The Pleistocene Epoch was marked by glaciers sweeping across the land with the debut of our planet's most recent ice age. Who could survive in this often frozen landscape? Join us at 2 pm as we unlock the mysteries of the mammoths which made Earth home once upon a time. Unearth the natural history of these prehistoric mammals, learning about where and how these gentle giants lived. Discover how some of the earliest human settlements shared land with the mammoths, and how bones and tusks were used to make shelters, tools, and art. Related arts and crafts all day at the Wet Center.

Forests are found on every continent in the world – and even underwater! Washington has some of the most diverse stands of seaweed on the planet. Join us at 2 pm for a presentation exploring how these giant algae provide homes, food, and nurseries for marine creatures! Related underwater activities in the classroom all day at the Wet Center.

What can the shape and structure of a seashell tell us about the biology of the animal that made it? Are abalones snails, and why do their shells always have holes? We’ll explore these and other questions by examining the lives and shells of some marine bivalves and snails during a presentation starting at 2 pm. You’ll get to take home a special shell! Learn about shells, make shell jewelry, and enjoy related arts and crafts throughout the day at the Wet Center.

Interested in learning more about the native birds of western Washington? Join the Nisqually Reach Nature Center at 2 pm for a brief and interactive presentation on birds! The presentation is followed by lively games where participants embody unique and diverse characteristics of birds. Bird-themed crafts all day at the Wet Center.

Stop by anytime to make art inspired by Puget Sound and its creatures. At 1 pm, attend a program about water in our lives and what happens to the dirty water you send down the drain. Discover how LOTT cleans up wastewater at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant and the steps taken to protect Puget Sound. Then take a tour of the treatment plant at the Wet Center. Tour participants must be 10 or older and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.

Join us for a day of learning about marine wildlife! Sea life veterinarian Dr. Lesanna Lahner will give a 2 pm presentation exploring how veterinarians are involved with marine conservation. From studying wildlife die-offs like Sea Star Wasting Disease to performing autopsies on dead whales, these veterinarians certainly lead exciting lives! Marine wildlife arts and crafts available all day at the Wet Center.

Nature journaling is a fun, family activity and an excellent way for kids to develop an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Decorate your very own nature journal, and take it outside to explore at the Wet Center. Attend a 2 pm presentation followed by a native plant walk on our wetland plaza. You’ll learn some easy identification tips for common native plants and how these plants were traditionally used by local native tribes.

We can learn a great deal about collaboration from nature. From cooperative feeding methods like bubble-net hunting by humpback whales to survival techniques like penguins huddling for warmth, teamwork is vital for the existence of many species. Without collaboration, bees, orcas, elephants, and wolves would struggle to survive. Join us at 2 pm for a presentation about some of the amazing creatures that team up and work together. Related arts and crafts available in the classroom all day at the Wet Center.

Imagine a carnivorous plant, patiently waiting to snap up any insect that lands on its leaves. Imagine a parasitic plant, creeping along the side of a tree sapping its nutrients. Imagine an invasive plant, releasing toxins from its roots to poison nearby plants and eliminate competition. Do these scenarios sound like science fiction to you? Think again! Join us anytime for hands-on activities exploring plant adaptations that allow them to attack and for a 2 pm presentation about carnivorous plants, parasites, allelopathy, and more at the Wet Center.

Wetlands are areas of land saturated with water, and include swamps, bogs, and marshes. These ecosystems support an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including beavers, fish, turtles, and birds! Along with wildlife habitat and flood control, wetlands are essential for reducing water pollution, protecting against erosion, and recharging groundwater. Join us for a 2 pm presentation about wetlands, and create your own model to see how these systems clean water! Wetland crafts and experiments offered all day at the Wet Center.