Shark Week begins Sunday, July 23rd, 2023. It is an exciting time of the year when we get to learn more about these fascinating creatures of the deep. It's an excellent opportunity to engage kids in fun and educational activities that spark their curiosity about marine life. Let's have fun with our kids this week and explore some family-friendly ways to celebrate Shark Week combining entertainment and education to create lasting memories.
Here are a Few Ideas to Learn About and Celebrate Sharks this Week: |
Shark Movie Marathon:
Kick off Shark Week with a shark-themed movie marathon! There are plenty of family-friendly shark movies available, such as "Finding Nemo," "Finding Dory," and "The Little Mermaid." These films not only provide entertainment but also introduce kids to various underwater creatures, including sharks, in a safe and enjoyable way.
There are fun, kid-friendly movies with sharks like:
Shark Tale (all ages)
Finding Nemo (all ages)
Shark Bait (all ages)
Soul Surfer (PG)
Jaws (classic PG)
The Rise of the Great White Shark (educational PG)
Sharktopus (Teen and older)
Explore Shark Books:
Visit your local library or bookstore and discover a collection of age-appropriate shark books. Look for books that are both informative and engaging, with colorful illustrations and interesting facts about different shark species. Reading together as a family can foster a love for learning and encourage meaningful discussions about these incredible predators.
Here are a few books we like:
My First Book of Sharks (3-5yr olds)
First Discovery Book: Sharks Teeth to Tail (5-6yr old)
Hammy Hammerhead's (Almost) Big Adventure (elementary)
Sharks for Kids (elementary - educational)
National Geographic: Ultimate Book of Sharks (elementary - educational)
National Geographic: Weird But True - Sharks (elementary - educational)
Children's Encyclopedia of Sharks (elementary - educational)
Craft Shark Puppets:
Encourage your children's creativity by making shark puppets together. You can use paper bags, felt, or even socks to create these puppets. Allow the kids to decorate them with markers, googly eyes, and craft materials. Once the puppets are ready, have a family puppet show where everyone can create their own unique shark stories.
Shark-themed Snacks:
Make snack time more exciting by preparing shark-themed treats. For example, you can create "shark fin" sandwiches by cutting sandwiches into triangular shapes and adding pretzel sticks as fins. You can also make shark-shaped cookies using shark-shaped cookie cutters. These snacks can be a fun way to discuss different shark characteristics and body parts while enjoying a tasty treat.
Here's how to make a Shark-Melon
Virtual Aquarium Tours:
Take advantage of technology by embarking on virtual aquarium tours. Many aquariums offer online experiences where you can explore their shark exhibits from the comfort of your home. These virtual tours allow kids to observe sharks up close, learn about their habitats, and ask questions to knowledgeable guides. It's an immersive and educational experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Enjoy multiple live streams from the National Aquarium HERE
Create Shark Art:
Encourage your children to express their creativity through shark-themed art projects. Provide them with art supplies such as paints, colored pencils, or clay, and let their imaginations soar. They can draw or sculpt their favorite sharks or create ocean-themed scenes. Display their artwork proudly, and it will serve as a reminder of the fun and educational Shark Week activities you shared as a family.
Here are a few pre-set kits we like:
Shark Painting Kit
Learn to Draw Sharks
Shark Diamond Art Kit
Shark Fuse Bead Activity Kit
Visit a Local Aquarium or Marine Center:
If you're fortunate enough to live near an aquarium or marine center, plan a family trip to visit during Shark Week. Explore the shark exhibits, watch feeding sessions, and participate in any interactive displays or educational programs they offer. It's a hands-on experience that will deepen your children's understanding and appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Our Local Aquariums to Explore:
Seaquest (small but fun - at the Woodbridge Center Mall)
Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103)
NJ Sea Life Aquarium (Upper Level, 1 American Dream Wy Suite A, East Rutherford, NJ 07073)
Jenkinson's Aquarium (300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742)
Shark Week provides a wonderful opportunity to engage children in both fun and educational activities centered around marine life. By incorporating movies, books, crafts, snacks, virtual tours, art, and visits to aquariums, you can create a memorable and enriching experience for the whole family. So, grab your shark hats, dive into the world of sharks, and let the adventure begin!
Check out the Discovery Channel this Shark Week
for more amazing shows, documentaries, Pictures, Information, and more
Be sure to tell local businesses and events you found them
on Macaroni Kid Clark-Cranford-Westfield
and make sure to tell all your friends!
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