Manatee Mania
November 3 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | High Five Books | Ages 6–9 (Ages 10+ as CITs)

They are gentle. They are enormous. They are wildly underappreciated. And on November 3, we are dedicating an entire morning to them.

Manatee Mania is a half-day science and conservation program that takes kids deep into the wonderful world of one of the ocean’s most beloved and most endangered creatures. Through hands-on experiments, real science, and the kind of curious exploration that makes learning feel like an adventure, young marine biologists will discover what makes manatees so remarkable — and what we can do to help protect them.

Activities may include:

Blubber Glove Experiment — simulate manatee blubber using shortening and ziplock bags and feel firsthand how manatees stay warm in cool water. This one is always a hit — and always a surprise.

Manatee Size Showdown — just how big IS a manatee? Head outside with sidewalk chalk and map out the true size of these gentle giants on the pavement. The results are always more impressive than anyone expects. 

Manatee Conservation Lab — learn about the very real threats manatees face today — boat strikes, habitat loss, and warming waters — and discover what scientists, communities, and young people like our campers are doing to help protect them. Because conservation starts with curiosity. 

Every camper leaves with a deeper understanding of and genuine affection for one of the ocean’s most gentle and most vulnerable creatures — and the knowledge that they can make a real difference in the world. 💛

Looking for a full day of November fun? Add Lunch Bunch (12:00–1:00 PM, just $10) and Adopt-a-Unicorn (1:00–4:00 PM) for a complete and magical day that goes from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the unicorn realm. We could not think of a better combination. 

Manatee Mania meets November 3 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at High Five Books, 141 N Main Street, Florence MA.

To register as an existing or former student, please do so through Tutorbird. New students, please register below. Ensure you have selected the correct program (1/2 day pop-ups), then select the right month (November), date (the 3rd), and time (9am).