As a kid I remember going to Marine Life on the coast very fondly. Katrina took care of that and I figured I'd never get the chance to share that with my kids. I was wrong. Apparently the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies moved to a much safer (from hurricanes) location further inland. They had this facility pre-K, but it wasn't open to the public.
Tour tickets should be purchased in advance and that is what I did. It sent me an email and offered the ability to print the tickets, but that was unnecessary. They had my name at the front so we checked in and were given wristbands. A point of note is that kids 13 and up pay the adult price. I think it should be kids under 18.
The tour begins with a show involving a bird. A bird? Yeah, a bird. It is pretty entertaining for the kids. I recommend sitting as closely as possible for the best view. I was very interested in the show since I am an expert in bird law, but I digress.
After the bird show we were spit into three groups. One stayed for a show about sea turtles that was very informative. Kids got to pet a tree snake if they wanted to and then it was on to part two. Part two was a shark tooth fossil dig and gift shop. Part three was the touch ponds where we got to pet sting rays (minus the sting), horseshoe crabs, sharks, etc. If your kids are scared, encourage them. Every kid wants to say they pet a shark.
The finale is the reason we came and we were impressed. All the tour groups met up and sat on pool side bleachers for the dolphin show. It was educational and entertaining. Plus we didn't get wet. The next part of the show involved a seal and was fun, but the dolphins were way cooler.
In closing, this is a great way to spend half a day with kids.
Contact
10801 Dolphin Ln
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 896-9182
imms.org
No comments:
Post a Comment