Shark-themed Family Night on Thursday, July 30 at North Carolina Aquarium

By Claire Aubel 

Atlantic Beach, NC - Get a real feel for sharks at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

A special exhibit allows you to touch bamboo sharks during a shark-themed Family Night on Thursday, July 30. Join the fun frenzy from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; ticket sales end at 8 p.m.

Other fin-filled activities include a dive show among the sharks and other marine life, shark feeding and stingray feeding programs, a “Sharks Around the World” game, shark crafts and activities for the little ones, a photo op in a model of giant megalodon shark jaws and other programs and events.

Sharks Family Night is a highlight of the Shark Week, July 26-Aug. 1. During the rest of the week, get a close-up look at these fascinating animals with more shark-themed programs, games, films, crafts and activities.

The Aquarium offers its usual schedule of diving presentations, animal feedings, live animal programs and other activities throughout the day when Family Nights are scheduled. Boat excursions and other fee programs also are available. The last Family Night of the summer, Aug. 13, features pirates and maritime history.

Family Night activities are free with membership or regular admission-- $8 for ages 18-61, $7 for ages 62 and up and $6 for ages 6-17. Children 5 and under and members of the North Carolina Aquariums are admitted free. Daytime visitors may return for Family Night activities the same evening at no charge by presenting their receipts.

Ticket sales end at 8 p.m. on Family Nights. Normal operating hours outside Family Nights are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. See www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.

To view North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores’ web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-728-North_Carolina_Aquarium_at_Pine_Knoll_Shores