Hands-On Marine Adventures at Topsail Aquarium
Interactive coastal programs in Surf City, NC — family-friendly experiences on Topsail Island.
Featured Experiences
Explore Ghost Crab Hunts, Stingray Snack Time, Movie Night, Birthday Parties, and personalized visits.
About Topsail Aquarium
Topsail Aquarium in Surf City, North Carolina, is a community-focused marine education facility that offers hands-on experiences for families and visitors of all ages. The aquarium operates a variety of public programs, including Ghost Crab Hunts, Movie Night, Stingray Snack Time, and private Birthday Parties, plus a Personal experience option. Ghost Crab Hunts invite participants to join a research team for nighttime exploration, data collection, catch-and-release crabbing, and habitat measurement under guided supervision. Movie Night welcomes children ages 7–11 to explore aquarium exhibits before enjoying a family-friendly film with popcorn. Stingray Snack Time runs every Friday as a 15-minute feeding and interaction session designed to introduce guests to stingray behavior and basic facts. Birthday Parties provide a private one-hour celebration with exclusive access, guided tours, live animal encounters, and time for cake and gifts in a themed space. The Personal option is available for tailored visits.
Staff and guides at Topsail Aquarium focus on education, safe animal handling, and responsible wildlife interaction; programs include catch-and-release practices and live animal demonstrations. The facility emphasizes hands-on learning, local coastal ecology, and family-friendly programming suitable for visitors looking for interactive ways to learn about marine life on Topsail Island. Located in Surf City, Topsail Aquarium serves residents and tourists seeking accessible marine education, outdoor evening programs, and short interactive experiences that fit a beach visit schedule. Programs are scheduled throughout the year and accommodate small groups, families, school groups, and visitors interested in coastal conservation, field research participation, and hands-on animal education experiences.
Plan a Visit to Topsail Aquarium
Book Ghost Crab Hunts, Stingray Snack Time, Movie Night, or a Birthday Party in Surf City — reserve an experience today.