Arts & Entertainment

Spring Happenings at the Riverhead Aquarium

Spring into action and dive head-first into a visit to Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center where the prices have been reduced by nearly 20%, admission for children under 2 is free, and now also includes admission to the Butterflies and Birds exhibit.

There are lots of special programs on the calendar including a special children’s presentation on the Living Seashore (reservations suggested) for ages 2-3 on April 2, 9, 23 and 30th at 9:15 a.m. or 3:15 p.m; and for ages 3-5 April 10 and 24 and May 1 at 9:15 a.m. or 3:15 p.m. Each class is $15.

Also back for the season every Saturday April through September is the popular Trainer Program with a first session at 10:15 a.m. and the second beginning at 2:00 p.m. Learn how the aquarium trains their animals and what it takes to work with seals and sea lions. Go behind the scenes with the Marine Mammal staff and into the seal exhibit. Participate in a seal training session and help prepare food and attend the Sea Lion Show. Each session is $155 ($140 for members.) 

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Build a Birdhouse for the second annual Birdhouse competition. All types of birdhouses are encouraged—whimsical, beautiful, functiona, and magical. Several prizes will be awarded and the best part is that visitors to the aquarium get to pick the winners. The entries will be on display from August 16 to September 30 and winners will be announced on October 6. The entry fee is $5.

The kickoff for the Birdhouse competition is Wednesday April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On view will be a Lowe’s Build & Grow clinic, DIY information on using hobby tools to create your birdhouse courtesy of Black & Decker and an Eastern Long Island Audubon Society talk about the hobby of bird watching including a how-to session with Cornell Cooperative and Meopta Sports Optics. The kickoff will include a look at wild bird species with the Quogue Wildlife Rescue Center and tips on taking great nature photos from Grace Scalso. The kickoff is free with the price of admission. 

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The Great Penguin Birthday Party Sleepover is also Wednesday April 16. It’s a celebration for two of the aquariums penguins and guests will get a chance to interact with the adorable birds. The cost is $64.95 with children under 2 free.

To celebrate the birds’ birthday and the upcoming Easter holiday the aquarium has organized a Penguin Egg Hunt! On Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Prizes include aquarium vouchers, tour boat ticket and rides on both the Discovery Tower and Submarine Simulator! The egg hunt is free with the cost of admission.



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