Coyote has a razor sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun show that explores lunar phases, eclipses and other puzzles.
You’re invited to get up close with some of the more familiar creatures found in our ocean.
Our touch tank pool allows you to gently touch marine animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, whelks, horseshoe crabs, and hermit crabs. These animals live in a variety of habitats and have developed many ways to survive the waves and predators. Volunteers are on hand to assist and teach you about these incredible animals.
Did you know, when a sea urchin “hugs” your finger if you gently touch its spines, it’s actually checking you out: Are you food or predator? If you’re neither, the animal will just gradually release you.
In Mars 1001, an international crew of astronauts is about to embark on the first interplanetary journey in history, the first manned mission to the surface of Mars. Reporter Miles O’Brien is reporting live from his Space Headquarters TV Studio in New York while events unfold for the crew on their 1001-day long mission. Witness firsthand their brave attempts to put human footprints on Mars and return safely to Earth. This journey is made possible by the biggest engineering feat ever and filled with scientific experiments. The explorers will extend our knowledge of Mars and learn whether or not mankind has a future among the stars. Many challenges will have to be met in order for the crew to succeed and unlock the secrets of the new World!
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they appeared thousands of years ago. Explore the Great Pyramid, stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus, and experience the rest of the world’s Seven Wonders. Investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe’s greatest wonders. Followed by a live star show.
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world as they appeared thousands of years ago. Explore the Great Pyramid, stand in the shadow of the towering Colossus, and experience the rest of the world’s Seven Wonders. Investigate the theories of how these wonders were created and get a glimpse of some of the universe’s greatest wonders. Followed by a live star show.
Learn what it takes to become an astronaut and live in space. This movie is followed by a live star show.
Weather permitting, many Family Day activities will be held outside. In case of inclement weather, Family Day activities will take place inside the museum.
Entry to the museum is FREE for members and Brunswick County residents with valid IDs. The special Family Day admission to the museum for non-residents is only $3 per person.
Family Day activities include shark tooth necklaces, sea globes, coin toss, ring toss, and games with the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization. Families have the option of completing craft projects on site or taking the crafts home to complete. Home Depot is providing kits that are take-home only. Tickets to participate in craft activities will be sold for fifty cents per ticket; most craft activities require 2 to 4 tickets to participate.
In addition to craft activities, Matthew Bookout will be on hand with live snakes and other reptiles. Ingram Planetarium’s booth will feature an activity about exploration of Mars. The OIB Fire & Rescue and Police Departments will be represented. The Volunteer Association plans to raise funds with a Boston Butt sale (pre-orders required) and a treat walk. Food vendors include Tasty T’s Food Truck, Sunset Slush, and more.
Family Day is a fun carnival-like event for the holiday weekend with ocean and beach themed activities and crafts, local community organizations, and food vendors. Weather permitting, many Family Day activities will be held outside. In case of inclement weather, Family Day activities will take place entirely inside the museum. Guests may visit the museum at a reduced price of $5, with the purchase of $5 in activity tickets. Bundle packages of additional activity tickets are available.
Popular returning activities include making your own shark tooth necklace or sea globe, a scavenger hunt, and our Fintastic Family Fossil Pit. New this year will be a Mermaid Meet and Greet, where participants will be able to take a photo with a mermaid from Fairytales and Dreams by the Sea. There will also be games, a coin toss, and Home Depot activity kits available.
Family Day is a great opportunity for kids to learn about local ecology and wildlife. Matthew Bookout will have some live snakes and Cape Fear Raptor Center representatives will be on hand. Food at Family Day includes Tasty Tee’s Snack Shack, Sunset Slush, and more.
Coyote has a razor sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun show that explores lunar phases, eclipses and other puzzles.
In Mars 1001, an international crew of astronauts is about to embark on the first interplanetary journey in history, the first manned mission to the surface of Mars. Reporter Miles O’Brien is reporting live from his Space Headquarters TV Studio in New York while events unfold for the crew on their 1001-day long mission. Witness firsthand their brave attempts to put human footprints on Mars and return safely to Earth. This journey is made possible by the biggest engineering feat ever and filled with scientific experiments. The explorers will extend our knowledge of Mars and learn whether or not mankind has a future among the stars. Many challenges will have to be met in order for the crew to succeed and unlock the secrets of the new World!