
Learn how to prepare your home and family for storms ahead of hurricane season by building an emergency preparedness kit. This lesson is followed by an exciting virtual reality mobile classroom experience: flying inside Hurricane Maria. Strap on a pair of Oculus Quest virtual reality goggles and become immersed in this unique environment.
The Science in 3D program will feature Hurricane Maria on Tuesday at 11:00 pm through Memorial Day.
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.
What’s the difference between a land turtle and a sea turtle? Why are box turtles called box turtles? We will answer this question and more in this fun, interactive program. Learn about the anatomy, diet, and habits of land and sea turtles, the difference between them, and some fun facts about our favorite reptiles. A fun turtle themed craft is included.
Join us each open day at 11:00 am for family programs designed by Jamie Justice, the Education Manager for the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, who oversees 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.
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.
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.

Come to Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach to learn how to keep the sea and stars safe from light pollution! Join the Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ingram Planetarium, and the Town of OIB in Town Center Park for this family friendly program.
Program Schedule:
6:00 pm Sea Turtles and Light Pollution
What is light pollution and how does it affect sea turtles? We’ll do some fun activities to learn about sea turtles and how to keep them safe by turning lights off on the beach.
6:30 pm Stargazing and Light Pollution
How can I see the stars? Learn about how light pollution affects star gazing and what we can do to see more stars. Then practice by looking through a real telescope to see what’s up in the night sky.
7:00 pm S’mores!
Enjoy s’mores provided by the Town of OIB! Activity packets with coupons
to the museum and planetarium will be provided to all children as well.
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.

Learn how to prepare your home and family for storms ahead of hurricane season by building an emergency preparedness kit. This lesson is followed by an exciting virtual reality mobile classroom experience: flying inside Hurricane Maria. Strap on a pair of Oculus Quest virtual reality goggles and become immersed in this unique environment.
The Science in 3D program will feature Hurricane Maria on Tuesday at 11:00 pm through Memorial Day.
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.
What’s the difference between a land turtle and a sea turtle? Why are box turtles called box turtles? We will answer this question and more in this fun, interactive program. Learn about the anatomy, diet, and habits of land and sea turtles, the difference between them, and some fun facts about our favorite reptiles. A fun turtle themed craft is included.
Join us each open day at 11:00 am for family programs designed by Jamie Justice, the Education Manager for the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, who oversees 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.