Fall-Winter Events at EcoTarium
MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Anne Giedrys
Communications Manager
sgiedrys@ecotarium.org
(508) 929-2738
Explore the inspiring story of people and peregrines, celebrate community-carved pumpkins, meet live birds of prey and don't miss December's Polar Bear Journey!
(WORCESTER, MA)— This fall, EcoTarium is busy with fun-filled events and exhibits for every age group. A special exhibit, The Peregrine Falcon: Return of an Endangered Species opens September 24, and families will enjoy the museum's fall festival, Hunters of the Sky on October 16. Look for a reprise of raptor-focused activities during the December School Vacation Week. Evening stargazing programs take advantage of clear fall skies and highlight a lunar eclipse. Preschoolers delight in their own Saturday morning investigations of raptors, water & ice and forests. Check out www.ecotarium.org/calendar for event updates, planetarium schedules and more.
Schedule of events below, October through December:
October
Family Preschool Day: Oak Trees and Maple Seeds
Saturday, October 2, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Trees grow from seeds, some that fly and some that thud to the ground. Learn about "helicopter" seeds and acorns in this 30-minute program for little ones. One morning each month, kids and parents explore a new nature or animal theme, meet animals up-close, play and use their creativity. Cost: $5 per child with adult companion, plus museum admission.
Keeper Caper: Mammals
Sunday, October 3, 10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you travel behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Cost: $12, $10 plus admission. Registration required. Call (508) 929-2703.
Blue-Green Uranus SkyWatch
Friday, October 8, 7:30 p.m.
Some of the year's clearest skies and the crisp October air make this month a perfect time to view the heavens. Examine the faraway planet Uranus and its blue-green atmosphere. Then, heading well beyond our Solar System, view nebulae and star clusters such as the spectacular Hercules Globular Cluster. Astronomy double feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or book online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets.
Clear October Skies SkyWatch
Friday, October 15, 7:30 p.m.
The famous Summer Triangle is still visible in early fall and it's high overhead on this night. Observe two of its prize secrets: the Dumbbell Nebula and the aptly named Ring Nebula. Also, use our telescopes to get a good view of an impressive group of globular clusters, each containing thousands of stars. Astronomy double feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or book online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets.
Hunters of the Sky Festival
Saturday, October 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
It's a raptor spectacular this fall! They whiz through the air. They see at night. Some can even swim. Discover fascinating facts about an amazing class of animals. Come nose to beak with live raptors— the practical owls of Hogwarts, swift hawks, and even our majestic national bird— during this full day of family fun. See puppet performances by Phoenix Swords performance troupe, medieval martial arts demonstrations by the Higgins Armory Sword Guild and more! Half-price admission. Sponsored by the Yawkey Foundation and Massachusetts Electric. (Adults, $4; Children, seniors & students with ID, $3).
Lunar Eclipse SkyWatch
Wednesday, October 27, 9 p.m.
Don't miss this special astronomy event! Watch the Moon slowly disappear into the Earth's shadow during tonight's lunar eclipse. The eclipse can be viewed during the entire SkyWatch program, with totality beginning at 10:28 p.m. While the Moon (and sky) is very dark, we'll train our telescopes on many interesting objects far outside our Solar System. Our astronomy double-feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or buy tickets online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA
Great Pumpkin Nights
Thursday, October 28 – Saturday, October 30, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
The lighted pumpkin patch that captivated thousands in Central Massachusetts is back— and its brighter than ever. This year, EcoTarium teams up with WXLO, The FOX and WORC-FM and local pumpkin carvers to create three nights of family friendly Halloween fun. View lighted pumpkins all around the museum grounds and enjoy family activities and exhibits inside the museum. Free train rides all evening. Cost: $10 adults, $8 children 12 and under. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA (508) 929-2700. www.ecotarium.org
Wild Toys
Sunday, October 31, 2 p.m.
Make a toy for a fox and watch it play. What would entertain an otter? From special scents to puzzling feeders, it's time to get creative. Dress for walking outdoors with closed-toe shoes. Ages 6 and up; call for reservations. Cost: $5 per person plus museum admission. 90 minutes. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA (508) 929-2700. www.ecotarium.org
November
Island of Stars SkyWatch
Friday, November 5, 7:30 p.m.
Within our own Milky Way galaxy, star clusters such as the 100,000-star cluster inside the Hercules constellation, provide quite a sight. It takes 25,000 years for this light to reach us! Much further away is the huge Andromeda Galaxy-- light from this galaxy takes nearly 3 million years to reach Earth. Take a look at its nucleus, which contains 130 billion stars. Astronomy double-feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. . Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or book online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets.
