Camps

Summer Camps at the Aquarium.

2026 Summer Camps Open for Booking!

Ripley’s camps are hands-on, one-of-a-kind adventures designed to spark curiosity and creativity in guests of all ages. Each program is packed with fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Explore Our Programming

Dive into our camp programs at the aquarium and make JAW-some memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Marine Discovery Camp

Take a deep dive into a full-day camp at Ripley’s Aquarium featuring hands-on marine experiences, animal encounters, interactive learning, and a behind-the-scenes research center visit.

Need to Know Info

Experiences

STEAM Camp

Ages: 8–12 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Get ready to dive into a week-long camp packed with summer fun at Ripley’s Aquarium! At our STEAM Camp, campers will embark on an exciting journey through the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, all while exploring the wonders of the aquarium and what’s in our ocean. They will even get a tour of our off-site Marine Science Research Center! Lunch is included for each camper. At the end of the week, campers will get the opportunity to enter the water with our playful rays during a Stingray Experience!

Aquarium Expedition Overnight Camp

Ages: 8-12 | 9:00 a.m. first day – 5:00 p.m. following day

Take Ripley’s Aquarium to the next level at our Aquarium Expedition Overnight Camp! Campers will explore the aquarium after hours, sleep alongside incredible marine life, and enjoy hands-on experiences throughout their stay. From getting up close with animal ambassadors to participating in a real dissection, a Stingray Encounter, and so much more, this camp is packed with excitement!

Marine Discovery Camp

Ages: 8-13 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Make a splash at Ripley’s Aquarium with a day packed full of hands-on activities and unforgettable encounters! Campers will meet animal ambassadors up close, take part in a real dissection experience, enjoy a hands-on Stingray Encounter, and ride across the water on a Glass Bottom Boat adventure. That’s not all, campers will also have the opportunity to take part in engaging science experiments and visit our off-site Marine Science Research Center.

Mermaids & Pirates

Ages: 6-12 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Set sail for an enchanting adventure at Pirates & Mermaids Camp! Young buccaneers and merfolk will step into a world of ocean magic with a pirate or mermaid makeover, transforming into their favorite seafaring characters. Campers will meet a real mermaid and embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium to uncover hidden treasures of the deep. Join us for a swashbuckling journey filled with wonder, imagination, and underwater fun!

Summer Night Swim

Ages: 7-14 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Experience the magic of the aquarium after dark at Summer Night Swim Camp! This special evening adventure lets campers explore the aquarium in a whole new light. Enjoy a counselor-guided tour and an interactive Stingray Experience where campers can get up close with these graceful creatures. After working up an appetite, campers will share a delicious dinner before diving into more aquatic fun. Join us for an unforgettable night of ocean exploration!

*All camps are drop-off only

Swirling Pinstripe backdrop

Woah! The aquarium sounds like alotl fun! But what are you doing all the way down here with the axolotls – some of the most secretive salamanders in the world?!

Did you know the spotted salamander is the state amphibian of South Carolina? It earned the title in 1999 thanks to a campaign led by a class of Spartanburg third graders.