NEWPORT — Hands-on exhibits, tours, a film festival and more family-friendly activities are free for the enjoying at Hatfield Marine Center’s annual open house Saturday, April 12.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all are welcome at the Marine Science Day, themed “Ocean Wonders” for the range of events showcasing Hatfield’s research.
Visitors can experience over 40 hands-on marine science exhibits, learn about ocean engineering, touch sea creatures in a tidepool exhibit, board a research vessel, and view a mini “Big Blue Film Festival”.
At the interactive exhibits, scientists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their research.
In addition, a Kid Zone will let children explore marine science topics from ocean waves to marine animals. Parents and educators are welcome at the Kid Zone to discover programs and resources available at Hatfield.
Thanks to popular demand, behind-the-scenes tours have been expanded to run throughout the day, focusing on seawater, the Yaquina Estuary Trail, coastal monitoring and more. Free tour tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be available in the courtyard area at the Welcome Tent.
The Hatfield Visitor Center will also be free and open to visitors all day. Hatfield is located at 2030 S.E Marine Science Drive. More details are available on the Marine Science Day website.
The center is Oregon State University’s marine lab. It operates as a research and teaching facility about one mile from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Collaboration partners include Sea Grant Oregon, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other federal and state agencies.
