'Sketching for SEA-renity' this October half term at the National Marine Aquarium
Saturday 22nd October 2016 - Sunday 30th October 2016
Visitors to the National Marine Aquarium this October half term will be able to unleash their creative side with a week of art, drawing and wellbeing. 'Sketching for SEA-renity' will encourage visitors to take the time to enjoy the Aquarium's peaceful surroundings and mesmerizing exhibits.
Taking place from Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 October, children will receive a free sketchbook as part of their visit, enabling them to create and capture mindful memories, while Zentacles the Octopus and his friends will be on-hand to entertain the little ones and share fascinating facts about the sea and its many marine species.
Findings from a study the National Marine Aquarium conducted in partnership with Plymouth University and the University of Exeter show that people who spend time watching aquariums and fish tanks could see improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing1. 'Sketching for SEA-renity' will provide visitors with the perfect opportunity to relax and let their creativity flow in the inspiring surroundings of over 4,000 marine animals.
Families are also invited to attend the Aquarium's Halloween themed Family Fright Night this October half term. Taking place on Saturday 29 October, it will be an evening of ghosts, ghouls and ocean myths, transporting those brave enough to attend into different ghosts stories of the sea around the eerie dark of the Aquarium at night. Visitors can look forward to petrifying pumpkin carving, terrifying trick or treating, fearsome face painting and fancy dress, as well as a terrifically frightening Fright Night Show.
For those that are hoping for even more bite from their visit, the National Marine Aquarium will also be hosting a special Sleeping with Sharks event on Friday 28 October and promises to be a terrifically terrifying treat for all – perfect for any parents looking for a new way to give the kids a fright this Halloween.
Sleeping with Sharks is an exciting way to see what happens in the underwater world at night. With the kings of the sea swimming silently overhead, their presence will fascinate any one brave enough to spend the night in their company. A combination of entertainment and education, the evening is geared at getting across a greater understanding of the marine environment and how we all have a part in helping to keep it safe.
Sarah Pickup, Host Supervisor at the National Marine Aquarium, said: "October half term is going to be a bumper week of activities at the National Marine Aquarium, offering something for everyone. We'll be helping our visitors to relax and reflect with our daily Sketching for SEA-renity activity. Our research has shown how aquarium environments can improve physical and mental wellbeing - we hope our visitors are able to benefit from the peaceful surroundings while the children get creative with our free sketchbooks.
"Our two evening events, Fright Night and Sleeping with Sharks, will also keep our visitors on their toes this Halloween!"
October half term events at the National Marine Aquarium:
Sketching for SEA-renity: Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 October; included within general entry tickets
Sleeping with Sharks: Friday 28 October; tickets £40 for children aged 5+, £30 for adults aged 16+
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk.