Maritime Aquarium Announces Special Weekend BSA Scout Day Programs

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium will hold a BSA Scout Day event Saturday at the Norwalk facility.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, scouts and their families are invited to enjoy "an exciting day of discovery, learning and adventure" with cub scout and merit badge programs, discounted admission and special behind‑the‑scenes experiences.

Scouts are also invited to extend the adventure by joining the aquarium's popular sleepover Friday, according to the release.

Participants will explore exhibits after dark, enjoy hands‑on activities and spend the night alongside amazing marine life at a cost of $100 per person, according to the aquarium.

The following special Scout Day admission prices were provided by the aquarium:

• Children (ages 3–12): $19.50
• Adults: $25.50
• Seniors (65+): $25.50
• Patches: $2.50
• Add a 4D Movie: $7.95 per person ($6.95 for members)

Discounted walk‑in admission will be available to families Saturday when at least one member is dressed in scout attire, according to the aquarium.

All guests ages 3 and up require paid admission except aquarium members. Scouts must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult leader, according to the aquarium.

The following additional information was provided by the aquarium:

Add-on Programs

Add-on programs are drop‑off style, with educators meeting participants inside Newman’s Own Hall 10 minutes before sessions begin. Program fees do not include aquarium admission and are the same for members and non‑members.

Behind the Scenes Tour

• Participants will explore the inner workings of the aquarium, discovering how aquarists care for more than 7,000 animals. Highlights include an elevated view of the Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit — home to seven‑foot sharks — and a visit to the aquarium's "Fish Kitchen," where animal diets are prepared daily.
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Cost: $15 per person (children and adults).

Merit Badge Programs

All merit badge classes take advantage of the aquarium's unique exhibits, laboratories, and research vessel (participants must be at least 42-inches tall for vessel activities). Each program starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m., and costs $90 ($70 for members).

Environmental Science Merit Badge

• Environmental science is an advanced, eagle‑required merit badge. Scouts will conduct experiments across two habitats, analyze environmental conditions, and incorporate exhibit research. Participants must hold the rank of first class, star or life.

Oceanography Merit Badge

• Through lab work, lectures, microscope studies and a research vessel cruise, scouts will explore salinity, waves, organisms and more. Open to all ranks.

Fish & Wildlife Management Merit Badge

• Scouts will examine wildlife and fish conservation through dissection, habitat studies, exhibit exploration and research vessel activities. Open to all ranks.

Registration for all programs closes Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to the aquarium.

More information is available here.