The Two Oceans Aquarium recently hosted another of its very popular members’ events – the family sleepover, which took place on April 4.

Our eager and excited members arrived early, with bedding and supper in hand, ready to camp out in front of the I&J Predator Exhibit. While parents set up their sleeping areas, children learned about the sea creatures living in the Atlantic Ocean Gallery by doing a fun crossword puzzle ... and we have so many clever ‘small fries’, as they knew all the answers!

Each sleepover has a different theme and we always have such fun learning about new things. On this evening, Jenee Rosse of Too Good to Waste gave a presentation of how her company uses recycled materials and upcycles them into functional art. We saw the possibilities of how we can recycle and reuse everyday items – such as shampoo bottles, seeds from trees, wire, leftover material scraps, shells, and bits and bobs picked up on the beach – to make works of art and functional items that can be used at home.

Jenee then demonstrated the amazing (and sometimes sticky!) art of papier mâché. This is a fantastic rainy-day activity and many moms took notes so they could try this craft with their children at home. At the Afrisam Children’s’ Play Centre, the children let their imaginations free and painted unique papier mâché penguin pencils.

Hot chocolate, marshmallows and a movie on the big screen completed the evening. Members then snuggled up in their bedding, falling asleep while watching the sharks and fish in the I&J Predator Exhibit.

A scrumptious breakfast awaited members the following morning, with many choosing to sit outside to enjoy their meal in the beautiful weather.

Our next family sleepover will take place in the June/July school holidays, so watch this space for further information!

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