At the Massive Megalodon activity during SharkWeek at the aquarium, kids can check out the jaw size of the prehistoric shark species.IF YOU GO• What: “Great White Shark 3-D” movie screening and SharFest events• When: Friday Aug. 2. Movie at 5 p.m., SharkFest events 6-8:30 p.m.• Where: Imax Theater, 201 Chestnut St., and Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.• Admission: Imax movie and SharkFest, $18.50 nonmember adults, $13.50 nonmember children 3-12; $6 members SharkFest only, $12.50 nonmember adults, $7.50 nonmember children; no charge for members.• Phone: 800-262-0695• Website: www.tnaqua.org
They may not be showing “Sharknado,” but Tennessee Aquarium staff members are still planning a whirlwind of underwater fun for SharkFest on Friday, Aug. 2.
“It’s the one time each year that we pull out all the stops to celebrate sharks,” says Thom Demas, curator of fishes. “This year we have everything from new baby epaulette sharks to an extensive ancient shark tooth collection on display.”
TAKE A VIRTUAL DIVE
The evening starts with a screening of “Great White Shark 3-D” in the Imax Theater, an underwater adventure that takes audiences to four of the world’s hotspots for the species. Moviegoers will see a 16-foot great white leap out of the water and others cruise silently past scuba divers. The movie’s purpose isn’t to scare viewers, says filmmaker D.J. Roller, but give them a deeper appreciation for the ocean and a new perspective on the feared great white. This special screening is optional; visitors may choose just to attend SharkFest.
KIDS FUN
A half-dozen events to thrill children will start at 6 p.m. in Ocean Journey.