AQUARIST APPRENTICE
Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Find out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium critters. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our animals. Participants will also observe our Aquarists accomplish some of their daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $20.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. If you have ever cared for a home aquarium, you may have some idea of what it takes to operate a collection of salt and freshwater exhibits, with hundreds of animals. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. This unique opportunity is limited to 10 participants. Children under 8 are not permitted. Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee: $15.00 per participant. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

FOR CHILDREN/PARENTS

BREAKFAST WITH THE FISHES
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Get a sneak peek at the aquarium before it opens for the day. Coffee, juice, pastries and bagels are provided for guests. After breakfast participants are invited to feed some of our aquarium critters! Come and enjoy breakfast with your favorite aquarium resident, and stay to enjoy the rest of the morning. Fee: $15.00 (includes the admission for the day). $5.00 for children ages 2-5. NC Aquarium Society Members pay $7.00 per participant. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY TIME
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 10:00 AM - Holiday Amphibians
Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM - Holiday Spiny Skinned Animals
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM - Holiday Turtles
Creatures come alive in this story-telling and critter-creating program. In this program kids will make a fun and festive holiday craft. For pre-school children. Fee: $5.00 per child. Parents pay admission only. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

DADDY AND ME
Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Dads and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee: $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

MOMMY AND ME
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Moms and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterwards, you can enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room, which will be reserved just for program participants. Different animal topics will be offered each date. For adults and kids ages 1-3. Fee: $13.00 for one adult and one child ($1.00 for each additional child) Admission to Aquarium is included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily
Be a child during the holidays! Our gift to you: visit the Aquarium December 13 & 14 at the child's rate...all adults admitted for only $6 each! Santa Photo Specials, Puppet Shows & Crafts, Original "Grinch" on the Big Screen, Scuba Santa in the Big Tank

OUTDOORS & EXPLORATION

FORT FISHER HERMIT'S SCHOOL OF COMMON SENSE
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Have you ever heard about the Ft. Fisher Hermit? Maybe you were lucky enough to meet him. Join aquarium staff to watch the award winning documentary, entitled "The Fort Fisher Hermit: The Life & Death of Robert E. Harrill." Then take a walk in the Hermit's footsteps out through the marsh to the bunker where he lived. Learn how the Hermit lived in the marsh surviving largely on plants and animals. Test your own skills catching and releasing food from the marsh. Ages 15 and up. Fee: $18.00 with Aquarium admission, $10.00 without Aquarium admission. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS

HOLIDAY ELF CAMP
Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Focus on Freshwater Animals
Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Focus on Brackish Water Animals
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Focus on Saltwater Animals
Looking for something fun this holiday season? The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is offering three Holiday Elf Camps this year for ages 7-10 years old. Our elves will be making gifts, wrapping them, meeting other elves, and making some extra special memories here at the aquarium. This fun and educational program gives adult elves guilt-free time for holiday shopping or relaxation. The program fee of $50 includes aquarium admission, pizza lunch, snacks, crafts, holiday gift-wrap, instruction, and countless wonderful memories. Register early at (910) 458-7468 to get the date you want. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher will be closed
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2008 and
will reopen at 9 am on Friday, December 26.