Sleep With The Sharks During Oregon Coast Aquarium's Home School Days

By Cindy Hanson 

Newport, OR - The Oregon Coast Aquarium will offer Home School Days March 18-19 and activities for all ages during spring break. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy themselves at the beach while learning about marine science and spending time together,” said Aquarium Public Relations Manager, Cindy Hanson. “Our educators are deeply dedicated to inspiring kids to connect with nature.”

March 18 - 19 Home School Days 10:00am - 5:00 pm All ages
Presentations, experiments, and interactions with live animals are just a few of the things offered, including hands-on activities and displays for kids of all ages. Students will learn all about the ocean world through several guided explorations in the classroom and throughout the Aquarium.

March 18 Home School Family Sleepover 6 pm to 9 am All ages
Enjoy a family slumber party! Fall asleep to the soothing sights and sounds of fish and sharks swimming overhead. Aquarium educators share information and stories about these wondrous cartilaginous creatures. $50 members, $55 nonmembers

March 18 Home School Days Sea Lion Encounter 10 – 11 am Ages 8 and up
A special behind-the-scenes program includes a visit with husbandry staff. Learn what it takes to care for sea lions and get a sea lion kiss! Register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. $35 members, $40 nonmembers

March 19 Home School Days Octopus Encounter 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Ages 8 and up Go behind-the-scenes to shake an octopus's “hands.” Learn about the exciting life of one of the most intelligent invertebrates on this planet. $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers

March 20 Sea Squirts: Furry Friends 10:30 am – 12 pm 2 &3 year olds with parents
What does a marine mammal feel like? Explore some of the furriest ocean creatures out there! $15 members, $20 nonmembers per adult/child pair

March 21 Fledglings: A Surge of Sounds 9:30 am – 12 pm 4&5 year olds, no parents
Most sea animals have an amazing ability to hear sounds through the ocean. Learn how they are able to do this through exploration of sound. $25 members, $30 nonmembers per child

March 25 and 26 What’s in the Mud? 10:30am – 12pm 2 -5 year olds with parents
An opportunity for parents and children to play in the mud! Investigate the mudflats and the animals that live there. Bring rubber boots and a change of clothing. $15 members, $20 nonmembers per adult/child pair

March 27 Family Sleepover 6 pm – 9 am Ages 7 and up
Enjoy a family slumber party! Fall asleep to the soothing sights and sounds of fish and sharks swimming overhead. Aquarium educators share information and stories about these wondrous cartilaginous creatures. Dinner and breakfast are included. Register at least one week in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. $50 members, $55 non-members

March 27 Sea Otter Encounter 12:30-1:30 pm Ages 8 and up
Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations. Go behind the scenes and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding and watch sea otters up close. Make reservations in advance by calling 541- 867-3474 Ext. 2313. $30 members, $35 non-members (limit 10 people per encounter)

March 28 Sea Lion Encounter 10 am - 11:00 am Ages 8 and up
Learn about the Aquarium’s pinnipeds, get a sea lion kiss and explore behind the scenes at the aquarium. Make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. $35 members, $40 non-members (limit 10 people per encounter)

March 28 Girl Scout Sleepover 6 pm – 9 am Ages 7 and up
Scouts are invited to spend the night in the shark tunnel of Passages of the Deep. Enjoy pizza, go on a scavenger hunt and participate in some fun hands-on activities designed to meet badge requirements. Hear bed-time stories, wake up to cereal and juice, and go behind the scenes to see how Aquarium’s animals are cared for. Register at least two weeks in advance by calling 541-867 - 3474 Ext. 5301. $50 members, $55 non-members.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational attraction dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world’s natural marine and coastal resources. For more information, visit the Aquarium’s Web site at www.aquarium.org or call (541) 867-FISH. ####

Image Caption: Families enjoy a sleepover at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.