Children’s Classes and Programs Aquatic Life and Nature Programs

301.955.6256

gepaquarium.org

Our mission is to promote awareness of the aquatic environment through education, in order to encourage stewardship and conservation. GEPA is an extension of Under the Sea, a private educational outreach organization, and is a collaboration with the Glen Echo Park Partnership.

Visit The Aquarium

Explore our Aquarium exhibits and follow water’s journey from freshwater streams and rivers, through the watershed, and to the Chesapeake Bay. See what organisms are impacted along the way. Experience aquatic animals up close in our touch tank and learn what you can do to keep our watershed safe.

Outside the Aquarium, play at our sensory table and check out simple experiments and interactive games. Explore the grounds, and visit our giant sand pit, “GEPA Beach,” our Geological Discovery Zone. Climb aboard the USS GEPA, our nautical classroom, and learn about sailing with early European explorers, Navy ships, fishing boats, and pirates.

Come explore the aquatic world at Glen Echo Park Aquarium (GEPA)! We are a Chesapeake Bay Discovery Center where you can learn about our nation’s largest estuary, our local watershed, and the impact we have on our environment. GEPA presents interactive exhibits, family programs, camps, school field trips and birthday parties. Using a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) educational approach, GEPA nurtures exploration of our natural environment, blended with the creative artistic community of Glen Echo Park.

HOURS & ADMISSION

Spring & Summer Hours (March-August)

Weekends: 9am- 5pm, by timed entry

Weekdays: 11:00am- 5pm, by timed entry

Fall & Winter Hours (Sep-Feb)

Weekly: 9am-5pm, by timed entry

Group tours, school field trips and birthday parties are available by appointment year-round. Admission is $8; children under 2 are free. Group discounts available: Advanced reservations required for group visits.

Special Holiday Hours

September 4- Open Labor Day; 9am- 5pm

November 23- Closed Thanksgiving

December 25- Closed Christmas Day

January 1- Closed New Year’s Day