Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
Yesterday we took an impromptu trip to the Ocean Institute at the Dana Point Harbor. While looking for local events to attend for Fall I came across the Tall Ships Festival. I’ve never been to the festival and it looked like fun! There were old boats for us to tour and a few demonstrations. There were also several exhibits open at the Ocean Institute. We will be sure to return next year!
About the Tall Ships Festival
Explore all the Festival has to offer, from listening to gruff pirate songs about life on the high seas to learning how to tie a bowline, the festival has it all for boys and girls, kids of all ages. Around the grounds the pirate encampments will have ongoing activities throughout the day for adults and kids alike. Participate and sharpen your sailor skills at our ‘Art and the Sea’ Workshop series and learn how to scrimshaw, tie knots and make rope.
Most of the visiting ships, as well as on the Brig Pilgrim, have opportunities for kids to take a turn at the helm, talk to some ‘real’ sailors and watch interactive demonstrations. After the Naval Education Shows on board the Pilgrim, the crew stay inboard for photo opportunities.
The Ocean Institute
Interactive ocean exhibits are were planned throughout the day, including amazing artifacts of maritime and whaling history inside our Ocean Education Center. Visitors can learn more about legends and lore of the sea, at storytime, through a squid dissection, and other interactive games. Mermaids make an appearance on dry land throughout the Festival to teach visitors how they communicate underwater!
