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[title]Kids—ahem, aspiring oceanographers, activists, marine biologists and merpeople— growing up in NYC may not have experienced much beyond the ecosystems of the East River, Hudson and Atlantic just yet, but a certain Times Square attraction makes it easier than ever to be enchanted by ocean life and become an Ocean Hero—just think of National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey as your personal underwater adventure.
Believe it or not, the ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, and we’ve only explored five percent of it—meaning now’s the best time to encourage the next generation of explorers and activists. Be an advocate for our oceans just by visiting National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey.
1. Get firsthand encounters with amazing ocean life
Coming nose-to-nose with sea lions, 20-foot-long sharks, Humboldt squid, mesmerizing kelp forests and 120,000 fish is thrilling enough to make any city kid want to trade in pigeons and Pizza Rat for time spent under the sea, but thanks to this attraction, your family can have it all without leaving the city. Instead of taking animals out of their homes, Encounter's groundbreaking technology transports you to theirs, bringing you close to the sea's most incredible creatures and amazing spectacles!
2. Pledge your allegiance to the ocean
You—like the conservationists and scientists working to document and protect our oceans and the life within them—can do your part to keep our oceans clean and safe. National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey inspires even the youngest visitors to keep our earth and oceans cleaner by inviting guests’ pledges to protect the ocean. Before leaving, kids are able to write down their own pledge and add it to a mural named “Pieces of the Planet” by New York artist Asher Jay. Here are a few suggested pledges you can make:
-I pledge to stop using plastic bags and bottles
-I pledge to say “NO” to plastic straws
-I pledge to choose eco-friendly cleaning products
-I pledge to spread awareness about the importance of Ocean conservation
-I pledge to choose sustainable seafood options
-I pledge to use ocean-safe sunscreen
-I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint
-I pledge to avoid the use of harmful gardening products
-I pledge to clean up my favorite beach
3. Earn the title of Ocean Hero
Did we also mention that finishing your walk through National Geographic Encounter earns you the title of Ocean Hero? Enjoy your newly-appointed (and motivating!) distinction while seeing other super cool Ocean Heroes doing helpful things in the world, like photojournalist Brian Skerry and submarine pilot/National Geographic Explorer Erika Bergman, via a video wall towards the end of your journey.
4. Support a good cause with your visit
Whether you go out into the world and immediately take action on behalf of the ocean (we hope you do!) or not, a visit to National Geographic Encounter alone does good in the universe. A percentage of ticket sale proceeds help support non-profit work of the Society, National Geographic Partners (and the Pristine Seas Project) to help explore, understand and protect our ocean. P.S. Family four-packs are just $99! Take advantage of this deal by going to natgeoencounter.com/ticketing.