MarineLab Family Day

Don't be a scaredy-cat! Bring the family along for an exciting afternoon of marine science activities and experiments at MarineLab. Meet our experienced instructors at a “sampler” of spooky stations to get you into the halloween spirit. Stations include a snorkel in our "haunted" lagoon, invertebrate discovery (creepy critters), and plankton identification (micro monsters). Come enjoy one station or sample them all!

Please do not arrive before 12:45!  

1 PM: Arrive and check in

1:15 - 2 PM: MarineLab instructors will review proper use of snorkel equipment as well as safety signs and signals.  All participants will be outfitted with snorkel gear - we have plenty for all but feel free to bring your own, if you prefer.  All participants will also need to take a simple swim test.

2 PM - 4 PM: Sample our different stations - 

Creepy critters - Take a peek at some of the teeny tiny marine invertebrates that live on our rocks - fresh from our very own rock garden! Also, check out some of our favorite creepy crawly critters from Florida Bay. Channel your inner mad scientist (just in time for Halloween) and run your very own experiments on them.

Micro monsters - Get ready to see the real-life version of the plankton species that Plankton from SpongeBob is modeled after (yes, they really only have one eye!).  You will really be feeling like a scientist when you use our microscopes to find Plankton and his buddies. Then, build your very own plankton model and race it against the others!

Lagoon Snorkel - Anyone ready to brave the "haunted" lagoon is welcome to snorkel with us! Our instructors are ready and happy to assist new snorkelers in the water but if you’re feeling confident in your snorkeling abilities, you can step up your game and try to find one of our resident seahorses! We have plenty of snorkel gear, wetsuits, and life jackets for everyone, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

**sequence of events and lagoon snorkel subject to change due to weather conditions

Admission: There will be a $10 REFUNDABLE deposit for all participants. 

**if the refundable deposit poses a financial burden for your family, please contact our Outreach Coordinator directly to register

Please consider that these are high demand events with waitlists - if you sign up and are no longer able to attend, please reach out to Anne at outreach@marinelab.org in advance so that another family can fill your spot!

Waiver Required! Find the waiver here (If you have already attended a family day in 2024, there is no need to fill out another waiver.)

Age: Open to all ages. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Snorkel gear: Don’t have your own? We’ve got you covered! We are happy to provide snorkel gear in any size you need.

What to bring: A swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and snorkel gear/wetsuit (if you have it!)

For more information, email our Outreach Coordinator, Anne den Otter, at anne.denotter@marinelab.org