Visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina and make lasting memories during the last full month of summer. Throughout August, the Museum offers Family Programs that inspire curiosity for visitors of all ages:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am – Touch Tank Feeding:  With staff and trained volunteer assistance, gently touch the sea creatures living in the Museum’s Touch Tank and watch trained volunteers feed the animals.

• Mondays and Fridays at 1:00 pm – Science in 3D – Mars: Take advantage of the Museum’s virtual reality mobile classroom, strap on a virtual reality headset, and explore Mars in 3D! 

• Tuesdays at 11:00 am – Sea Tales: Listen to stories starring animals or exhibits displayed at the Museum and complete interactive crafts or science activities based on each story:

• • August 6 – The Shark Who Only Wanted to Eat French Fries by Katrine Brunn:  Follow a shark on its journey to find its favorite meal: crispy, delicious French fries, learn the value of being open to new experiences, and make a fantastic shark craft.
  • August 13 – A House for a Hermit Crab by Eric Carle:  Learn more about hermit crabs by following one who decorates his new shell after outgrowing his old one and make a fun crab craft that looks just like the one in the story.
  • August 20 – Tammy Turtle by Suzanne Tate:  Hear Tammy Turtle’s harrowing story of being rescued by human helpers after she mistakenly eats a plastic bag thinking it’s a jellyfish and explore what’s in a turtle’s stomach through a fun activity.
  • August 27 – Otter on His Own by Doe Boyle:  After Sea Otter Pup’s mother teaches him to dive and hunt, discover what awaits them in the open sea and make a fun otter craft!

• Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm – Science in 3D – Sea Turtle Quest: Closely study sea turtles in 3D using the Museum’s virtual reality headsets!

• Tuesdays at 3:00 pm – The Sea Turtle Game of Life: Learn about sea turtle species that visit coastal NC and discover what everyone can do to protect these endangered sea creatures through an interactive activity.

• Wednesdays at 1:00 pm – Science in 3D – Hurricane Maria: Fly into the eye of Hurricane Maria through the lens of a virtual reality headset.

• Wednesdays at 3:00 pm – All Hands on Deck! – Beach and Ocean Safety: Learn beach and ocean safety tips, including what to do when swimming alone and how to help someone in the water through interactive discussion and make a fun sea bottle craft. 

• Thursdays at 11:00 am – Shark Smarts: Learn fun facts about sharks, including myths and misconceptions, and discuss “shark smarts” that will keep everyone safe while enjoying fun in the sun. 

• Thursdays at 3:00 pm – Swamp Sleuths: Learn about the diversity of life in the Green Swamp by becoming a wildlife detective, compiling evidence, narrowing down crime suspects, and putting your swamp sleuthing skills to the test!

• Thursdays at 6:00 pm – Snakes Alive!: Learn about snake species, their diets, and how to distinguish venomous vs. non-venomous varieties with the help of a local snake expert and several live snakes!

Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium Director of Programs and Exhibits Jamie Justice schedules and facilitates all Family Programs. Justice received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bowling Green State University and her Master of Science in Environmental Science with concentrations in Marine and Coastal Education and Coastal Management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.