Calendar of Events
Saturday, November 8th - Children's Book Week Finale
Children’s Book Week: An Ocean of Stories! | November 3–9
We’re partnering with the Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (powered locally by UWGCR) to celebrate Children’s Book Week with “An Ocean of Stories!”
Dive into a week of family-friendly fun and literary adventure!
Join us all week for:
StoryWalk™ – Follow a Giant Squid through our exhibits as he learns he might not be the biggest thing in the ocean. (Sponsored by SCPL)
10% off all books in our Treasure Chest Gift Shop
Free Children’s Book Coupon – Redeem at A Second Look Bookstore while supplies last
Special Event: Saturday, November 8 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Meet SCPL and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (powered locally by UWGCR) to learn about these incredible local resources!
Free admission for children under 5 until 3 PM
Receive a FREE copy of Would You, Could You Save the Sea? featuring Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax! while supplies last
The StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson (Montpelier, VT) and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Monday, November 10th - Zip Code Day
On the second Monday of every month, we celebrate our neighbors with a special admission discount — and this month’s lucky ZIP is 12306!
If you live in 12306, show your ID at admissions on Monday, November 10, to score your discount.
Saturday, November 15th - Jellyfish Touch Tank
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day at VIA Aquarium!
Join us on Saturday, November 15, to dive into the world of these mesmerizing marine wonders!
Did you know jellyfish are older than dinosaurs and are the oldest multiorgan animals on Earth? Come learn fascinating facts like these and get up close with these incredible creatures in our exclusive Jellyfish Touch Tank.
Event Highlights:
Jellyfish Craft Station – Create your own jellyfish-inspired craft to take home.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Jellyfish Touch Tank – Safely feel a jellyfish in this unique, hands-on experience.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Jellyfish Trivia & Species Match Games – Test your ocean knowledge and learn about different jellyfish species.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bring the whole family for a day full of ocean fun, learning, and discovery.
Event activities included with General Admission tickets.
Sunday, November 16th - Aquarium Bingo
Come by the aquarium on Saturday, November 16, for a self-guided game of Aquarium Bingo!
This is an all-day event—stop in anytime to play. Pick up your bingo sheet at Admissions, explore the exhibits to cross off your squares, and see if you can get a winning line!
Winners can stop by the Gift Shop to claim a prize, while supplies last.
Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure—it’s a fun way to discover something new around every corner!
Friday, November 21st - Adult Only Date Night
No-Theme November: After-Hours Adult Date Night
Hey couples — feeling burned out from planning creative date nights?
Tired, overworked, or just craving a break that doesn’t require you to plan and prepare for it?
We feel ya. That’s why our November After-Hours Adult Date Night theme is simple: “No.”
NO kids
NO prep
NO theme
NO pressure
We’re staying open late for our adult guests to just be. Wander the exhibits, take your time, and enjoy a night that’s all about slowing down and saying “no” to everything… except spending time with each other (or just yourself)!
Please note this event is for guests 18+ only. The event runs from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM with last admission at 7:30 PM. Click here to purchase tickets!
Saturday, November 22nd - Ocean of Thanks Day
Show what you’re grateful for on Ocean of Thanks Day!
Whether it’s a plentiful and healthy ocean with incredible marine life, or your friends, family, and pets at home, this is a day to celebrate gratitude! Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, hands-on experiences, and ways to show thanks to the ocean.
Activities include:
Gratitude Wall: Write what you’re thankful for on lionfish (also known as turkeyfish) stencils and hang them on our “Ocean of Thanks” display.
Friendship Bracelets: Make your own bracelets for friends with special guests from Hill City Ice Queen Princess Parties.
Who Gives Back? Scavenger Hunt: Explore exhibits to find animals that help each other or stick together in families, learning about teamwork and giving back in the ocean.
Dive in, have fun, and celebrate all the things—big and small—that make life and the ocean amazing!
Event activities included with General Admission tickets and run 11am-2:30pm or while supplies last.
Tuesday, November 25th - Sensory Friendly Day
Join us for our monthly Sensory-Friendly Day at the aquarium!
Every day, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests. Our lights are always kept dim, music is played at a low volume, and our interactive exhibits are designed with sensory-friendly features in mind.
On the last Tuesday of each month, we take extra steps to make the experience even more comfortable for those who prefer a quieter, slower-paced visit. Attendance is intentionally kept low, including a reduction in field trip groups, to help provide a calm and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Nov. 28th - Nov. 30th - Black Friday Weekend
We’re celebrating our guests and members with an exciting Black Friday Weekend offer!
November 28th through November 30th, get one free Bring-a-Friend ticket per member with any new or renewed membership. Memberships can be purchased online at https://viaaquarium.com/memberships/ or in person at the aquarium.
Membership Benefits:
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Unlimited admission for a full year
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$2 off admission for one guest
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10% discount in the Aquarium Gift Shop
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Discounts on tours, birthday parties, camps, programs, and special events
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Multiple free Stingray Feedings per year
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Two free Reptile Show tickets per member
For Gift Memberships:
Give the gift of experience this holiday season! Gift memberships are set to begin on December 26, 2025, so no time is lost. If your recipient plans to visit earlier, we can adjust the start date when they arrive.
Celebrate the season with a membership that brings year-round exploration and fun!
Friday, January 2nd - Winter Wonderland Day Camp
Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your child engaged over winter break?
Our Winter Wonderland Day Camp is the perfect place for kids in 1st through 5th grade!
It’s the perfect blend of learning, creativity, and adventure—all in one unforgettable day at the Aquarium!
Campers will:
– Explore how salinity affects freezing points through a science experiment
– Get creative with icy tie-dye and winter crafts
– Enjoy an ice age movie with popcorn
– Interact hands-on with our stingrays and learn about aquatic life
Tickets are available for full days (10:30am-4:00pm) or half days (10:30am-1:30pm).