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Now that the weather is cooling down here in Tulsa, the calendar of events and things to do at Oklahoma Aquarium is getting hotter every day.
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The Aquarium is a true treasure here in the Tulsa area. It's home to a range of aquatic life, and it's nestled alongside the Arkansas River, right here in the heart of Green Country.

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Where there are no oceans for hundreds of miles.

It seems sort of strange that such a place - which houses a collection of the largest bull sharks in captivity, by the way - should be in a landlocked state, doesn't it?

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Strange, yes. But also highly cool.

Fall, and especially October, is one of the very best times to be outside in this part of the country. But in the interest of planning for the rainy, cold days ahead, I wanted to say this: Oklahoma Aquarium is one of our favorite places to be when hanging around outside isn't an option.

Here are a few reasons why:

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Ribbit!

Look at the slime on this guy. I love it! And I wanna hold him.

Or, her. I'm an equal opportunity frog holder.

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I love the bull sharks. They're my favorite animals at Oklahoma Aquarium.

<a href="http://www.twitter.com/okaquarium">Especially Okie</a>. Okie is the coolest, snazziest shark there is.

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Above is pretty much how I look without make-up. Just, you know, in case you were interested.

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There are eight exhibit galleries to explore at Oklahoma Aquarium, which is more than a family can really see in just one day.

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<a href="http://okaquarium.org/feedingAndDiving.php?subPageName=feedingAndDiving">Then there are opportunities to watch the animals as they're fed</a> (the shark feedings are especially exciting), and there's even the chance to feed some of the animals yourself.

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And on top of all that, the Aquarium hosts several special events, especially during the winter months. There's never a shortage of things to do at this place.

Get your calendars out and start marking, because here's what's going on until the end of the year:

<strong>Sleep with the Sharks</strong>
When: Oct. 15, 6pm-the next morning
Imagine falling asleep alongside a soothing Coral Reef, or waking up to a Bull Shark swimming right overhead. The sleepovers at Oklahoma Aquarium are a splash, complete with activities, snacks, movies and maybe even a little sleep. Slumber under the sea with your whole family, or come unchaperoned - that is, if you're age 10-14. Cost is $35 per person (a budget family activity considering how much there is to do at these sleepovers, and for how long). <a href="http://okaquarium.org/membership.php?subPageName=membership">Members get a 10-percent discount</a>. Call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquarium.org to sign up.

<strong>HallowMarine</strong>
When: Oct. 27-31, 6:30-9pm
Get ready for Halloween on the high seas! The Oklahoma Aquarium is spooky and salty with carnival games and a trick-or-treat trail, and plenty of pirates and mermaids roam and perform special dive shows in the Coral Reef, all at one of the Tulsa area's premier Halloween events. Cost is $7 per youth, $10 per adult. Members get $1 off.

<strong>Science Under the Stars</strong>
When: Nov. 2, 6:30pm; Dec. 7, 6:30pm
Take a journey with the folks at Oklahoma Aquarium to explore oil spills. With the recent events in the Gulf, the Aquarium is uniquely able to demonstrate the impact of oil pollution in ways kids understand - a much-needed lesson. Children will learn the difficulties with containing and cleaning petroleum products through hands-on experiments and activities. They'll be able to hypothesize which materials will work best in a clean-up and then test them first hand. For example, how hard is it to clean oily bird feathers? Head to the Aquarium to find out.

<strong>Scuba Santa</strong>
When: Nov. 26-28; Dec. 4-5; Dec. 11-12; Dec. 18-24, 3:30pm
Even Santa likes to go for a swim in the tropics, and the Coral Reef exhibit at Oklahoma Aquarium is as close as you get in Oklahoma to diving in the Caribbean. Watch Scuba Santa find out who’s been naughty or nice among the fish in the 65,000 gallon saltwater tank. Then, get your camera ready and pose for the most unique Santa picture ever, without even getting wet. Bonus!

<strong>Homeschool Day</strong>
When: Dec. 7, 10am-6pm
Little-known fact: Oklahoma Aquarium hosts quarterly Homeschool Days. These dates are reserved for Homeschool families and groups who cannot meet the 25-person minimum for school tours. Cost is $7 students, $10 for adults. Pre-registration is required; contact the Education Department at (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquarium.org.

<strong>Winter Break Camp</strong>
When: Dec. 20-23, 9am-4pm
The folks at the Aquarium provide an enriching camp experience and a convenient option for working parents with their School Break Sea Camps. And during Winter Break, can you think of a better way to occupy your kids while you wrap up those last minute holiday errands? Sea Camps are designed for children in grades K-5th. Cost is $50 per child, and Aquarium members get a 10 percent discount. Call (918) 528-1508 or e-mail education@okaquarium.org to sign up (which, since it's October already, you might want to do quickly - the spots in this much-coveted camp fill quickly).

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When Oklahoma's famous severe weather has the kids climbing the walls with cabin fever this winter, load 'em up, take to the streets (once they're drivable, of course) and head to Jenks for a day at Oklahoma Aquarium. It's fun, it's educational, and there's no ice scraper or snow shovel required.

<strong>Oklahoma Aquarium</strong>
Where: 300 Aquarium Drive
When: Wednesday-Monday, 10am-6pm; Tuesday, 10am-9pm
Call: (918) 296-FISH (3474)
Web: <a href="http://www.okaquarium.org/">OKAquarium.org</a>
Admission: $13.95 for adults; $11.95 for seniors and military; $9.95 for kids age 3-12; kids 2 and under are admitted free