Most kids love sharks. Whether it’s ‘Baby Shark’ at age 3, a trip to the aquarium at age 7 or cage diving with sharks at age 15 (just kidding…), there’s something about these underwater creatures that gets kids going. If you’ve got a shark-obsessed kid, there are many ways to support their passion and advance their education on all things shark. This Shark Week, check out our list of shark activities in D.C. and beyond.
In-Person Shark Week Activities:
Flag Ponds Nature Park:
- (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Monday through Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am-8:00pm
Millions of years ago, these waters were full of a diverse range of sharks. Now, you can find a piece of the past with the little treasures they left behind: their teeth! Look along the surf line for teeth and other fossils from the Miocene era. $5-8 per car, depending on the time of year and county of residency.
National Museum of Natural History:
- Open seven days a week: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Visit The Sant Ocean Hall on the 1st floor, which includes a Scalloped Hammerhead, a life size model of a Thresher Shark, a display about the size of sharks featuring a Dwarf Lanternshark and Whale Shark, and the enormous jaw of a Megalodon shark that lived 5 million years ago. The Bone Hall on the 2nd Floor includes a Kitefin Shark and a Port Jackson Shark.
The National Aquarium:
- Monday through Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Friday & Saturday : 9 am – 8 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
The National Aquarium, located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, features thousands of animals. Come nose to nose with several species of sharks in Shark Alley and get a look behind the scenes at these incredible animals.
Little Falls Library:
Outdoor Sharktastic Family Fun Night
- Tuesday, July 26 at 6:45pm – 7:30pm
Get set for outdoor fun! This family event will feature books, songs and rhymes that promote early literacy skills, as well as some active play and crafts. The theme is SHARKS! Please bring a blanket or towel to sit on.
Chevy Chase Library:
- Thursday, July 28 at 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Come learn about sharks large and small, from giant, filter feeding whale sharks to tiny, predatory cookie cutter sharks. During this educational and entertaining program, a marine scientist will teach children about traits sharks have in common, where they live, and even what they eat. Children will also view a live shark and real artifacts.
Twinbrook Library – Shark Appreciation Week Events:
Family Storytime for Shark Appreciation Week
- Saturday, July 30 at 10:30am – 11:00am
Join in for Shark themed storytime filled with stories, songs and rhymes that promote early literacy skills. Children of all ages are welcome!
- Saturday, July 30 at 11:30am – 11:45am
Did you know a whale shark can weigh more than an elephant? How can such a gigantic animal float through the ocean? Come and find out the three things that keep sharks afloat through hands-on demonstration. Build your very own shark that can float. A family-oriented STEAM activity; parents are encouraged to explore and discover alongside their children!
“Rise of the Great White Shark” – Screening
- Saturday, July 30 at 2:00pm – 3:00pm
This documentary traces the rise of the Great White Shark over the past 11 million years. From its beginnings in an age dominated by giant ocean predators, white sharks evolved in tandem with seals and other pinnipeds in response to a steadily cooling climate. Ages 5 and up.
At-Home for Shark Week:
Montgomery County Public Libraries:
- Why Sharks Matter! On July 24th at 3:00pm – 4:00pm
National Geographic:
Smithsonian:
Shark Crafts & Activities:
- Newspaper Shark Craft
- Montessori Shark Activities
- Make Your Own Shark Survival Game
- Shark Facts Game
- DIY Shark Pen Eater
- Shark Snack Cups
For Teens & Parents:
- Career Talk: Make Waves in the Ocean and Freshwater Worlds!
Learn more about sharks and ongoing conservation efforts to protect them at The Shark Research Institute. Take action and help protect these fascinating underwater creatures with the Kids Helping Sharks initiative!
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