August 2017 offerings at The Maritime Aquarium | Greenwich Moms

 
Flamingos
Special summer exhibit open through Labor Day (Sept. 4)
Everyone’s favorite big pink birds are on display in only one place this summer in Connecticut: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk! A group of flamingos is called a stand or flamboyance. Whichever you prefer – stand or flamboyance – the flamboyant birds will be standing (often, on one leg) through Labor Day in the aviary on the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard. Displayed are Chilean flamingos, a larger species – 4 to 5 feet tall – native to southern South America and that continent’s western coast. They’re distinguished by their greyish legs with notably pink “knees,” and by half of their bills being black.
 

Close up of pink flamingo bird isolated


Marine Life Encounter Cruises
at 1 p.m. daily in July & August; no cruises Aug. 4-5 nor on Tuesdays in August
Share a boat ride with an amazing variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up right out of Long Island Sound right before your eyes during fun Marine Life Encounter Cruises with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Public outings depart at 1 p.m. nearly daily in July and August. Marine Life Encounter Cruises occur aboard the R/V Spirit of the Sound™, a 64-foot catamaran that is the country’s first research vessel with hybrid-electric propulsion.
The Aquarium’s Marine Life Encounter Cruises reveal what is, to many, a surprising diversity of marine life just off our shores in Long Island Sound. Aquarium educators put participants to work in collecting and examining animals from all levels of the water column: tiny wriggly plankton gathered at the surface (and viewed on a large monitor via a videomicroscope), little crabs and worms grabbed from the muddy bottom, and a variety of fish, crabs, squid, mollusks and surprises brought up in R/V Spirit of the Sound’s trawl net. Tickets are $29.95, or $24.95 for Aquarium members. Participants must be at least 42 inches tall to board. All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Confirm dates, reserve your tickets or get more details at www.maritimeaquarium.org or (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
Maritime Aquarium TGIF Cruises
Family-friendly outings at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays
Start your weekend off with a fun relaxing boat ride out to the Norwalk, offered on Friday evenings by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. These 90-minute cruises depart each Friday at 6:30 p.m. aboard the Aquarium’s unique research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound™ (the only research vessel in the country with quiet hybrid-electric propulsion). Aquarium educators will be onboard to point out sights and wildlife, but there’s no structured program. Get back in time to enjoy a late dinner or an evening out with friends just steps away in the restaurants and nightspots of SoNo. The TGIF Cruises are open to all, including children. But note that participants must be at least 42 inches tall to come aboard. Tickets are $29.95 ($19.95 for Aquarium members). Space is limited on all cruises, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Book your tickets by calling (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Maritime Aquarium Sunset Cruises
Each Saturday in August at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing happy-hour boat tour out to the Norwalk islands as twilight paints the western sky during Sunset Cruises in August offered by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
These 90-minute cruises aboard the Aquarium’s unique research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound™, are timed to include the setting sun and – providing cooperation beyond the Aquarium’s control – a dazzling western sky reflecting on the water. Maritime Aquarium educators will be onboard to point out sights and wildlife.
In August, the cruises depart at 6:30 p.m. and are open to all, including children. But note that – as with all Aquarium cruises – participants must be at least 42 inches tall to come aboard. You may bring food and beverages in a small bag or soft-sided cooler. Glass bottles are prohibited.
Tickets are $29.95 ($19.95 for Aquarium members). Space is limited, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Book your tickets by calling (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
“Fish Tales” – Story Time at The Maritime Aquarium
Each Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
Toddlers and their parents or caregivers can enjoy stories, songs and other activities during “Fish Tales” on Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 11 a.m. in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Offered in partnership with the Norwalk Public Library, each “Fish Tales” features stories, songs and games that encourage children’s emerging language skills, followed by a playtime. “Fish Tales” are free with Aquarium admission and are open to children age 5 and under and who are able to sit quietly with their grown-up. A caregiver must be present.
Limited to the first 20 children on a first-come, first-served basis.
Toy Boat-Making Workshop
Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily in July and August
Visit the toy boat-making area for a fun 20-minute boat-building project. Build and decorate a toy sailboat to take home as a special keepsake of your visit. Cost: $5 per child (plus Aquarium admission).

Join The Greenwich Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around Greenwich, CT with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.