Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport provides a unique opportunity to have fun while learning about marine life, with many interactive exhibits. The center describes itself as “part aquarium and part laboratory.” An enormous Pacific octopus greets visitors at the entrance. The center’s goal is to showcase scientific discovery through exhibits that display four different viewpoints: global, birds-eye, eye-level and microscopic. Check out the Tidepool Touch Tanks. Roll up your sleeves and reach into tidepool tanks and gently stroke fish skates and sea stars. The center offers a variety of different opportunities for all levels of education, from young children to graduate students. Hatfield Marine Science Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport. For more information, call (541) 867-0226. hmsc.oregonstate.edu
