K-12 Classroom Programs & Tours

Aquarium of the Bay’s eLearning modules are interactive online tools to help students learn about Climate Resilience and Ocean Conservation. These at-home or at-school online programs are geared to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for students in grades 7-12. Cost as low as $1 depending on student group size.

The Bioacoustics Program focuses on marine animal communication and behavior in relation to complex ecosystems within the Bay. Recommended for Grades 7-9.

The Environmental Justice Program focuses on the Hunter’s Point / Bayview area in San Francisco and the story of the effects of radioactive waste on the community. It also ties in similar instances of pollution sites and their connection to systemic inequality around the United States. Recommended for Grades 9-12.

This flexible tour is best if your group has a limited time to be at Aquarium of the Bay. Enjoy the Aquarium within your time restrictions and still  give your group an awe-inspiring look at life in San Francisco Bay.

Program Fee: Free for TK-12 schools found in the nine (9) Bay Area Counties: San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. School location will be verified before final confirmation is sent.

Program Length: Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour

Days Offered: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (based on availability)

Time Offered: Every 20 minutes between 10:40 am and 2:00 pm (based on availability and season).  Note: this 20-minute mark is the time between groups, and not the duration of the outing. Once inside, the outing can last 45-60 minutes.

Number of Participants: Limit of 42 participants, both Students and Adults per tour time slot.

• Note: one (1) adult chaperone to five (5) students is gifted free admission. Every additional chaperone is REQUIRED to PAY a reduced entrance fee.
• Groups larger than 42 participants MUST submit separate Reservation Forms. If you submit a form with more than 45 people, we will contact you BEFORE processing your request. While we will work with you to try to find a good alternative, we are not able to guarantee that the group will be touring  right after each other.

Group Arrivals: Due to fire safety, the group is NOT able to gather around the Front Entrance of the Aquarium. We ask that only 1 person check the group check in and be prepared to finalize any balance that is still outstanding, if it has not been done before. The group will only be admitted at the proper arrival time.

Late Arrivals: We fully understand that there may be things beyond your control, but Groups that arrive more than 10 minutes late will only be permitted entrance based on availability. Keep in mind that some days will be much busier than others, which will limit how quickly your group will be let in. The Spring semester often has more groups, and we are less flexible if the group is late. If no time slots remain for the day, your group may need to reschedule.

Please Note:

• Aquarium of the Bay offers a special self-guided tour rate ONLY for Bay Area TK-12 school groups. This does not include after-school programs, day-care centers, or non-SFUSD preschools. We have worked with many schools over the  years, and new schools will be verified.
• All reservations will receive 3 documents along with their final email confirmation: an invoice based on the number of individuals the group stated will be in attendance,  a Behavior Agreement and a Chaperone Guide. Any monies due must be taken care of PRIOR to arrival at the Aquarium. If there are changes to your group size, let us know as soon as possible and we will send an updated invoice. We are not able to update group numbers at the door.
• For non-Bay Area schools, youth groups, after-school programs, day care and PreK groups not in SFUSD, please contact the Group Sales Department at [email protected] or 415-623-5326

Aquarium Classroom Programs offer your students a classroom experience by the Bay. These programs are coupled with an optional self-guided tour of the Aquarium to extend your students’ learning experience.

Program Length: 2.5 hours (includes self-guided Aquarium tour)

Days Offered: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Time Offered: 10:15am

Number of Participants: Limit of 42 participants per program

Note: While there is one (1) program time, groups bringing two (2) classes will still be able to start and complete the program in the same time frame. Groups must register at least 4 weeks in advance. Special arrangements must be made if you are interested in bringing 3 individual classes in one day. Contract and Payment due date is based on the scheduled program date.

The 3D Print Lab enables the students to learn a bit about the history of 3D printing, its applications, and how to source potential printing projects, all the while preparing Braile learning plates that will be used to benefit our visually impaired community.

Project WATERS (Watershed and Trout Education for Regional Stewardship) is an exciting program where teachers and students engage in a one-of-a kind educational experience while gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of local aquatic ecosystems. The core of this program is California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Trout in the Classroom program, through which classes host and raise young rainbow trout in their classroom.

Project WATERS is ONLY available for classes in San Francisco.

If your class is not located in San Francisco County, but you are interested in the program, please click on the link above. You will need to work with California Department of Fish and Wildlife to find another organization within our regional area to work with.

If you are interested in applying to participate in Project WATERS or just want more information please contact the Education Department at:

• [email protected]