Families and otter enthusiasts in Southern Maryland have an “otterly” fun opportunity coming up at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. The museum hosts OtterMania! on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrating North American river otters Chessie Grace and Calvert as they mark their 10th birthday.
This family-oriented event spotlights the museum’s resident otters, inviting visitors to learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Activities aim to engage children and adults alike through interactive and educational experiences centered on these playful mammals.
Key highlights include an otter story time featuring a reading of “Ozzy Otter Learns to Ski” by author Angela Kinney. Aquarists and biologists who care for the otters will present talks, sharing insights into daily care and otter biology. Visitors can watch otter feedings to see Chessie Grace and Calvert enjoy their favorite snacks.
Additional programming features a presentation from Mill Creek Middle School titled “Eat the Problem,” exploring the impact of invasive species on ecosystems. Learning stations throughout the museum cover otter adaptations in the fossil record, how otters stay warm and move efficiently, and their essential place in local waterways.
Hands-on fun includes an otter craft station for creating themed masterpieces, plus chances to meet otter mascots and dance the “Swim.” The event emphasizes family participation, with plenty of opportunities to interact directly with the theme.
Shoppers can browse the Museum Store for otter-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, plush toys, and puppets. A raffle adds excitement: participants guess the number of “Otter Poo” candies in a jar for a chance to win an otter-themed prize.
Museum admission covers all activities. Entry is free for Calvert Marine Museum members, with advanced tickets available for purchase online. The event builds on the museum’s ongoing commitment to highlighting regional wildlife, particularly otters as charismatic representatives of Chesapeake Bay health.
Chessie Grace and Calvert, the museum’s long-term residents, draw crowds year-round with their energetic antics. Their 10th birthday milestone ties directly into OtterMania!, offering a timely reason to celebrate these furry ambassadors. The day provides an accessible way for Southern Maryland residents and visitors to connect with local ecology through fun, educational programming.