Celebrate World Ocean Day 2025 at the New England Aquarium

Mark your calendars for an exciting World Ocean Day celebration!

People of all ages are invited to the New England Aquarium on Sunday, June 8, for a day of free, ocean-inspired programming. Various free activities will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Central Wharf and in the Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, with additional programming inside the Aquarium for ticket holders. See what’s in store below.

What is World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day is a worldwide event that “catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and stable climate.” With a network of youth leaders and over 2,000 organizations across more than 150 countries, World Ocean Day is a growing global movement to protect the blue planet.

Aquarium World Ocean Day Events & Programming

This year’s World Ocean Day celebration is bigger than ever, and we’re excited to gather our community to celebrate, learn about, and take action to protect the blue planet.

On June 8, a variety of activities will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free activities for all visitors on Central Wharf and inside the Simons Theatre and additional programming inside the Aquarium for visitors who purchase tickets. We strongly encourage purchasing Aquarium admission tickets in advance if you plan to join the celebrations!

Free Programming

Central Wharf Plaza

Harborside Water Quality Testing
Learn how we monitor water quality throughout the Aquarium, live with our team.

DJ Mike Amado at Dockside Beer Garden

The Massachusett Tribe at Ponkopoag
Members of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag will lead a hands-on fish weir-building activity, providing attendees with an immersive experience of traditional fishing practices. This activity will highlight the cultural and historical significance of fish weirs to the Indigenous peoples of the Boston Harbor area. Participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these sustainable fishing methods and their role in the ecosystem.

Roaming photobooth

NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Meet representatives from NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary alongside their 43-foot inflatable whale, Salt (weather permitting). 

Harbor View Terrace and Tent

“Ask a Scientist” Booth
Scientists from our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation, and Animal Care team will meet visitors and answer questions about their work protecting our ocean and marine animals.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program Art Exhibition
An interactive, family-friendly exhibit table where attendees will be able to create their own unique buttons/pins using youth artwork created as a part of our annual Ocean Awareness Contest.

Build-a-Reef Game with Conservation Learning
Guests are invited to join our Conservation Learning team to build their own coral reef and brainstorm ways to combat challenges it might face, such as climate change. This activity will highlight the importance of coral reef communities and actions we can all take to protect them.

Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront
Learn about the public health benefits of blue places and the effects of climate change and extreme heat.

Hispanic Access Foundation: Latino Connections to the Ocean and Coast
Learn about the vital relationship between Latinos and our oceans and coasts from the Hispanic Access Foundation. Bilingual environmental and conservation toolkits will provide a comprehensive guide to the impact of water and climate issues on Latino communities and highlight local ocean conservation champions. 

Marine Art Station with Martin Kalere
Join local artist and UMass environmental science student Martin Kalere to create art inspired by ocean animals and see Martin’s own work. 

MBTA Ferry System

Marine Conservation Action Fund

Museum of Science

Mystic River Watershed Association

New England Aquarium Conservation Policy

New England Aquarium Dive Club
Learn about the New England Aquarium Dive Club and our efforts to educate the public and conserve and protect the ocean.

New England Aquarium Membership Info Station

New England Aquarium Volunteer & Internship Programs Info Station

New England Aquarium Youth Development Team

Stone Living Lab
Explore how warming water temperatures impact native marine animals.

Uvida Shop
Uvida Shop, a minority & women-owned business, is Boston’s first zero-waste and eco-friendly store. Shop plastic-free products for improving home health to protect the environment through their wide variety and ever-expanding selection of affordable and sustainable household goods. 

Simons Theatre

White Snake Projects • 10:00 a.m.

The Boston-based activist opera company will perform “Sing Out Strong: Environmental Voices,” comprised of six original songs about the climate crisis at 10 a.m.

Sy Montgomery • 1:30 p.m.

Remarks and book signing by the celebrated author of The Soul of an Octopus at 1:30 p.m.

Screening of “Finding My Father” • 3:30 p.m. 

Watch the documentary “Finding My Father” with intro remarks recorded by our ClimaTeens and the star of the film and ABC News correspondent, Will Reeve, starting at 3:30 p.m.

For Aquarium Ticket Holders

Inside the Aquarium

Remarks by Vivien Li • 11:00 a.m.
Hear from climate leader Vivien Li at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank at 11 a.m., where she’ll discuss her extensive activism on Boston Harbor.

Conservation Learning and Animal Care Presentations • throughout the day
Staff from our Conservation Learning, Marine Mammals, and Penguins teams will deliver short presentations explaining the many ways we take care of our animal communities and how we all can take action within our own communities to take care of animals all over the world.

Transportation

As part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity on Boston’s downtown waterfront, the Aquarium is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Boston to provide free transportation from Dorchester and Roxbury to Central Wharf on World Ocean Day.

Please note: Each bus can fit 48 people at once. Shuttles are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.

Shuttle from Yawkey Club of Roxbury

9:00 a.m. – Depart from Yawkey Club

9:30 a.m. – Arrive at the Aquarium

12:00 p.m. – Depart from the Aquarium

12:30 p.m. – Arrive back at Yawkey Club

12:45 p.m. – Depart from Yawkey Club

1:15 p.m.– Arrive at the Aquarium

4:45 p.m. – Depart from the Aquarium

5:15 p.m. – Arrive back at Yawkey Club

Shuttle from Berkshire Partners Blue Hills Club

9:00 a.m. – Depart from Berkshire Partners Blue Hills Club

9:30 a.m. – Arrive at the Aquarium

12:00 p.m. – Depart from the Aquarium

12:30 p.m. – Arrive back at Blue Hills Boys & Girls Club

12:45 p.m. – Depart from Berkshire Partners Blue Hills Club

1:15 p.m.– Arrive at the Aquarium

4:45 p.m. – Depart from the Aquarium

5:15 p.m. – Arrive back at Blue Hills Boys & Girls Club

Parking at the Boys & Girls Club locations:

Yawkey Club of Roxbury: Guests can only part on the left side of the parking lot (up against the baseball field/Club). The right side of the parking lot is reserved for the Court. Violators will be towed.

Berkshire Partners Blue Hills Club: Parking in the lot is first come, first serve. Please do not block anyone in. Street parking is available.

For additional information about traveling to the Aquarium, please visit our Directions and Parking page.

Thank you to our lead sponsors, the Barr Foundation, Ernst & Young, Eastern Bank, and M&T Bank