The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is guaranteeing a win on Election Day by offering free in-person and online programs that give parents time to cast their ballots while their kids enjoy fun learning experiences about the marine world.
In-person programs on Tues., Nov. 3 are for ages 4 to 12, and available in three sessions: from 8:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, a selection of eight virtual programs – including one entirely in Spanish – will stream to kids and families anywhere hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All are free, with a suggested donation.
“We’re so pleased to be able to provide free programming that will be both educational and inspirational for students nationwide, so that Election Day needn’t be just another day away from school,” said Tom Naiman, the Aquarium’s director of Education. “There is so much concern about learning loss since the start of the pandemic. We see these programs as a way to help students, teachers and families make Election Day a time for continued learning, wherever they may be located. And, with the in-person programs, we’re happy to help give local parents time to go do their civic duty in voting.”
In-Person Programs
During the Election Day in-person programs, kids will tour Aquarium exhibits, meet live creatures and participate in age-appropriate activities focused on marine animals and the ocean world. Children must wear masks at all times, and Aquarium educators will apply other health and safety guidelines.
You can only enroll a child in one of the three sessions. Each session has a capacity. There is a $25 registration fee that may be refunded when the child is picked up on time by a parent or caregiver.
The Election Day virtual programs mostly run for 50 minutes and can be streamed live from any device. Here’s the schedule, with the intended audience:
9 a.m. – “Fish Tales” (preschool-kindergarten)
10 a.m. – “Hide, Seek, Chomp!” (Grades 3-5)
11 a.m. – “Feeding Time!” (all ages; 30 minutes long)
Noon – “Shark Safari” (kindergarten-Grade 2)
1 p.m. – Aquarium Stars: Seals (Grades 3-6)
2 p.m. – Todo Sobre Las Tortugas Marinas (a program entirely in Spanish)
3 p.m. – Saving Horseshoe Crabs (all ages)
4 p.m. – Meet the Jellies (pre-K to Grade 2)
Get details about each session’s content on the Aquarium website.
All of the Election Day programs require advance registration. There are forms to be filled out for the in-person programs. Those signing up for a virtual program will receive a link to the online session. Learn more and find the links for required preregistration at www.maritimeaquarium.org.
The Maritime Aquarium encourages all eligible citizens to register and to cast votes on Election Day. Through the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) – a coalition of 22 U.S. aquariums acting together to advance ocean and freshwater conservation – The Maritime Aquarium joins in reminding Americans that voting gives us the power to choose leaders who can make decisions to: protect our ocean, our air and water; conserve the natural places and wildlife we love; and ensure our communities have a voice in the decision-making process. Learn more at www.maritimeaquarium.org/vote-for-the-ocean