FUN EXPLORATIONS OF OUR WATERY WORLD FOR KIDS DURING APRIL SCHOOL BREAK AT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK
Children ages 6 to 12 can plunge into the world of sharks and aquatic mammals, do the real work of marine biologists and lots more in a series of fun programs during the upcoming school vacation week April 10-14 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The Maritime Aquarium’s “Spring Vacation Adventures” invite younger students (ages 6 to 8) to explore a different topic involving our watery world each day. And ages 9 to 12 can go behind the scenes for a deeper, hands-on look at how science and technology are critical to how the Aquarium cares for its animals.
But act fast: programs are filling, and the sign-up deadline of April 3 is approaching quickly.
All programs meet from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To accommodate parents’ busy schedules, the Aquarium offers pre-care from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and post-care from 4-5:30 p.m.
For ages 6 to 8:
Younger kids can sign up for one, some or all five days. Each will be full of animal encounters, age-appropriate crafts and hands-on activities and experiments that make learning fun. Cost is $100 per day or $500 for the full week ($90 / $450 for Maritime Aquarium members).
The daily schedule and topics are:
Mon., April 10 – “Water Wonders.”
Tues., April 11 – “Mini Engineers.”
Wed., April 12 – “Junior Aquarist.”
Thurs., April 13 – “Shark Safari.”
Fri., April 14 – “Ocean Mammals.”
For ages 9 to 12:
April 10-14 – “Behind-the-Scenes Science.”
Students go backstage to learn how the Aquarium cares for some of its larger animals and how its life-support systems are engineered. Other highlights: a study cruise aboard the Aquarium’s unique hybrid-electric research vessel, working with a remotely operated vehicle, and more. Special 9 a.m. drop-off time on Wed., April 12 for the cruise. Cost of this five-day program is $500 ($450 for members).
For both age groups, pre-care is $20 additional per day or $85 for the week. Post-care is $40 per day or $170 for the week. Maritime Aquarium members receive discounts.
Children should bring a snack, a bag lunch and an appetite for adventure.
As a Connecticut state-certified camp, the Aquarium requires health-exam forms for every child enrolled.
Space is limited and advance registration is required by Mon., April 3. For reservations or more details about “Spring Vacation Adventures,” call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org and click on “Public Programs.”
GO BACKSTAGE TO HELP WITH THE ANIMALS’ BREAKFASTS DURING “FEEDING TIME” PROGRAMS APRIL 8 & 13 AT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK
Help with the morning feedings of some of the sharks, rays, turtles and other stars of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in special behind-the-scenes programs offered Sat., April 8 and Thurs., April 13 called “Feeding Time.”
This fun experience gives participants exclusive access to some of their favorite marine animals by letting them join educators and the animal-husbandry staff during morning rounds prior to the Aquarium’s opening. Opportunities include:
- Feeling the vacuuming power of rays on your palm as you offer morsels in the Shark & Ray Touch Pool.
- Hand-feeding a horseshoe crab and diamondback terrapin.
- Going above the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit to watch as Aquarium staff feed the 7-foot sharks prowling just below your feet. Toss in some bonus food for the sharks and the exhibit’s rays and other fish.
- Attending a private seal feeding open only to “Feeding Time” participants.
“Feeding Time” participants get fed too: the program starts at 8 a.m. with a hot breakfast in the Aquarium’s Cascade Café.
“ ‘Feeding Time’ is a great way to deepen your experiences here at The Maritime Aquarium beyond a typical visit,” said Dave Sigworth, the Aquarium’s spokesman. “Plus, both the April 8th and April 13th presentations are a fun family activity for folks staying close to home during local schools’ spring-break week.”
Children must be at least 5 years old. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for ages 5-12 ($45 and $20 for members). Aquarium admission at 10 a.m. is included.
Advance registration is required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or register online at www.maritimeaquarium.org under “Public Programs.”
Photos courtesy of Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution whose mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. A vibrant and entertaining learning environment, it achieves this goal through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.