Aquarium to Host Autism Friendly Day

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will offer programs tailored especially for individuals who live with autism spectrum disorder on Sunday, February 16. The aquarium is hosting this event with the assistance of the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program to better serve the needs and interests of children and adults living with autism.

Autism Friendly Day programs and activities are free with Aquarium admission. The dive program, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., will include an educator assisting guests in finding animals in the Cape Fear Shoals, the 235,000 gallon exhibit featuring sharks, rays and a green sea turtle. A diver will briefly describe the found animals. Visitors also can collect seven Aquarium passport stamps to guide them through the Aquarium and help identify animal-touching opportunities. A calm-space to help provide comfort, relaxation and a break will be available to families and their children.

Scheduled Aquarium programs and activities on Feb. 16 include:

  • 10:00 Film- “Unlovables,” featuring creepy and unusual animals of the Ocean
  • 10:30 Dive Show at Cape Fear Shoals exhibit
  • 11:00 Feeding at the Buzzard’s Bay exhibit
  • 11:30 Creature Feature- Sharks
  • 1:30 Ocean Odyssey-Reptiles
  • 2:30 Dive Show at Cape Fear Shoals exhibit
  • 3:00 Feeding at the Shadows on the Sand exhibit
  • 3:30 Jellyfish Animal Encounters
  • 4:00 Film- “Reef Magic,” featuring the Cat and the Hat featuring coral reefs

Additional activities include:

  • A coastal waters  touch tank
  • A bamboo shark touch tank
  • Adventure Reef outside playground

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days). Admission: $8 Ages 13-61, $7 Ages 62 and up, $6 Ages 3-12, free for children 2 and younger, NC Aquarium Society members and pre-registered North Carolina school groups.