Spring Break Fun at the Vancouver Aquarium

Did you know that Two-toed sloths can hold their pee for 156 hours? Or that male seahorses give birth to 150 babies every three months? Experience the weird, wonderful – and intriguingly normal – this Spring Break at the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise initiative. From March 16 to 31, special activities and program will keep little ones and their grownups fascinated and having fun all break long.

Travel from the Arctic to the Amazon without ever leaving Vancouver as you explore the Aquarium’s diverse galleries. With more than 50,000 curious creatures, there’s so much to see, do and discover.

• Learn why African penguins have two sets of eyelids during the ‘Meet a Penguin’ program at 2:15 p.m. daily. Don’t miss the chance to get up close with a Red-footed tortoise or a Ball python during feature programs at 11:45 a.m. – all in the Teck Connections Gallery.

• Marvel in the extraordinary adaptations of sharks that make them the ultimate ocean predators and guardians– like an Epaulette shark’s ability to ‘walk’ – during Shark: A 4-D Experience in the 4-D theatre every 30 minutes starting at 11:15 a.m.

• Gather round for story time. The Aquarium team and puppet troupe will keep the young and the young-at-heart in stitches during this dynamic and engaging family-friendly program at 10:45 a.m. daily in the Pacific Canada Pavilion.

• Go behind the scenes and get up close with our sea otters, sea lions or penguins during an Animal Encounter or embark on a ‘Be a Biologist’ tour.

Kick off Spring Break with a nighttime adventure during the Inside & Out Family Sleepover on Saturday, March 16. Explore the Aquarium through a variety of special activities, head behind the scenes and learn about local marine invertebrates, then bed down in front of one of the Aquarium’s spectacular habitats before waking to a continental breakfast. Spring Break AquaCamps are also a great way for school-aged children (four to twelve years old) to have fun while learning about our ocean. AquaCamps run all day during both weeks of Spring Break and include a mix of activities, such as getting hands-on with sea creatures, arts and crafts time, and visiting the Aquarium’s galleries.

For even more Spring Break fun, the Vancouver Aquarium is extending its hours and will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 16 to 31. Plan your visit and purchase your tickets at vanaqua.org/spring-break. The 4-D theatre is included with admission or membership. Animal Encounters, Sleepovers and AquaCamps can be purchased for an additional cost (member discounts apply); advance booking is recommended as spaces are limited and often sell out.