FRIENDLY FISH: The Oklahoma Aquarium will host a number of events and parties for Tulsans to enjoy as the cold winter months drag on. From Sea Camp to Mardi Gras, the Aquarium has something for everyone. For a complete listing of upcoming events, visit www.oklahomaaquarium.org.
GTR Newspapers photo
Looking for aquatic escape to chase the winter blues away? Look no further than the Oklahoma Aquarium, located at 300 Aquarium Dr. in Jenks. The Aquarium has a number of events on the calendar for children and adults alike this winter.
Jan. 29, 3-6 p.m. – Teacher Appreciation and Open House
Local educators are invited to take a look at the world beneath the sea and the educational resources available to teachers. The Aquarium will present their school programs, explain how to make program reservations, give local educators a chance to meet the Aquarium Education staff and give attendees a sneak peek at the newest exhibit featuring the Aquarium’s first mammals: the Hayes Family Ozark Stream Exhibit. The event is free to Pre-K through 12th grade teachers. Guests will be admitted at the discounted rate of $7 per child, age 3-17 and $10 per adult. To register, call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquarium.org.
Feb. 2, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. – Mardi Gras Gala
The Aquarium will celebrate the spirit of New Orleans during this after-hours event, complete with a recreation of Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and balconies dripping with beads. The event will feature live music and dancing, authentic New Orleans cuisine, festive beverages, a casino, silent auction and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Oklahoma Aquarium improvements and expansion projects, such as construction of a permanent home for the Loggerhead Sea Turtles, not yet on display for public education and enjoyment. Patrons may wear “After Five” or Mardi Gras attire. Tickets are $150 per couple, with a $10 discount for members. Table sponsorships are available. For reservations, call (918) 528-1555.
Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Presidents Day Sea Camp
Sea Camp is an event sponsored by the Aquarium to provide students with an “exciting adventure” during school holidays and is a convenient and educational option for working parents. The camp is designed for children in grades K-5. The Presidents Day Sea Camp theme is “Ocean Commotion.” The cost for Sea Camp is $50, with a 10 percent discount for Aquarium members. Morning and afternoon care is available for an additional $5, with early drop-off starting at 8 a.m. and late pick up until
5:30 p.m. Registration by Feb.
14 is required. To register, call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquarium.org.
March 7, 6 p.m. –March 8, 7:45 a.m. – Lights Out Luau
Ever wonder what nightlife is like under the sea? The Aquarium offers children 10 and older or whole families the opportunity to spend the night. Held twice a year, sleepovers include a fun and educational program, crafts, games, movies, dinner, a snack and breakfast. The cost is $50 per person, with a 10 percent discount for Aquarium members. To register, call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquairum.org.
March 17-21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Spring Break Sea Camp
“Surf’s Up” this spring break at the Aquarium’s. This weeklong sea camp is designed for children grades K-5 and is a convenient and educational option for working parents. The cost is $250 per child, with a 10 percent discount for Aquarium members. Morning and afternoon care is available for an additional $5 per day with early drop-off starting at 8 a.m. and late pick up until 5:30 p.m. Registration ends by March 10. To register, call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquairum.org.
March 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Scout Day
The Oklahoma Aquarium hosts quarterly Scout Days to honor all youth organizations and their members such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, FFA, etc. Members in uniform or carrying a membership card and accompanied by an adult can be admitted to the Aquarium at the discounted Education Department group rates of $7 per youth and $10 per adult. Scouts also have the opportunity to earn the Aquarium’s own
Junior Biologist Badge. No registration is required for this
event. For more information, call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquairum.org.
March 26 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Home school Day
The Oklahoma Aquarium hosts quarterly Home school days reserved for home school families and groups who cannot meet the normal 25-person minimum. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults. Home school days consist of self-guided visit and two educational presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required for this event and must be received no later than two business days before the event. To register, call (918) 528-1508 or education@okaquarium.org.
For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit www.oklahomaaquarium.org.
