Thanksgiving weekend activities at the PT Marine Science Center

If you’re looking for unique and fun things to do with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) has something for everyone, including a children’s event, holiday sale and annual holiday cruise.

A sing-along, children’s book reading and fun activities will be offered on Saturday, Nov 24^th at 1 p.m. in the Natural History Exhibit. Steven Urbanc, a PTMSC volunteer, will sing his song, "Scoop the Poop," followed by an interactive reading of the children's book, Granny's Clan: A Tale of Wild Orcas, by author Sally Hodson. Copies of the book will be for sale and a book signing will follow the program.  

Get your shopping done early at the annual holiday gift shop sale located in the Natural History Exhibit. The holiday sale is Friday, Nov. 23^rd through Sunday, Nov. 25^th, from noon to 4 p.m. Discounts will be offered on all regularly priced items. Gift certificates will be available for the gift shop as well as PTMSC memberships, with all proceeds supporting PTMSC educational programs.

Take a late fall/early winter bird migration cruise on Saturday, November 24^th or on Monday, December 31^st. The trips leave from Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Marina at 1 p.m. and return at 4 p.m. Depending upon the weather, the cruise will go to Protection Island or south in the Oak Bay-Port Ludlow direction. These special boat expeditions, in collaboration with Puget Sound Express, will give you an opportunity to see and learn about numerous bird species as well as other wildlife. Cruises are aboard a comfortable, enclosed motor-yacht.
“Our holiday cruises are an annual tradition for locals and visitors alike, giving people a chance to see lots of birds and wildlife,” said Anne Murphy, executive director for the PTMSC. “Since we have naturalists from the PTMSC on board, they’re familiar with the local bird populations and marine mammals, giving excellent commentary.”
The trips offer a unique opportunity for an idyllic natural science adventure, enabling people to gain a better understanding of our marine ecosystems and interrelationships which abound in these waters. These cruises are part of the educational program at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and are fun for all ages.
Tickets are $55 per person ($50 for members of the PTMSC, Burke Museum, Audubon or the Washington Ornithological Society). For reservations, please call the Port Townsend Marine Science Center at (360) 385-5582 or 1 (800) 566-3932 or e-mail at cruises@ptmsc.org for additional information.