Calendar of Events

Monthly Donation Drive - Bring on the Spectrum

April is Awe-tism Month, also known as Autism Awareness Month. Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) is a 501(c)3, whose mission is to support neurodiverse individuals with opportunities to achieve their best quality of life as a respected member of the Capital Region.

To support their mission, you can donate your spare change to their 2nd annual coin drive, BOTS of Cent$, through the end of April. The aquarium will have two collection bins located at the admissions and gift shop counters. Please consider donating to help fund programs to support BOTS and neurodiverse individuals of all ages.

On Sunday, April 28, from 11:00am-1:00pm, BOTS will host a table where you can learn about Awe-tism month, interactive sensory friendly activities, the BOTS community space and sensory gym, and more.

Please note that we will be hosting a Sensory Friendly Event that morning from 9:00am-11:00am for families that register through BOTS. Families interested in attending must contact BOTS directly to register to attend! BOTS will have sensory friendly interactives (fidget spinners, bedazzle, astroturf, etc) and “Sensory Bags” for guests to take home, while supplies last.

Friday, April 19th - Book Launch Pajama Party

We have partnered with the team behind the upcoming release of Steven and Clifford Simmons’ “Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night” for an After Hours Book Launch Pajama Party!!

Wear your comfiest PJs, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and see the aquarium in a whole new light, literally! Our exhibits will be in night mode so you’ll get a chance to see where our creatures sleep at night to compare to the creatures in the book.

After some nighttime exploration, we’ll serve nighttime tea and biscuits and our Education Staff will read aloud from the brand new book then guide attendees through an activity.

There will be giveaways and a chance to win a copy of “Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night”! We hope to SEA you there. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

To find out more about the authors and their book collection head to https://www.simmonsbooks.com/!

Saturday, April 20th - Jellyfish Day

Get up close and personal with our mesmerizing jellyfish in our touch tank from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Touch a real Jellyfish. And no, they won’t sting you! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience, and learn about these amazing creatures. Once you’ve met the real jellyfish, you can head over to our arts & craft table to make your very own jellyfish!

Saturday, April 27th - Pirate Day

Our Pirates argh back for another day of treasure hunting and they need your help to find it.
Join us as our pirates give pirate lessons on our Koi Pond along with a sword fight and then go on a treasure hunt with you afterward. Dressing up like a pirate is encouraged!

Event will be from 1 PM – 3 PM

Tuesday, April 30th - Sensory Friendly Day

Join us for our monthly sensory-friendly day here at the aquarium. We keep the lights down as well as the music and some interactives off to make things more inviting! **We also offer sensory bags for the duration of your visit that include fidget toys, sunglasses, headphones, and more.

**Sensory Friendly Bags are temporarily on hold

Saturday, May 4th - Spongebob Day

Join us for SpongeBob Day here at Via Aquarium on May 4th!

We will be have a SpongeBob themed scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. Make sure to check all our tanks so that you don’t miss anything! There will also be a small giveaway while supplies last for participants.

Head over to the arts & craft table for a SpongeBob themed temporary tattoo. We will also have a boat race at the Koi Pond at 1:00pm, sign up at the the arts & craft station for your chance to win a prize. Hopefully your boat can steer better than SpongeBob! (only 150 boats are available for registration)

Event will be all day during regular business hours (11 AM – 6 PM Last admission at 5 PM)

Saturday, May 11th - Mermaid School

Tickets will go on sale soon! Follow along so you don’t miss your chance to buy tickets as they are very limited.

Mermaid School is will be led by Via Aquarium staff with the help of the Little Mermaid Princess from 9:00am-11:00am. Attendees will find out what kind of Mermaid they would be and design their own mermaid tail based on that. There will be a Facepainter to transform all guests into a mermaid before exploring VIA Discovery where they can have their picture taken with the Mermaid Princess in front of Discovery’s Mermaid exhibit.

Saturday, May 12th - Mother's Day - Free Admission For Mothers

Come and create a new family tradition at our aquarium this Mother’s Day! Join us for a day filled with unforgettable memories as we honor and celebrate all mothers. As a special treat, all mothers will receive complimentary general admission. Bring your whole family and make this Mother’s Day an experience to remember!

When you arrive at our admissions desk, please let guest services know how many mothers are in your group to speed up the check-in process.

*One paying customer per mother is required*

*The free admission for mothers can only be redeemed in person*

Saturday, May 18th - Birds of Prey Day

National Endangered Species Day, the third Friday in May, celebrates and offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species. To bring awareness to this day, two local rescue and rehabilitation organizations will be bringing their birds of prey from 11:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, May 18th. We are welcoming Whispering Willow Wild Care and New York Wildlife Rescue Center to provide an educational and fun experience for all guests to learn about local birds of prey, their importance in the wild, and the vital role these organizations play in rescuing and protecting these animals.

Saturday, May 25th - Mer-May-Day

It’s Mer-May! Join us for a mermaid show at the aquarium, along with a mermaid craft, giveaways, and more!

Times to be determined!