THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Staying Connected – the World of Aquariums!
Welcome to our first weekend in May and our 7th weekend of staying home! Now that we’re under stay-at-home orders through May 30th here in Illinois, the entertainment blog will continue to bring ideas for you and your family to hopefully have some fun and stay safe.
Hot off the press! Illinois has modified its stay-at-home order to allow residents to fit in outdoor recreation to their schedule. Some Illinois State Parks will reopen for limited use from sun-up to sundown. Guests will be able to participate in activities such as biking, hiking, wildlife observation, fishing, and mushroom hunting at a safe social distance. Restrooms located at the parks will also remain open. However, all visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, shelter reservations, interpretive educational programs, beaches, special events, and concessions will remain closed. Click the link above for state parks that will be opened, and don’t forget to practice social distancing, only visit state parks closest to where you live, and don’t leave your house if you feel sick.
The sooner we adhere to the experts’ advice, the sooner we’ll be able to begin opening up our state!
One of the best ways for us to stay connected with some sense of normalcy is virtually. See how small businesses, museums, and other family-friendly places are trying their best to help keep families entertained at home. Therefore, this weekend is dedicated to “aquariums” nationwide.
You can still be delighted by the animals they care for, be mesmerized by the exhibits, and learn about the marine environment, all while these aquariums are temporarily closed to the public.
Chicago’s very own Shedd Aquarium offers many virtual options, including Sea Curious (educational video for kids), Underwater Beauty Live Cam, Shedd’s Audio Guides, and Virtual Reality Penguin Expedition.
National Aquarium offers three cams giving you views of the Blacktip Reef, the Coral Reef, and the Jelly Invasion.
Aquarium of the Pacific offers penguin, shark, jellyfish, tropical reef cams, and more.
Georgia Aquarium webcams offer a live look at beluga whales, some California sea lions, sea otters, jellyfish, puffins, piranhas, an Indo-Pacific barrier reef, and the ocean floor.
Monterey Bay Aquarium offers ten webcams allowing you to view jellyfish, sea otters, penguins, sharks, and more.
Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a live shark cam and more.
Seattle Aquarium offers sea otters and harbor seal cams.
After viewing these aquariums myself, it was refreshing to see so many colors and learn some things I didn’t know. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
