1. Preparing for the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

2. Planning a trip to the aquarium is fun
Planning a trip to the aquarium is fun. There are some things I need to do to prepare.
There is a ramp to the entrance. I can also park my stroller here if I want to walk around the aquarium.

3. There is a sign near the entrance that tells me of all of the events taking place at the aquarium for the day and the rules of how to be a good aquarium visitor. I can check this board to plan my visit.

4. Some animals at the aquarium are real and others are not
Some animals at the aquarium are real and others are not. Real animals are behind a fence or glass. If I am are not sure if the animal is real or not, I can ask someone wearing a blue shirt and name tag.

5. This is an animal that is not real.
This is a real animal.

6. There are some things in the aquarium I can touch
There are some things in the aquarium I can touch. I can even have my picture taken while I touch these items.

7. There are other places in the aquarium where I should look with my eyes. I will watch for signs that tell me when I can touch something, or when I should look at something.

8. I can take a close look at items behind glass.

9. If I am not sure if there is something I can touch, I can ask an aquarium helper in a blue shirt. They are there to make sure I have a fun day on my aquarium visit.

10. There are fun things to do around the aquarium
There are fun things to do around the aquarium. Some of these things require money. Once I use my money on these fun things, it may disappear, but that is ok. The money goes to help save wildlife

11. There are also things around the aquarium that may make loud sounds and have flashing lights. If I hear noises that are too loud, I can cover my ears. If I see lights that are too bright, I can cover my eyes.

12. There are also TV screens that play different animal videos
There are also TV screens that play different animal videos. These videos can give me more information about the animals I see.

13. There is a touch tank where I can touch different animals
There is a touch tank where I can touch different animals. If I want to touch any animals, I have to wash my hands first. I will be gentle if I am allowed to touch, and will follow all directions. It’s ok if the touch tank is closed, because the animals like to take some quiet time just like me.

14. Sometimes I have to wait to take my turn at the touch tank
Sometimes I have to wait to take my turn at the touch tank. I will stand behind the barrier and wait for the aquarium helper to let me know when it is my turn.

15. Some displays do not have real animals.
Some displays can be loud.

16. Some displays allow me to touch and pull
Some displays allow me to touch and pull. I will be gentle and wait my turn if there is a line.

17. Some displays may be closed, and that is ok
Some displays may be closed, and that is ok. Sometimes animal homes need to be fixed just like my home.

18. Some animals may look different than what I have seen in books or movies. They may look sick or injured, but they are ok. Their keepers are giving them the best care to help them stay healthy.

19. If I need a quiet space, I can visit the party room.

20. There is one set of restrooms in aquarium
There is one set of restrooms in aquarium. There is a sign pointing to where they are located.

21. There is a machine outside where I can pretend to be in a hurricane
There is a machine outside where I can pretend to be in a hurricane. It is very loud and windy, just like a real hurricane. It will be turned off on some days, but other days it may be turned on. If someone else is using it and I don’t like the loud sound, I can cover my ears and walk away.

22. I will find more things outside that are not real animals
I will find more things outside that are not real animals. They are there for decoration for me to enjoy looking at.

23. There are sinks outside for me to wash my hands before and after I touch or feed stingrays. It’s important that I follow the rules before touching any animals. This keeps the animals, and me, healthy and safe.

24. I am able to touch or feed the stingrays outside
I am able to touch or feed the stingrays outside. If I would like to feed the stingrays, I will pay $3 to an aquarium helper. They will give me the food to fed the stingrays. I will ask the aquarium helper to show me how to feed the stingrays.
I can still touch the stingrays if I don’t feed them. I have to make sure I washed my hands first, and to wait my turn.

25. I will be gentle when touching or feeding the stingrays
I will be gentle when touching or feeding the stingrays. I will use one hand, and wait my turn to keep the stingrays happy and safe.

26. I will follow all directions to make sure I stay safe when around water and animals.

27. When I am ready to leave, I can use the ramp or the stairs to get back inside the aquarium.