The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine has been offering summer programs for kids for the past eight years. “We thought the many summer visitors to the island would enjoy having educational activities for their children,” says Sheila Dean, the center’s co-director. Preregistration is required for all events, except for sunset beach walks/seining. For additional information or to register, call 609-266-0538.
Sunset Beach Walks/Seining: Kids will get a kick out of this long guided walk from Lagoon Boulevard to Cove Beach, learning about the birds, plants and animals they encounter along the way. At the bay, the group will go seining for sea creatures. Fee: $5. (June 29, 30; July 7, 14, 17, 20, 24, 28, 31; August 3, 7, 14, 16, 22)
Dolphin Camp: This activity consists of a mock dolphin stranding at 17th Street beach, where participants will learn why dolphins strand and what to do if they encounter one on the beach. Fee: $10 per child; $20 per adult. (July 19; August 9)
Pirate Days: Kids can unleash their inner brigand on this two-day adventure. They spend the first day at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center learning about pirate lore and making their own treasure chests. The next morning, the group meets at Cove Beach for a pirate treasure hunt. $15 fee. (July 11 and 12; August 18 and 19)
Mock Stranding: Become a stranding technician for the day. First, kids will learn about sea turtles and seals and why they strand. Then on Cove Beach, they will participate in a mock-stranding exercise, making observations, taking measurements and securing the animal. Fee: $10 (July 8 and 26; August 12 and 15)
Terrapin Day: Kids will learn about the terrapin turtles that live in New Jersey’s marshes when staff bring the Wetlands Institute’s turtles for a visit. Fee: $10. (August 5)