
Education
Birthday Parties
Create lasting memories that will connect you to the ocean for a lifetime, with this unique, personalized Birthday Party experience. An Ocean Science Interpreter will start the party with an orientation to the centre, then lead your party through our aquaria space to meet our marine life, adventure and play beneath the waves, and then head upstairs to your craft and activity area with a view of our 18-meter whale skeleton. The fun doesn’t have to stop there, as you and your party guests receive free admission to continue exploring Beaty Centre for the rest of the day. Admission rates for birthdays are the same price as a regular visit to Beaty Centre and come with a sea full of extra experiences for you and your Party. Designed for ages 4+.
Received a Personalized Gift: Tell us about the birthday person, and receive a personalized, hand-made gift upon arrival - a birthday cone hat designed with the birthday star in mind!
Select your Party Theme: Each party theme has its own collection of games and activities tailored to your interests, so you can plan the underwater adventure of your dreams.
Invite all your Ocean Friends: When you book your party, you’ll receive our Beaty Centre Party Invitations for you to send out to all your guests.
A Party to Remember: Make your memories last and go home with a special birthday card and Polaroid photo of your group, as a gift from your friends at Beaty Centre.
Have a Whale of a Good Time: Our Birthday parties last up to 90 minutes accompanied by a dedicated staff, but thereafter you and your party are welcome to stay and explore Beaty Centre for as long as you like.
Bookings must be submitted for a minimum of 14 days prior to the party date. We cannot accommodate same week party requests. Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking. Birthday parties will be available for booking soon.
We can’t wait to host you for a whale of a time at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. Join us for an educational adventure through the depths of our oceans. See below for our offerings.
School Visits
Book a fun and engaging field trip at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. Students will explore the deep connections between the ocean, climate, conservation, and careers through curriculum-aligned experiences. With live species, real ocean research, immersive AR, and interactive elements, our exhibits are designed to engage curious students in ocean literacy.
Our exhibits are available in Mi’kmaq, English, and French.
- Field trip duration is 60-90 minutes with a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 65 students
- Discounted admission
- Welcome orientation
- Curriculum-aligned facilitated activity
- Teacher and chaperone resources
School Time slots
September 6 – May 2
THU
12PM – 1:30PM
FRI
10AM – 11:30AM
FRI
FRI
11:45AM – 1:15PM
1:30PM – 3PM
May 3 – September 5
WED
10AM – 11:30AM
WED
WED
11:45AM – 1:15PM
1:30PM – 3PM
THU
12PM – 1:30PM
FRI
10AM – 11:30PM
FRI
FRI
11:45AM – 1:15PM
1:30PM – 3PM
Holiday Closures:
Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
School Visits Grades Primary - 7
$6.50
School Visits Grades 8 - 12
$6.50 + HST
Teachers & Chaperones
FREE
Rates are subject to change without notice.
School Rates
Experiences
Marine Detectives
Explore the circle of life and how marine organisms survive! Students will observe and analyze aquatic plants and animals, examining their growth, adaptations, and connections within the ocean ecosystem.
Curriculum Connections:
- PR: Observations of Living Things
- GR 1: Interconnectedness of Living Things, Social Responsibility
- GR 2: Animal Growth & Changes
- GR 3: Ocean Plants
Ocean Odyssey
Meet incredible Atlantic marine species! Discover who they are, what they eat, where they live, and how they interact within the marine ecosystem.
Curriculum Connections:
- GR 4: Local Habitats & Food Chains
- GR 5: Chemical & Physical Changes in the Ocean
- GR 6: Biodiversity & Adaptation
Waves of Change
Inspire students to protect the ocean! This field trip explores climate change’s impact on marine life, environmental action, and opportunities in the aquatic sector.
Curriculum Connections:
- GR 7: Environmental Action
- GR 8: Climate Change
- GR 9: Reproduction
Seas the Day
Uncover how chemical reactions keep ecosystems balanced and how marine biomes, fisheries, and aquaculture reveal connections between people and the sea.
- Science 10: Chemical Reactions, Sustainability of Ecosystems
- Ocean 11: Marine Biomes, Aquacultures and Fisheries
- Netukulimk 12: (Coming Soon)
We ask you not to exceed a 1:5 teacher to student ratio, as we have a small space, which when crowded, may diminish the quality of your visit. EPAs and those assisting youth requiring additional support do not need to be counted as part of this ratio.
The content of the field trip will be tailored to your grade. If you have a split class, please choose the experience that best fits your curriculum needs. If you have a special request for your school booking reach out to us at info@beatymarinecentre.ca.
Homeschool Visits
Exciting ocean adventures await! Our homeschool programs at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity are designed to inspire curious minds through hands-on learning and discovery. Led by our expert Ocean Science Interpreters, these 90-minute experiences will include a welcome orientation, facilitated activity, and time to explore Beaty Centre at your own pace.
Explore our tiered program options to see which learning outcomes and challenge levels may be best suited for your learners, or dive in and build your way up from Ocean Observers to Ocean Investigators!
Ocean Observers
Learners will discover marine habitats during a guided tour of our aquaria space, meeting a variety of local sea creatures, and learning what they need to survive. Upstairs, learners will take part in an interactive activity that builds early science skills such as observing, acting, and describing the natural world. Designed to spark curiosity and wonder, this experience introduces ocean life in a fun and engaging way. Beginner level.
