Families will have a chance to eat breakfast at the aquarium, then join the animal-husbandry staff as it serves finned and flippered creatures their first meals of the day.
On Sunday, new focused explorations are available to children ages 5 to 7 with Turtle Town from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and ages 8 to 10 with Shark Safari from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Tom Naiman, director of education at the aquarium, said the three programs are being offered to make the Maritime Aquarium’s educational resources more broadly available to families and individuals.
In the Feeding Time program, families enjoy a buffet breakfast at the aquarium, then join the marine biologists on key stops of their morning rounds before the aquarium opens for the day. Participants take a turn feeding the diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs and rays and attend a private feeding of the seals. Cost is $45 per adult and $25 per child 12 and under ($40 & $20 for aquarium members). Children must be age 5 or older. Another Feeding Time is planned for Sunday, May 30.
The Turtle Town program lets budding herpetologists compare turtles of land and sea to discover how the creatures have adapted to their different lifestyles. Cost is $25 per child ($20 for members). This is a drop-off program; parents or caregivers do not participate. Turtle Town also is available on Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m.
During Shark Safari!, young adventurers examine real shark jaws, skin and other artifacts, and learn how superb adaptations have allowed sharks to survive for millions of years. They visit the “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit for a close look at the aquarium’s large sand tiger sharks, and get a true feel for sharks and their cousins, the rays, at the Shark and Ray Touch Pool. Cost is $25 per child ($20 for members). This is a drop-off program. Another Shark Safari! is planned for Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
Aquarium admission is included for all registered program participants.
Advance registration is required for public programs. Call 203-852-0700, ext. 2206, or register online here under “Fun & Learning.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.