Secrets of the Season

Family Fun Nightlife Frivolity Subscribe to BC news RSS Feeds Add BC news to YOUR site

Summer of Fun at Oregon Coast Aquarium

The bridal burrfish, one of the oddities to be featured at Oddwater

(Newport, Oregon) – Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium casts out a huge net of watery frivolity and fun for the season, starting the season off with the big opening of a new exhibit on Memorial Day. The summer kickstarts with Oddwater – a powerful display of the offbeat beneath the ocean that combines science, art and lighting to create a very new approach to an aquarium. It will showcase the more mysterious life forms of the sea. The rest of the summer season takes off with a variety of encounters and programs, where kids of all ages can up close and personal with all sorts of sea creatures, including sleepovers, wild field trips, boat rides, and even getting kissed by a seal.

All events happen at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org. Costs vary.

May 23 - 26. Memorial Day Weekend, Opening Weekend for Oddwater. Summer hours begin - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s new exhibit, opening Memorial Day weekend 2008, is an extraordinary exhibit that will examine some of the most mysterious life forms that live in the ocean. Oddwater promises to be visually powerful, combining art, marine biology and subtle lighting to create an experience that will educate, entertain and enlighten visitors about life forms and subaquatic landscapes most people never see. Colorful art glass immersed inside the displays alongside the animals will be accentuated with lighting to simulate the environment of each species’ habitat. Opening weekend activities and events will include fun for the whole family.

Colorful freaky fish at the Oddwater exhibit

May 24. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for the aquarium’s sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

May 24. Family Sleepover; Creatures of the Dark. Families will enjoy a pizza dinner and then spend a fun-filled night at the Aquarium learning about life without light in the ocean by participating in an aquarium scavenger hunt and hands-on activities. Then, after a late evening snack, settle down to a bed-time story like none other as we hear about the legends of the sea as they swim above our heads and travel into our dreams… Wake up to muffins and juice, then go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. Ages 6 and up. 6 p.m. - 9am $45 members, $55 nonmembers.

May 25. Sharks and Finned Friends Encounter. Ages 6 and up. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. How many eggs does a wolf eel lay? What is it like to feed our animals at the aquarium? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you go on a behind the scenes tour of the facility and help one of their aquarists feed the animals of Passages of the Deep. A professional photo of one of their finned friends is included. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

May 26. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers.

Getting smooched on by a sea lion at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

May 30. Girl Scout Aquarium Sleepover. Scouts are invited to spend the night with the aquarium in the shark tunnel. You’ll eat pizza, go on a scavenger hunt and participate in some fun hands-on activities designed to meet badge requirements. Then, after a late night snack, settle down for a bedtime story unlike any you’ve heard before. Hear tales of lost ships, giant sea monsters and man-eating fish as you fall asleep to the sights of sharks swimming over your heads. Wake up to muffins and juice and go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Ages 7 and up. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. $45 members/$55 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

May 31. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for the aquarium’s sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

May 31. Migratory Bird Day. Spread your wings and learn to fly as you dive headfirst into the ocean to learn about the wonderful world of migratory sea birds. As you explore the aquarium and watch some of its resident birds, you will discover stories, biofact tables, special presentations, crafts, and more on this fun-filled day.

July 4. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

July 5. Sea Lion Encounter. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with our husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for our sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

Kids will have all sorts of hands-on fun during the summer events at the aquarium

July 10 – 12. Youth Adventure Travel Camp. Ages 12-15. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (10th), 9 a.m. – Midnight (11th), Midnight – 9 a.m. (12th) $135 non-members, $115 members. This action-packed camp has the best the Pacific Coast has to offer. Have you ever been shrimp-slurping? Have you ever been kayaking up an estuary? Here’s your chance, along with tidepooling, exploring behind-the-scenes at the aquarium, sleeping with the sharks, and more. Kayak trip and an aquarium sleepover are included in price. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

July 11. Sea Squirts: Wonderful Walkers. Have you ever tip toed through a tidepool or danced like a Sea Lion before? Here’s your chance. Investigate the different ways sea creatures walk around in and out of the water. You’ll find out how to do the Seal Shimmy and side step like a crab as everyone discovers the incredible ways some sea creatures get around. Ages 2 & 3 year olds and their parents. 10:30 am– 12:00pm $15 members, $20 nonmembers (per adult/child pair). Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

July 11. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 2 & 3 year olds and their parents. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers.

