Calendar of Events
Sunday, October 25th - Bingo & Bites
Come hungry and ready for fun! From March through October, join us for our monthly Bingo & Bites! Enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, then dive into a self-guided game of Aquarium Bingo.
Pick up your bingo sheet at Admissions, explore the exhibits, and cross off your squares as you discover the wonders of the aquarium. Complete a winning line? Claim a prize at the Gift Shop while supplies last!
Food truck purchases are separate, but Aquarium Bingo is included with General Admission tickets. Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure—it’s a fun way to uncover something new around every corner.
Check out our Facebook event for announcements and updates on the Food Trucks that are joining us!
Tuesday, October 27th - 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.
Saturday, October 31st - Fins & Frights
Celebrate Halloween at Via Aquarium with a day full of spooky fun for the whole family! Follow the trick-or-treat stations throughout the aquarium, then join us at 11:30 AM for a special underwater pumpkin carving demonstration. At 1:00 PM our resident alligator snapping turtle, Chappy, will go pumpkin bobbing!
Plus, Boogie Down Bugs will be here from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM with a table full of creepy, crawly insects to discover. Costumes are encouraged, candy is waiting, and Halloween is calling! Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🕷️
Saturday, November 7th - Jellyfish Touch Tank Day
We’re celebrating World Jellyfish Day with a special jellyfish experience at Via Aquarium! 🪼
Join us for a chance to get up close with our beautiful, harmless moon jellyfish in a special touch tank. Learn more about these fascinating ocean drifters and discover what makes them so unique!
We’ll also have a fun jellyfish-themed craft for guests to create and take home.
Touch tank hours will be announced soon. Come celebrate these amazing ocean creatures with us!
Saturday, November 11th - Veteran's Day
We’re opening one hour early at 10 AM on Veteran’s Day! As a small thank-you for your service, all active-duty and reitred military personnel with valid military ID receive FREE admission!
Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country! ❤️🤍💙
Saturday, November 14th - VIA Aquarium's 10 Year Anniversary Party
Ten years of underwater adventures calls for a BIG celebration! 🥳Join us at Via Aquarium as we celebrate a decade of amazing memories, fascinating aquatic life, and family fun!
We’re planning a special day packed with excitement, including an up-close encounter with our Shark Touch Tank, delicious eats from the New York Catchin’ Fish n Chips food truck, special giveaways, and more!
Bring the whole family and celebrate ten fin-tastic years with us! We’re working on even more surprises, special guests, and activities to make this anniversary one to remember, so stay tuned as we announce additional details.
Thank you for being part of our first ten years. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🐟🦈🧜♀️
Saturday, November 14th - Quartet by Candlelight
Please join us for our first Quartet by Candlelight event. When putting the program together, we thought what could be more fitting than paying tribute to the composer who gave JAWS teeth using just 2 notes?!
We are honored to be joined by a quartet led by Cellist Laura Melnicoff. Not only is Laura an incredibly accomplished musician and music educator, but she also lives right here in the Capital Region! Learn more about Laura at her website lauramelnicoff.com.
Please note that this event is for guests 13+ and that doors will open at 6pm with last admission at 6:45pm. This is to be respectful to the performers, as the program is scheduled to begin promptly at 7pm. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the aquarium after the performance, scheduled to end at 8pm, until the facility closes at 9pm.
Limited tickets available, click here to reserve yours!
Friday, November 20th - Adult After Hours Event: Paint and Sip
Join us for an ocean-themed evening of art, creativity and fun! Karen’s pARTies will lead you step-by-step through a colorful ocean-inspired painting while you enjoy an evening at Via Aquarium. We’ll provide the wine, you provide the creativity! Event starts at 6pm and ends at 8ish. Tickets are $45 for non-members and $40 for Via Aquarium members. A minimum of 6 seats must be sold for the event to run, so gather your friends and reserve your spot!
Saturday, November 21st - Thanks A-Lotl Day
We’re thankful for our amazing guests, and we’re celebrating with a whole-lotl fun! Join us for Thanks A-lotl Day, a special event inspired by one of our favorite aquatic creatures: the adorable axolotl! Get creative with a fun, axolotl-themed craft and take a moment to celebrate the things you’re thankful for with a special gratitude activity. It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to get creative, spread some positivity, and learn a little more about these fascinating aquatic animals!
Tuesday, November 24th - 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.
Mon-Wed, December 28th to 30th - Winter Day Camp
Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your child engaged over winter break? Dive into the underwater world at Via Aquarium’s Winter Day Camp. Our Day Camp is the perfect place for kids to learn, explore, and have fun! It’s the ideal blend of creativity and adventure—all in one unforgettable day at the Aquarium.
Open to children ages 8-12
10:30AM – 4:00PM
Price: $65 per day for non-members, $55 per day for members
Space is limited, click here to reserve your spot and read more information!
Location
93 West Campbell Rd. Schenectady, NY 12306
Phone
(518) 280-5100
Contact Emails
General – viaguestservices@gmail.com
Guest Services & Events Manager – jimfarkas@viaaquarium.com
Education – eduinquiries.via@gmail.com
Via Aquarium Hours
Daily Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Important: Ticket window will close an hour before closing (5:00 PM). Please arrive before 5:00 PM to be admitted to the aquarium.
Via Aquarium
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