Backstage Tours At Maritime Aquarium

NORWALK — The Maritime Aquarium will be offering behind-the-scenes tours on Thursday and Saturday, December 28 and 30, perfect timing for people on vacation from school and work.

Visitors will watch the stingrays have breakfast, then visit the “fish kitchen” where 18 tons of fish each year is turned into meals for the aquarium’s 2,000 animals. Guests will view sharks in the 110,000-gallon open ocean exhibit  — first through a window several inches thick and then looking down into the tank from above. Visitors will also explore the room where jellies are grown from almost-too-small-to-be-seen polyps.

Participants must be at least 8 years old for the December 28 tour and at least 12 years old for the December 30 tour. Those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost is $30 for nonmembers and $20 for members and includes aquarium admission after the tour. Space is limited, with a maximum of 25 people per tour.

For reservations call the aquarium at 203-852-0700, extension 2206. For more information, visit www.MaritimeAquarium.org.

Little Lighthouses

A visit to The Maritime Aquarium is always a “bright” idea, especially during the Aquarium’s annual “Festival of Lighthouses.” Now in its fifth year, the “Festival of Lighthouses” has become a cherished holiday tradition for families throughout Fairfield County.

Through January 16, beautiful illuminated lighthouses built by talented regional artists and crafters will greet aquarium visitors around every turn. Ticket holders can enjoy their favorite aquarium animals — the seals, otters, sharks and sea turtles — and then join in the holiday celebration by casting their votes to determine this year’s festival winners.

Among the entries in this year’s Festival of Lighthouses at The Maritime Aquarium is one from Newtown. Brittany, Julie and Katina Clarke created their “Selkirk Lighthouse” using bread dough, cardboard, concrete (made from sand, peat moss and cement) and hay.

This is the first time that the mother-daughters team has entered the Festival of Lighthouses.

There is no cost beyond aquarium admission to enjoy the Festival of Lighthouses. Admission to the Aquarium only (not including IMAX movie screenings or special exhibitions) is $10.50 for adults, $9.50 for seniors age 62 and up, and $8.50 for guests ages 2-12.

Call The Maritime Aquarium or go online (phone number and address above) to learn more about the Festival of Lighthouses, as well as other fun and educational happenings and exhibitions currently being offered at the aquarium.