Learn about the sea at Maritime Museum

MAKING WAVES-Children can get their sea legs at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum during the museum's Saturday for Kids program this summer. For information, call (805) 962-8404, ext. 115. Maritime culture comes alive for youth this summer at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, located on the waterfront at Santa Barbara Harbor, 113 Harbor Way. Young visitors are invited to participate in a medley of maritime activities twice a month throughout the summer. "Saturday for Kids" provides children the opportunity to explore the local waterfront in a variety of ways ranging from participating in sea chantey sing-a-longs and piratethemed crafts to getting one's sea legs on the Double Dolphin. During this program, children will have a chance to learn more about their relationship to the maritime environment, exploring the ways they can help as well as enjoy local resources.

"Saturday for Kids" will take place on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 1 to 3 p.m. through Aug. 19. Activities are included with the price of admission to the Maritime Museum: $7 for adults; $4 for seniors, students, and youth; $2 for children ages 1 to 5. Museum members are admitted free.

On Sat., July 15, the program will be "Double Dolphin Sail and Rigging Exercise" for ages 7 to 14. There will be sailing in the harbor on the Double Dolphin with a naturalist on board. After the sail, youth will explore the many kinds of vessels that call Santa Barbara Harbor home and will learn about marine life. All children will be provided with a Coast Guard-approved life vest.

On Sat., Aug. 5: Sea chantey sing-a-longs for ages 3 to 12 will be led by Bob Wightman and will feature old and new maritime melodies. After learning the songs of the high seas, children will be invited to paint and decorate their own vessel for a miniature crew of song-singing sailors.

On Sat., Aug. 19: "Pirates: Swashbuckling Tales of Adventure!" will be presented for ages 3 to12 and will feature guest storytellers regaling visitors with dramatic portrayals of exploration, discovery and piracy. The craft activity to follow will leave any young buccaneer ready to find buried treasure. For information or reservations for these events, call (805) 962-8404, ext. 115.