Explore the natural world around us with day camp at the Aquarium!
Fall & Winter Camp
Join us this Fall and Winter as we explore the world around us through animal encounters, Aquarium tours, activities, hands-on explorations, and so much more!
Our camp programs help to cover Hamilton County’s fall and winter breaks. This fall and winter we have 3 different themes for campers to explore. Continue below to find out more information, and we hope to see you all soon!
Registration is open now until October 8 for Fall Camp!
Learn more about:
What to pack for your Camper
Each day there are priority things that your camper should have packed with them. It is suggested that all items are packed in a standard school backpack. These backpacks will be left at our home base. For more details, please view our PDF of our packing list.
- 2 snacks—We have a morning snack time and afternoon snack time in our schedule.
- Lunch—Lunch should be packed with cooler packs if necessary. Campers will not have access to a refrigerator.
- Reusable water bottle—We have water refill stations available and encourage campers to use them often.
- Closed-toed shoes—Crocs are not allowed at camp. Many of our activities are physical and we want all campers to have safe and reliable footwear.
Camp Scholarships
The Aquarium is excited to offer a limited number of scholarships for children to participate in camp programming!
Fall Camp
October 13 – 17
Amazing Adaptations: Fish that use lungs, sharks that sense electricity, and otters with their winter coats are all amazing examples of adaptations!
Location: Fall Camp will be located in the IMAX Theatre classrooms. Throughout the day we will travel to and from IMAX, the Aquarium buildings, and the green spaces on our Plaza.
View our map of the drop off and pick up route that we use daily.
Date: October 13 – 17; Monday – Friday
Ages: 5-9 years old
Price: $300 for non-members; $270 for aquarium members – The Aquarium is excited to offer a limited number of camp scholarships!
Description: Throughout the week we will tour the Aquarium, create crafts, play games, and meet a few of our Ambassador Animals. By the end of the week, we will know all the amazing ways that animals have adapted to thrive within their habitats.
Winter Camps
Session 1
December 29 – January 2
Cozy Critters: As winter sets in, our local wildlife settles into their cozy homes to wait out the cold.
Dates: December 29 – January 2; Monday – Friday (including New Year’s Day holiday)
Ages: 5-9 years old
Price: $300 for non-members; $270 for aquarium members – The Aquarium is excited to offer a limited number of camp scholarships!
Description: During this week of camp, we will explore how certain animals experience hibernation, torpor, or brumation to survive the winter. With the help of Aquarium tours, crafts and STEM projects, Ambassador Animals, and a peek behind the scenes, we’ll discover the survival strategies animals employ during our coldest months.
Session 2
January 5-6
New Year, New Life: With a new year comes new life!
Date: January 5-6; Monday – Tuesday
Ages: 5-9 years old
Price: $120 for non-members; $108 for aquarium members – The Aquarium is excited to offer a limited number of camp scholarships!
Description: Join us in a mini week of camp as we learn about animal gardeners and discover animals with unique life cycles. Each day starts with an exploration through the Aquarium, fun activities, and an encounter with an Ambassador Animal.
Register for either or both winter sessions here!
Coming 2026
Summer Camp
Thank you for joining us for another amazing summer camp season! Information for the summer 2026 season will be released in January.
Questions?
Contact Shelley McIntyre at [email protected] or 423-785-4093.
Tennessee Aquarium Camps are sponsored by:
