http://www.ocean-institute.org
Spring Programs for Children
The Ocean Institute in Southern California offers a variety of exciting, educational spring camps for children ages 6 and older. Each program has been designed to fully utilize the Institute’s state-of-the-art Ocean Education Center, its research vessel Sea Explorer and the nearby Dana Point Marine Protected Area. Ocean science programs include:
Junior Neptunes (ages 6-8) – Children will discover the hidden world beneath the ocean’s waves, including a look at marine critters from the smallest crab on the beach to the giant whale.
Session A – April 11. Meet animals from a beloved children’s book, venture out on the R/V Sea Explorer and conduct investigations in our labs.
Session B – April 12. Explore the depths of the sea, meet marine critters big and small, and discover the tide pool creatures in the Dana Point Marine Protected Area.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $75
Junior Oceanographer (ages 9-12) – Step into the fascinating world of a marine scientist by exploring the principles of marine biology and oceanography. Your fun-filled day includes a two-hour Marine Wildlife Cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer, a tide pool walk and hands-on laboratory activities, including a fish dissection.
April 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $75
Junior Seahawks (ages 9-12) – Travel back in time with our cast of characters as you raise sail, race long boats, explore a sea cave, experience the lost arts of a sailor, go up the mast in a boatswain’s chair and perhaps encounter a pirate or two. The day is filled with fun and excitement aboard the tall ship Pilgrim and inside the Maritime Learning Center.
April 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $75.
General registration for the Spring camps is now open. For additional information about Ocean Institute educational camps, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.
Ocean Institute Tidepool Hikes
An important part of the Ocean Institute’s mission in Orange County is introducing visitors to ocean science in a way that fosters respect of and a desire to preserve our seas, beaches and their inhabitants. We want adults and kids to get excited about preservation, and provide them with fun things to do here in Southern California.
In accordance with this mission, the Ocean Institute is offering weekend tidepool hikes in which an Institute naturalist leads a group of visitors to the beach on an exploration of the tidepools that exist nearby the facility at the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. These tidepools are rich in Southern California sea life; low tides offer visitors an ideal viewing experience along our beaches.
Upcoming Experiences include:
February 5 & 18, 2011, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
March 17 & 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
The tours are free with paid admission to the Institute. Come in early and register at the front desk; tour sizes limited. The sea-side hike is for ages 8 and up; wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and dress warmly. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; the beach activity requires walking over rocky train for a half mile or more.
For additional information on weekend activities and attractions at the Ocean Institute, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org.
