How much time should my group plan to spend at the Aquarium? Plan to spend approximately 2 hours touring the Aquarium, plus any additional time if you are scheduled for a classroom experience and for lunch. Classroom experiences typically last 45 minutes. If your group has not pre-paid for tickets, allow an additional 15 minutes to check-in. How many chaperones should I bring to escort my group? A positive educational experience depends largely on the participation of the adult/teacher chaperones. One complimentary adult/teacher chaperone ticket is provided for every 10 student tickets purchased. Groups are required to have at least one adult/teacher chaperone for every 10 students. Additional adults are part of the group total and pay the discounted Adult Education Rate.

What is the cost to bring my students to the Newport Aquarium?
WAVE Foundation Education Rates*

Self-Guided Tour
$6 per student (PreK-8)
$7 per student (9-12)
One complimentary chaperone per 10 students
$12 additional adults

Finstitute Classroom Experience
$7 per student (PreK-8)
$8 per student (9-12)
One complimentary chaperone per 10 students
$13 additional adults

*Prices subject to change without notice.

What Options are available through the Finstitute?
When booking a visit to the Newport Aquarium, educators have three options to choose from:
(1) self-guided tour
(2) self-guided tour plus structured lesson plan, including pre- and post- visit activities
(3) self-guided tour, structured lesson plan with pre- and post- visit activities, plus a 45 minute classroom experience

What will we need to do before the Finstitute Experience?
Prior to visiting the aquarium, students complete a pre-visit assessment and small activity or discussion to introduce them to the topic of study. The visit portion of lesson is divided into two parts, the classroom experience and field experience. Students participating in the classroom experience participate in a 45-minute hands-on lesson taught by a trained WAVE Foundation instructor in the Newport on the Levee Community Center Suites. Please note - classroom experience does NOT take place inside the aquarium, it is located in one of Newport on the Levee’s Community Center Suites, across from Gameworks. During the actual exhibit experience, students are given a scavenger hunt or similar activity that reinforces the topic of study while viewing the animals the aquarium has to offer. After visiting, students then complete a follow up activity and post-visit assessment.

What is The Finstitute Schedule?
The Finstitute Classroom Experience is available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 10:00 a.m., with the final classroom program beginning at 2:00 p.m. Seating is limited and reserved on a first come, first served basis. Minimum – 20 participants, Maximum – 60 participants. Larger group sizes can be accommodated by splitting the large group into 2 or more smaller groups.

How do we register?
Complete your registration form and mail or fax to the Newport Aquarium at least two weeks prior to your visit.

Choose a payment option – send payment with your registration form to receive tickets in the mail or pay on the day of your visit.

You will receive a Confirmation Packet prior to your visit that contains everything you need for an enjoyable, educational and entertaining visit.

Take advantage of the Educator Planning Pass opportunity, which allows you to visit the aquarium at no cost prior to your scheduled visit to help prepare an unforgettable experience for your students, all you need to do is present your Confirmation Letter at the Information Desk.

To inquire about availability or if you have questions about registering your school group for
a visit to the Newport Aquarium, please email education@newportaquarium.com or call 859.815.1462.