MarineLab Family Day

A holiday party but make it ocean themed! Get the whole family in the holiday spirit while surrounded by out local marine habitats without even having to leave MarineLab's campus. Snorkel our lagoon and check out the red and white mangroves (kind of like a candy cane forest if you use your imagination!). Then, let our decorator crabs inspire your holiday decorations with their festive, algae covered backs. Maybe even save some money on your holiday ornaments by making your own out of recycled water bottles.  

Registration for this event will open up at noon on December 1st.

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: Check out our holiday themed stations -

Lagoon snorkel - MarineLabs version of a cany cane forest! Both red and white mangroves surround our lagoon. Get up close and personal with the mangrove roots and see how many critters you can find. Check out the colorful sponges (almost like ornaments on a holiday tree), feather duster worms (not to be confused with christmas tree worms), and maybe even spot a seahorse! New and experienced snorkelers are encouraged to participate. Our marine biologist instructors are happy to assist and point out some of our favorite critters!

Rock Shake - Take a peak at our algae covered "live" rocks. Lots of teeny tiny invertebrates call these rocks their home and many of them have mastered the art of camouflage. Like decorator crabs, for example. Let them get you in the holiday decorating spirit! Maybe even gain some inspiration from these festive masters of disguise. 

Microplastics - Think twice about buying all of those holiday decorations after looking at microplastics filtered out of our ocean water! We'll even show you how to turn an ordinary water bottle into a personalized holiday ornament.

Zooplankton - The oceans version of Santas Little Helpers! Many people don't realize that our phytoplankton are working hard year-round to produce 80% of atmospheric oxygen! You can thank these little guys the next time you take a nice big breath of fresh air. Zooplankton are consuming these tasty phytoplankton. Together, they are forming the start of the oceanic food chain. Check out what these microscopic little helpers look like and build your very own plankton models to be crowned the slowest sinker!

**sequence of events and snorkel site locations 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 2025, 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 (if you have it!)

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