with questions or specific program needs, including Spanish programming.
Discovery Labs
Monday, Thursday, and Friday
Field Trips & School Programs
Discovery Labs take place at the Aquarium in the Carol Kiessig Marine Education Center. Choose from a variety of topics and bring the wonders of the ocean to your students through instructor led lessons and activities specifically designed to promote hands-on learning. Each lab is guided by grade specific Next Generation Science Standards to enhance your classroom’s science curriculum. All programs include a self-guided visit to the Aquarium and Gift Shop. Explore our programs below to learn more!
Discovery Labs will resume in August 2026. To join our teacher email list and receive updates about upcoming programs, please email education@centralcoastaquarium.com. To complete a field trip interest form for next school year, click the button below.
If you are interested in visiting the Aquarium during the summer, we welcome you to join us through General Admission. Please visit our tickets page to plan your visit. To help ensure the best experience for all guests, we ask that school and student groups visiting through General Admission limit their group size to 15 students at a time in the Exhibit Hall. Please contact us with any questions.
Discovery Labs take place at the Aquarium in the Carol Kiessig Marine Education Center. Choose from a variety of topics and bring the wonders of the ocean to your students through instructor led lessons and activities specifically designed to promote hands-on learning. Each lab is guided by grade specific Next Generation Science Standards to enhance your classroom’s science curriculum. All programs include a self-guided visit to the Aquarium and Gift Shop. Explore our programs below to learn more!
Program Details
- Discovery Labs last approximately 45-50min, with extended program options available.
- Single or multiple labs can be booked. With different programs to choose from you can MIX & MATCH for a unique educational experience!
- All programs include a self-guided visit to the Aquarium Exhibit Hall and Gift Shop.
- Each lab has a 30 student capacity. (For groups with more than 30 students, class rotations can be scheduled for (1) or (2) program options.)
Program Pricing
- One 45 minute lab: $20/student ($200 minimum)
- Two 45 minute labs: $30/student ($300 minimum)
- Aquarium admission included.
- Teachers and instructional aids are included in student fees.
- Parents/chaperones are welcome to attend at standard general admission rates. Tickets may be purchased online or on the day of your scheduled program. To help maintain the best learning experience, we kindly request no more than 10 parent chaperones per class.
Cancelation Policy
- To accommodate staffing and program preparation costs, cancellations made within 14 days of the program date will incur the full program balance.
- Program balances are considered final 7 days prior to the program date, regardless of changes in student headcount.
Scholarships
The Central Coast Aquarium strives to offer scholarship assistance to schools seeking financial support. Through the generous support of local grants and private community donors, scholarship funds are awarded to schools on a first-come, first-served basis, as they are available. Schools with Title I status will be given priority when receiving scholarships.
Note: Some funds are reserved for SLO County Title I students. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their school, program of interest, and a statement of need describing how the desired program will enhance student learning.
What Grade Do You Teach?
Enhance your students’ learning with fun and engaging programs at the Aquarium! Select your grade level and choose from a variety of topics to bring the wonders of the ocean into your classroom.