Family Preschool Day: Owls, Hawks and Eagles
Saturday, November 6, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
What do owls, hawks and eagleshave in common? Find out in this 30-minute children's program. One morning each month, kids and parents explore a new nature or animal theme, meet animals up-close, play and use their creativity. Cost: $5 per child with adult companion, plus museum admission.
The Great Square of Pegasus SkyWatch
Friday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.
The Great Square of Pegasus and the stunning Andromeda Galaxy are featured on this night. Also, learn all about the upcoming Leonid meteor shower. The dazzling Perseus Double Cluster and some distinctive features in Cassiopeia add additional interest. Astronomy double-feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. . Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or book online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets.
Want to be a Wildlife Vet?
Saturday, November 13, 2004 (1 p.m.)
What's it like to be a wildlife veterinarian? If patching up injured owls and taking blood from a bear sounds like the ideal job to you, you won't want to miss this insider's view of a career that you have to experience to appreciate. Free with museum admission.
Wild Toys
Sunday, November 28, 2 p.m.
Make a toy for a fox and watch it play. What would entertain an otter? From special scents to puzzling feeders, it's time to get creative. Dress for walking outdoors with closed-toe shoes. Ages 6 and up; call for reservations. Cost: $5 per person plus museum admission. 90 minutes.
December
The Mighty Orion SkyWatch
Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Welcome winter in the last SkyWatch of the 2004 season. The Orion constellation will rise over the trees in the east as ir returns for the season. And within the sword of Orion the Hunter, you'll spot the beautiful jewel, the Orion Nebula. Also returning to view is the stunning planet Saturn. Discover these and many other wonders that grace the winter skies. Astronomy double-feature includes a live planetarium program, telescope viewing and refreshments. Cost: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. . Reservations recommended. Call 508-929-2703 to reserve or book online at www.ecotarium.org/tickets.
Family Preschool Day: Water and Ice
Saturday, December 4, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Liquid, ice, snow and clouds— explore the many forms of water in this 30-minute hands-on program for little ones. One morning each month, kids and parents explore a new nature or animal theme, meet animals up-close, play and use their creativity. Cost: $5 per child with adult companion, plus museum admission.
A Polar Bear's Journey
Saturdays, December 11 & 18, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Sundays, December 12 & 19, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Kenda the polar bear's favorite EcoTarium event gets energized this year with some fun holiday surprises! Chris Van Allsburg's winter tale The Polar Express comes to life on EcoTarium's Explorer Express train in this fun holiday "journey" for families with young children. Visit EcoTarium's North Pole to see Kenda and enjoy storytime, cocoa and cookies, and more. Warm up after with hot cocoa and cookies. Snow date: December 19. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations. Three programs each day. Cost: $5 plus museum admission. 60 minutes.
Bright Polar Nights
Saturdays, December 11 & 18, 2:45 p.m.
Sundays, December 12 & 19, 2:45 p.m.
The full Moon looks brighter in December than at any other time of the year! And after a fresh snow fall, it can be so bright at midnight that you could read a book by moonlight! Come discover what's so special about the Moon at this time of the year and learn about the many beautiful constellations found in the winter sky. Recommended for ages 7 and up. 30 minutes. Tickets $1, plus museum admission.
December School Vacation Week
Tuesday, December 28-Friday, December 31
Raptors are back! Discover fascinating facts about an amazing class of animals. Come nose to beak with live raptors live raptors living at the EcoTarium— through exhibit tours, animal encounters, hands-on activities and more. Free with admission.
New Year's Eve Camp-In
Friday, December 31, 7 p.m. – 8 a.m.
EcoTarium's "kids-only" New Year's Eve party is one of the hottest holiday tickets in the city for kids ages 7-12. Pack your sleeping bag and get set to welcome 2004 with a night of hands-on discoveries and adventures, from astronomy to animals. Space is limited. Call (508) 929-2703 to reserve. Children 7-12. Admission: $37 per child. Members, $32. Evening snacks and light breakfast included. Parents must pick up children by 8:00 a.m,
EcoTarium, a center for environmental exploration, is a unique indoor/outdoor museum with exhibits dedicated to exploring nature, indoor and outdoor wildlife habitats for non-releasable animals, interpretive trails, an award-winning meadow, a planetarium, the region's only treetop adventure, and a narrow-gauge train. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Open selected Monday holidays and school vacations. Regular museum admission is $8 adults, $6 child 3-18, seniors and college students. Free parking available. For information, call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.