Newport features many interesting beaches, like this one full of blackened sand grains, below Yaquina Head

July 11. Youth Sleepover. Participants will have the aquarium to themselves while they enjoy a pizza dinner, go on a scavenger hunt, and learn the ancient art of gyotaku. Then, after a late evening snack, drift off to sleep as you count sharks swimming over your head… Wake up to muffins and juice, then go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. Ages 11-15. 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. $55 nonmembers, $45 members.

July 12. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for the sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers.

July 14 –17. Aqua Rangers Camp, Part I. Ages 6 & 7. Go on an underwater adventure through the forest beneath the sea. Dive right into where tide pool animals make their homes and learn all about how they catch food, find friends and even play hide and seek. You’ll use arts and craft projects and musical activities to guide us through our journey. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip with Marine Discovery Tours. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. –5 p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members $15/day or $50/wk for aftercare.

July 14 - 17. Oceans Alive Camp, Part I. Let’s play hide and seek with the animals as everyone investigates the special body parts sea creatures have to help them swim fast, dive deep, and even disappear. Go behind the scenes to meet the keepers and learn more about why our Aquarium animals have spines, flippers, and tube feet. There will be plenty of songs to sing and crafts to make as kids listen to fun stories and have a “splashtacular” time. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. Ages 4 & 5. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $80 nonmembers, $ 70 members $15/day aftercare or $50/wk. for aftercare.

Wild sights at the aquarium

July 18. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers.

July 18. Boy and Cub Scout Aquarium Sleepover. Scouts are invited to spend the night with the aquarium in the shark tunnel. Kid will eat pizza, go on a scavenger hunt and participate in some fun hands-on activities designed to meet badge requirements. Then, after a late night snack, they’ll settle down for a bed-time story unlike any you’ve heard before. Hear tales of lost ships, giant sea monsters and man eating fish as you fall asleep to the sights of sharks swimming over our heads. Wake up to muffins and juice and go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. Ages 7 and up. 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. $45 members/$55 nonmembers.

July 19. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with our husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers.

Seals are in the spotlight during the summer

July 21– 24. Sea Survivors Camp. How do ocean animals stay warm in the winter? Where do they get their food and sleep at night? These are just a few of the questions they’ll be investigating as they take a closer look into how animals survive in one of the most challenging environments on the planet, the Pacific Ocean. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. Ages 8 & 9. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members $15/day or $50/wk for aftercare.

July 21– 24. Undersea Adapters Camp. Ages 10-11. Discover and learn about the amazing adaptations that marine animals have to survive in the waters found off the Oregon Coast. Take an up close look at some of the ocean’s coolest creatures and learn about the coastal plants and animals that make their home at the Aquarium and where they can be found in the wild. You’ll spend time outdoors investigating wildlife in their natural habitats. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip with Marine Discovery Tours. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members $15/day aftercare or $50/wk for aftercare

July 25. Sea Otter Encounter. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

Lionfish at the aquarium

July 26. Sea Lion Encounter. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

July 31 - August 2. Youth Adventure Travel Camp. Explore the best the Pacific Northwest coast has to offer. Go beach seigning, take a wildlife-watching boat trip, go on a guided tour of the Newport fishing docks, come up close and personal with Aquarium animals, go on a scavenger hunt, sleep with the sharks, and more. Boat trip and an aquarium sleepover are included in price. Ages 12 – 15. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (31st), 9 a.m. – Midnight (1st), Midnight – 9am (2nd) $135 nonmembers/$115 members. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 1. Youth Sleepover. Participants will have the aquarium to themselves while they enjoy a pizza dinner, go on a scavenger hunt, and learn the ancient art of gyotaku. Then, after a late evening snack, drift off to sleep as you count sharks swimming over your head. Wake up to muffins and juice, then go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Ages 11-15. 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. $55 nonmembers, $45 members. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

