If you don’t know the difference between a river otter and a sea otter, you will after this fun and interactive program. You’ll learn about otters’ favorite foods, including sea urchins, and complete a fun otter craft.
Lights Out by Marsha Diane Arnold introduces readers to a world marred by light pollution. “This quest for true darkness is a clarion call to turn out the lights—so that all may see.” Following this inspiring story, enjoy a glow in the dark paint activity and discover things only visible in darkness.
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.
From stargazing to hibernation to migration patterns. You will learn that there are many reasons animals need darkness. Explore the impact of light pollution on wildlife. Learn how everyone can reduce light pollution through hands-on self-guided activity stations in celebration of World Space Week.
Discover the origins of Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach through captivating stories about people who visited and settled in these coastal communities. Tales of 
Native Americans, explorers, pirates, presidents, Civil War soldiers, and blockade runners will inspire curiosity about ordinary people who did extraordinary things to contribute to this area’s rich history.
Sandbar Lecture facilitator Ann Bokelman is a co-founder of Old Bridge Historical Society, a longtime Sunset Beach resident involved with several area volunteer groups and a retired nurse educator.
The Sandbar Lecture Series brings local experts to speak about topics ranging from our coastal environment to Outer Banks history. The Museum will open at 5:00 pm prior to the lecture.
Sammy Shrimp: Tale of a Little Shrimp by Suzanne Tate introduces fun facts about shrimp with the help of a little shrimp named Sammy and his big sister followed by a fun activity about local seafood.
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.
Our marshes are areas teeming with wildlife and they are vitally important for the environment. Discover the role marshes play in reducing flooding, keeping our water clean, and much more in this fun, interactive program.
We will read Pearlie Oyster: Tale of an Amazing Oyster by Suzanne Tate. Have you ever wondered how pearls develop inside oysters? This is an opportunity to explore the amazing life of an oyster, see how good things sometimes emerge from negative experiences, and learn more about oysters through fun hands-on activities and crafts.
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.