Preschool Programs

We make it easy to teach children about the ocean, whether they learn best by seeing animals, touching critters, making cool stuff, hearing stories or singing songs.

About Our Programs


Sea Squirts and Flock of Fledglings programs, preschoolers embark on an ocean voyage of discovery as they explore the creatures of the sea. Programs are taught by a dynamic educator and include activities such as exhibit visits, crafts, stories, songs, animal encounters and games.

Preschool school groups are welcome to visit our classroom for a Coastal Close-up program as an added adventure to your field trip! Take an in-depth look at the lives of sea stars and urchins through interactions with live animals and costumes. See Lab Programs page for more information.


Sea Squirts (for ages 2 and 3 with a parent)

Sea Squirts will explore the ocean through touch! Our programs are sensory-based and focus on learning for toddlers and adults.

Time: For the 2011-2012 school year, Sea Squirts meet on the second Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Price: $15 for members, $20 for non-members, per adult/child pair.

To Register: Call our group coordinator at 541-867-3474, Ext. 5301, or email education@aquarium.org. Registration must be completed the Wednesday before the program.

2011-2012 School Year Sea Squirts Programs

  • January 13, 2012: Sandy Sharks. Have you ever touched a shark? Join us in this sensory based class as we discover what makes up a shark's skin.
  • February 10, 2012: A Slimy Surprise. Come feel one of the ocean’s slimiest creatures. Learn about hagfish and their special talents.
  • March 9, 2012: Furry Friends. What does a marine mammal feel like? Join us to explore some of the furriest ocean creatures out there!
  • April 13, 2012: Rough & Rugged. Meet one of the ocean's toughest creatures. Sea stars are known for their spiky skin.
  • May 11, 2012: Slippery Scales. What does a fish feel like? Explore the slippery world of fish scales.

Special Spring Break Preschool Programs (2-5 year olds with a parent)

Spring is here and its time to head outside! During spring break join us for a chance to search for hidden animals. Each program will visit a different ocean habitat. 

Price: $15 for members, $20 for non-members, per adult/child pair.

To Register: Call our group coordinator at 541-867-3474, Ext. 5301, or email education@aquarium.org. Registration must be completed the Wednesday before the program.

  • March 27, 2012: Let’s Go Tidepooling. Who is hiding in the rocks? In this special spring break program, we will explore a local rocky intertidal zone at low tide and look for animals that live there. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This program will meet offsite. Rubber boots and a change of clothing are recommended.
  • March 28, 2012: What’s In the Mud? When was the last time you played in the mud with your child? In this special spring break program, we will investigate the mudflats and the animals that live there. 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Rubber boots and a change of clothing are recommended.


A Flock of Fledglings (for ages 4 and 5, without a parent)

Our Fledgling preschool programs are a drop off program designed for children 4-5 years old. All our Fledgling programs are sensory based. Programs are taught by a dynamic educator and include an aquarium visit, craft, story and song.

Price: Fees: $70 members, $80 nonmembers per child for all 4 Saturdays. Registration must be completed by Wednesday, January 4 2012.

To Register: Call our group coordinator at 541-867-3474, Ext. 5301, or email education@aquarium.org. Registration must be completed the Wednesday before the program.

  • January 2012: Sea Senses. We're sorry, but this program has been cancelled. Check our events calendar for additional opportunities for preschoolers.