Volunteers show off the aquatic fun stuff at the aquarium

August 1. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 2. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with our husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for our sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 4 - 7. Aqua Rangers Camp, Part II. Continue the adventure as we dive into where marine mammals, fish and birds make their homes and learn all about how they catch their food, find friends and take care of their young. There will be lots of arts and craft projects, songs and fun activities for everyone to do. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip with Marine Discovery Tours. Ages 6 & 7. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members $15/day or $50/wk for aftercare. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 4 - 7. Oceans Alive! Camp, Part II. Become undersea investigators and learn all about ocean animal behavior. Some animals make loud noises, others spend their days playing games and lounging in the sun. We’ll go behind the scenes and meet the keepers to learn more about how the Aquarium animals behave. There will be lots of crafts, songs to sing and fun stories to hear. Ages 4 & 5. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $80 nonmembers, $ 70 members $15/day aftercare or $50/wk for aftercare. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

Yaquina Bay, Newport

August 7 - 9. Family Adventure Camp. This action-packed camp is not only for kids, but parents too! Have you ever been shrimp-slurping? Have you ever been kayaking up an estuary? Here’s your chance, along with tidepooling, exploring behind-the-scenes at the aquarium, sleeping with the sharks, and more! Kayak trip and an aquarium sleepover are included in price. Ages 6 and up. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (7th), 9 a.m. – Midnight (8th), Midnight – 9 a.m. (9th) $135 non-members, $115 members. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 8. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Ages 8 and up. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 8. Family Sleepover; Creatures of the Dark. Families will enjoy a pizza dinner and then spend a fun-filled night at the Aquarium learning about life without light in the ocean by participating in an aquarium scavenger hunt and hands-on activities. Then, after a late evening snack, settle down to a bed-time story like none other as kids hear about the legends of the sea as they swim above the kidlets’ heads. Wake up to muffins and juice, then go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Ages 6 and up. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. $45 members, $55 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 9. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers.
Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

Entering the Oregon Coast Aquarium

August 11 – 14. Sea Survivors Camp. How do ocean animals stay warm in the winter? Where do they get their food and sleep at night? These are just a few of the questions they’ll be investigating as they take a closer look into how animals survive in one of the most challenging environments on the planet, the Pacific Ocean. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip with Marine Discovery Tours. Ages 8 & 9. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. After-Care offered 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members $15/day or $50/wk for aftercare. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 11– 14. Undersea Adapters. Discover and learn about the amazing adaptations that marine animals have to survive in the waters found off the Oregon Coast. You’ll take an up close look at some of the ocean’s coolest creatures and learn about the coastal plants and animals that make their home at the Aquarium and where they can be found in the wild. Spend time outdoors investigating wildlife in their natural habitats. Includes a wildlife-watching boat trip with Marine Discovery Tours. Ages 10-12. 9 a.m. – 3p.m., After-Care offered 3p.m.-5p.m. $135 nonmembers, $115 members. $15/day aftercare or $50/wk for aftercare. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 15. Sea Squirts: Fantastic Flyers. Take flight with some of our fine feathered friends. Learning to fly maybe difficult for some but our marine birds make it look easy. Some have even learned to fly underwater. So it’s time to stretch your wings, learn to fly and flap your arms like a puffin as we learn about how having feathers helps to fly. Ages 2 & 3 year olds and their parents. 10:30 am– 12:00pm $15 members, $20 nonmembers (per adult/child pair). Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 15. Girl Scout Aquarium Sleepover. Scouts are invited to spend the night with the Aquarium in the shark tunnel. Eat pizza, go on a scavenger hunt and participate in some fun hands-on activities designed to meet badge requirements. Then, after a late night snack, Settle down for a bed-time story unlike any you’ve heard before. Hear tales of lost ships, giant sea monsters and man eating fish as you fall asleep to the sights of sharks swimming over our heads. Wake up to muffins and juice and go behind-the-scenes to see what’s involved in caring for the animals at the Aquarium. Ages 7 and up. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. $45 members/$55 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 5301.

August 15. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Ages 8 and up. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 16. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

Newport's Nye Beach

August 22. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Ages 8 and up. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 23. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 29. Sea Otter Encounter. Learn about the sea otter’s many adaptations and the challenges these adaptations pose for their caretakers. Prepare icy sea otter treats and meet a mammalogist to learn about animal care and feeding as you watch sea otters up close. Ages 8 and up. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Please make reservations in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

August 30. Sea Lion Encounter. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313.

RELATED STORIES

Click here for video of Dec. storm aftermath

Oregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007

Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights

Staggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding set

Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities

Oregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reports

CONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION