WCS Education Editorials

Falling asleep to the sound of a drum fish...

Counting crevalle jacks instead of sheep...

Waking up face to face with a sand tiger shark...

This is the setting of a Sharks After Dark Overnight at the New York Aquarium.

As the coordinator for overnights, I have the privilege of creating these experiences for families. I know firsthand how special it is to experience a place you love after hours. My connection to overnight programs goes back much further than my career. Twenty years ago, I was the child on the other side of this experience.

I attended a sleepover at my local science museum with my Girl Scouts troop. I remember walking into the museum overnight wide-eyed and full of questions. I was also so excited to explore a museum in my pajamas! I had the opportunity to engage with exhibits and ask the museum educator every question I had, which was a lot! When I began coordinating overnights myself, I found myself thinking back to that little girl and wondered how I could create those same memories for families.

One night in particular reminds me why these experiences matter. A longtime NYA summer camper who practically considers the aquarium his second home, arrived ready to experience the aquarium in a whole new way. His zebra shark plush, which never left his side, became almost as much of a participant as he was.

While waiting for everyone to arrive, guests can explore the shark exhibit. Our superfan was already eagerly teaching his friends all about the animals. We had education staff there to answer questions, but he had it covered! We even witnessed a sweet moment as he and his friends followed the blacktip reef sharks up and down the Coral Tunnel, which can be difficult during regular visiting hours when filled with visitors.

Once check-in closes, the adventure really begins. Education staff lead guided tours to the tops of the Coral Tunnel and New York Bight exhibits, where guests can watch rays, sharks and fish from above. On this particular night, our superfan’s trusty zebra shark plush came along to see its real-life counterpart!

Guests then venture under the boardwalk to discover the life support systems that keep our animals healthy. One of my favorite moments is seeing children's and adults' expressions when they realize just how many sand filters are hidden beneath the aquarium!

Next comes the Shark Touch Pool, where guests have the opportunity to touch a chain catshark! Our superfan reached into the water with one hand while holding his beloved plush in the other. That moment helped him discover a “new favorite shark.” During the craft section of the overnight, he drew chain catsharks on his commemorative pillowcase to remind him of that encounter.

After all that exploring and crafting, guests settle in for a movie in the Hudson Canyon’s Edge exhibit. A movie night made a little more magical by having real sharks beyond the screen! As soon as it ended, our superfan had one important question: “Can I sleep in the Coral Tunnel?”

When I excitedly told him yes, he raced off to claim a spot next to the favorite resting spot of our resident zebra shark, Captain Spaulding. When I asked why he chose that spot, he quickly began telling me about his love for sharks, especially zebra sharks, and his dream of becoming a marine biologist to help protect them. It was such a sweet moment watching him snuggle up with his plush right next to his absolute favorite.

After years of camp, he thought he had experienced everything the aquarium had to offer. That night showed him something new. Watching his excitement reminded me that even familiar places can make new memories and new discoveries. If that isn’t the origin story of a future marine biologist, I don't know what is!

These nights are educational yet truly unforgettable. I hope that twenty years from now, our guests who join us for overnights are still talking about it.

Come join us and make some memories! Learn more by visiting our website!

Read the Past WCS Education Stories