Learning Outcomes:
- Living Things and their Needs
- Animal Habitats
- Observing the Natural World
Ocean Explorers
Learners will explore marine ecosystems through a guided tour of our aquaria space, focusing on biodiversity, habitats, and animal adaptations found in Nova Scotia waters. Learners will then head upstairs for a hands-on activity where they will investigate marine connections such as food webs, adaptations, and environmental relationships. This program strengthens scientific thinking through observation, discussion, and interactive challenges, helping learners understand how ocean ecosystems are connected and why they matter. Intermediate level.
Learning Outcomes:
- Biodiversity
- Adaptations
Ocean Investigators
Learners will step into the role of marine scientists as they explore our aquaria space through a focused inquiry based guided tour. They will examine real examples of ecosystem interactions, environmental change, and human impacts on marine life. Upstairs, learners will take part in a conservation-based activity involving data interpretation and ecosystem analysis. This program encourages critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and discussion around human impacts on marine environments, connecting local ocean ecosystems to broader global issues. Advanced level.
Learning Outcomes:
- Sustainability
Hours
September 6 – May 2
THU
12PM – 8PM
FRI
10AM – 4PM
SAT
10AM – 4PM
SUN
10AM – 4PM
May 3 – September 5
WED
10AM – 4PM
THU
12PM – 8PM
FRI
10AM – 4PM
SAT
10AM – 4PM
SUN
10AM – 4PM
*Bookings based on availability
Child (Age 3 and Under)
FREE
Youth (Ages 4-17)
Adult (18+)
$6.50 + HST
$10 + HST
Rates are subject to change without notice.
Groups of children 12 and under are required to have a chaperone to child ratio of 1:5.
Homeschool Rates
Post-Secondary Visits
Take your class to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity for experiential learning. University and college students are invited to engage in thought-provoking exhibits that examine the vital connections between ocean ecosystems, climate systems, and global sustainability. Through a self-guided experience grounded in real-world research, students will dive into current environmental challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss by exploring live species and interactive exhibits.
Our exhibits are available in Mi’kmaq, English, and French.
Hours
September 6 – May 2
THU
12PM – 8PM
FRI
10AM – 4PM
SAT
10AM – 4PM
SUN
10AM – 4PM
May 3 – September 5
WED
10AM – 4PM
THU
12PM – 8PM
FRI
10AM – 4PM
SAT
10AM – 4PM
SUN
10AM – 4PM
*Bookings based on availability
Post-Secondary Rates
Educational Resources
Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity Experiential Guides
Plan ahead for a smooth and enriching visit with our downloadable guides and activity materials.
Coming Soon
Ocean School: Our Educational Partner
We’re proud to partner with Ocean School, a leading environmental education resource for students in grades 5 to 12. Throughout the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, you’ll find engaging educational content developed in collaboration with Ocean School, designed to deepen ocean literacy through immersive storytelling and interactive learning.
Ocean School offers free, bilingual resources, including stunning linear and 360˚ videos, virtual reality experiences, interactive media, and hands-on projects. Their cross-curricular content supports learning in science, social studies, language arts, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
- Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is located in Dalhousie University’s Steele Ocean Sciences Building at 6375 Edzell Castle Circle, Halifax
- Halifax Transit Routes 1 and 24 have stops within walking distance of Beaty Centre. Routes 4 and 10 stop at the Student Union Building, which is a short walk to Beaty Centre.
Where can the bus turnaround?
Buses can drop guests off on the side of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building on Edzell Castle Circle.
Where can I park?
Weekdays daytime parking
- Street parking on South Street and Oxford Steet
- Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16) – Pay and Display
Parking from 4:30 pm to 1:30 am weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Studley Campus, Steel Ocean Sciences (#21)
- Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16)
What is your minimum group number for booking a visit?
Rates apply for groups of 10 or more paid admissions. All attendees must pay as part of the group at the corresponding rate. School field trips and homeschools should be booked two weeks in advance.
Can I make a change or cancel my booking?
Any changes to the booking should be made by 4 p.m. one week prior to your visit. For visits cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice without rebooking, a $50 fee will be charged. In the event that the visit is cancelled by Beaty Centre due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, the visit scheduled for that day will be rescheduled to a future date at the group’s convenience within the Beaty Centre’s already confirmed schedule.
How can I pay?
- Payment can be made via cash, credit, debit or cheque made payable to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. We don’t invoice.
What is your chaperone requirement?
- Chaperones are expected to remain with their students through their entire visit. Proper supervision is essential to creating a safe, fun atmosphere at the centre. Please let us know in advance if your group requires any accommodations. Teachers and chaperones attending a school visit are admission free. We recommend a 1:5 student-to-chaperone ratio for elementary school and a 1:10 student-to-chaperone ratio for secondary school field trips. We ask you not to exceed a 1:5 teacher to student ratio, as we have a small space, which when crowded, may diminish the quality of your visit. EPAs and those assisting youth requiring additional support do not need to be counted as part of this ratio.
What is your chaperone requirement for homeschool visits?
Children 12 years and under will need adult supervision through their entire visit. Groups of children 12 and under are required to have a minimum of 1:5 chaperone to child ratio. Failure to provide the required adult supervision on arrival may result in non-admission.
Do you have a lunch space for group bookings?
- There are no food services or designated lunch areas available within the centre. To protect the aquarium exhibits, food is not permitted in or around aquarium spaces. Drinks are allowed only if they are in bottles with secure lids.
Do you have space for personal belongings?
- Students should only bring required outerwear and a lunch bag (if needed). All other belongings should be left at school. Limited coat storage space is available for your group’s personal belongings. A host will bring you to them upon your arrival. The centre is not responsible for the security of items left there.