Join Stingray Snack Time at Topsail Aquarium for a close-up encounter with graceful sea creatures. This interactive activity makes marine learning fun and memorable for all ages. Read on to discover what awaits you!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
15 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including children
Wildlife
History
Topsail Aquarium has been a cornerstone of local marine education since its establishment in 2005, fostering community connection to the ocean.
Conservation
The aquarium emphasizes sustainable practices and supports local marine conservation projects, helping protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
Topsail Aquarium
Join Stingray Snack Time at Topsail Aquarium for a close-up encounter with graceful sea creatures. This interactive activity makes marine learning fun and memorable for all ages. Read on to discover what awaits you!
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.
Location
Surf City, NC
Located on Topsail Island for visitors
Family-Friendly
All Ages
Programs suited for families and kids
Stingray Time
Fridays, 15 min
Weekly feeding interaction session
Birthday Parties
Private 1-hour
Guided tours and live animal encounters
Book Ghost Crab Hunts, Stingray Snack Time, Movie Night, or a Birthday Party in Surf City — reserve an experience today.
Arrive early
Getting there a few minutes early ensures you won’t miss the session and allows time to settle in.
Stay seated during feeding
Remain seated and follow staff instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Bring sunscreen and water
If visiting outdoors or near open tanks, protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.
Engage with staff
Ask questions and learn more about stingrays and marine conservation efforts.
Water shoes
Water shoes help keep your feet dry and provide good grip during the activity.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin if you'll be outdoors or near tanks exposed to sunlight.
summer
Hat
A hat provides shade and additional sun protection during outdoor parts of your visit.
summer
Camera or phone for photos
Capture the fun moments with your friends and family.