easy
45 minutes
Suitable for standard classroom activity level; no special physical fitness required.
Dive into the world of squid anatomy with Downtown Aquarium’s hands-on dissection program in Denver. Perfect for students seeking an engaging marine biology experience that meets state standards.
Starting at $9.50 l 45 min l Grades 6-12
Experience an unforgettable classroom adventure at the Downtown Aquarium, where students delve into the fascinating world of squids! This hands-on program includes a dissection, allowing learners to explore the squid's unique anatomy while meeting Colorado state standards. Perfect for engaging young minds in marine biology and teamwork!
Student (Grades 6-12): $9.50 - fee includes self-guided tour aquarium admission College Student (Valid ID): $12.50 - fee includes self-guided tour aquarium admission Chaperone (Ages 18+): Free - 1 chaperone is free for every 5 paying students Additional Adult (Ages 18+): $20.00 aquarium admission School fieldtrips are not taxed. There is a 6% booking fee for online booking added to your total at check-out.
Classroom programs must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.
45 minutes for the program
Join us for an in-depth look at the world’s largest, fastest and most specialized invertebrate – the squid! Students will learn about the squid’s interesting body parts both inside and out as the dissect one in partner teams. Meets Colorado state standards - SC.MS.2.2, SC.MS.2.5, SC.MS.2.4, SC.MS.2.11, SC.HS.2.3, SC.HS.2.7, SC.HS.2.4, SC.HS.2.12
Due to space constraints in the classroom space, only 1 teacher and 5 other adults will be admitted to the Classroom Programs. Additional adults can enjoy the aquarium while their students are in the class. Siblings and strollers are not allowed in the Classroom Programs.
School Group Lunches: Please plan to keep lunches in backpacks or on the bus. Food may be enjoyed in the grass next to the Aquarium, or in the case of poor weather, extremely limited space may be available. Plan to dress warmly and eat outdoors on all occasions.
Restaurant Reservations: If you are interested in dining with us during your visit, we have a pre-order menu that we can prepare for your group up to 20 people. Please call us for more information to set up a restaurant reservation.
The aquarium representative will give each chaperone a sticker. Chaperones must wear the “Chaperone” sticker at all times while visiting Downtown Aquarium the day of their visit. It is recommended that all students also have a name tag that includes the school name, teacher’s name or contact phone number.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before program start to allow time for group check-in and orientation.
Encourage students to engage respectfully and quietly to maximize learning and minimize stress on live exhibits nearby.
Wear comfortable clothing suited for indoor classroom settings where some minor mess or wet surfaces may occur.
Reserve your spot for groups of 10–40 to ensure optimal hands-on time and adequate staff supervision.
Denver's Downtown Aquarium opened over two decades ago, serving as a vital urban gateway connecting city dwellers with aquatic ecosystems.
The Aquarium promotes sustainable marine awareness through education and responsible animal care, supporting conservation messaging across all programming.
Provides comfort during standing and walking inside the aquarium classrooms.
Helps chaperones and staff identify students quickly and maintain group safety.
Useful for cooler indoor temperatures or outdoor lunch breaks during colder months.
fall specific
Keeps students hydrated during visits and transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
summer specific