What Is The Jellyfish Event At The Deep Hull This Half-Term October

The Deep, the Hull's massive aquarium, is putting on a special event all about one of the ocean's strangest and most beautiful animals: the jellyfish. This isn’t just about staring into a tank, either. The ‘Drifters of The Deep’ event, running from the 18th of October to the 2nd of November, is packed with hands-on activities, chances to chat with the experts, and a peek into what goes on away from the public eye. It’s designed for curious minds of all ages, so everyone from your youngest to your oldest should find something to get excited about. And because The Deep is a conservation charity, every visit helps support their important work protecting the ocean.

Get a look behind the curtain

Ever wondered what it takes to run a huge aquarium? It’s not just about cleaning the glass. During the half-term event, visitors will get a really special opportunity: a virtual behind-the-scenes tour. Think of it as a secret pass to the areas usually off-limits. This is where the real magic happens—from preparing food for thousands of different animals to managing the life support systems that keep the water just right. It’s a chance to see the nuts and bolts of the operation and understand the incredible amount of work that goes into caring for these ocean creatures. Alongside the tour, there are daily Exploration Sessions with The Deep’s Guides. These happen at 12pm and 2pm and are a golden opportunity to ask all those burning questions. Got a kid who’s obsessed with sea life? The guides are the people with the answers. They can explain everything from what a jellyfish eats to how the aquarium looks after the tiniest baby animals. This part of the event is all about exploration and discovery, turning a simple day out into a proper educational adventure.

Hands-on fun for the children

Let’s be honest, children learn best when they can get stuck in and do things themselves. The Deep gets this, which is why they’ve created a special jellyfish activity play zone. This is a dedicated space where kids can get hands-on with all things jellyfish. Instead of just reading a sign, they can engage with fun, interactive displays that bring the world of these strange drifters to life. It's the kind of learning that doesn't feel like learning at all—just pure fun. But the hands-on fun doesn't stop there. There’s also a ‘Jelly Watch’ citizen science challenge. So, what on earth is citizen science? It's basically when ordinary people help scientists with their research. In this case, children can participate in a special challenge that helps them understand how real marine biologists study jellyfish in the wild. It’s an inspiring way to show them that anyone can contribute to science and conservation. Plus, there’s a prize bundle up for grabs, which is always a good motivator! This event is a great way for children to dive into the world of marine biology.

Why jellyfish are so cool

Jellyfish are properly weird animals, in the best possible way. They have been drifting through the ocean for over 500 million years, which means they are older than dinosaurs. They don’t have brains, hearts, or bones, yet they thrive in oceans all over the world. They are the ultimate drifters, moving with the currents and pulsing their bells to get around. Here are a few things that make them so special:

• They come in all shapes and sizes: Some are as small as a pinhead, while the lion's mane jellyfish can have tentacles longer than a blue whale.
• Some of them glow: This is called bioluminescence, and they use it to startle predators or attract prey. It’s a real-life magic trick.
• They’re not actually fish: That's why scientists prefer to call them 'sea jellies'.

The event at The Deep this October is a fantastic chance to see these mesmerising animals up close and learn just what makes them so important for the ocean’s ecosystem. It's a proper dive into their world.

A visit that makes a difference

When you buy tickets for a day out at The Deep, you're doing more than just planning a fun activity. The Deep is an educational charity, which means its main purpose isn't to make a profit, but to teach people about the ocean and help protect it. Every penny from ticket sales goes back into the aquarium’s running costs and its vital conservation work, both in the UK and around the globe. John Andrews, the Guide Manager at The Deep, explained:

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our jellyfish-themed event this October half-term. It’s a brilliant opportunity for families to dive into the wonders of the ocean and discover the magic of these incredible animals. As an educational charity, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation to care for our seas, and this event is a fun, hands-on way to do just that. Every visit helps support our conservation and outreach work—so come along and learn something new!”

So, while the kids are having a blast, the adults can feel good knowing their visit is supporting a great cause. It’s a win-win.

How to plan your visit

The ‘Drifters of The Deep’ event runs right through the school holidays, from Saturday, 18th October, to Sunday, 2nd November. With the half-term expected to be a busy time, it's a good idea to book tickets online in advance to make sure you get a spot.

And here’s a brilliant extra: all standard admission tickets to The Deep come with an Annual Pass. This means you pay once and can get in for free for the next 12 months. So, you could go back to see the sharks, penguins, and all the other amazing animals as many times as you like for a whole year. It makes for an amazing value day out, especially if you have a family of budding ocean explorers. The annual pass is a great way to support this important conservation charity.

Address: Tower Street, Hull, East Riding Of Yorkshire, HU1 4DP