Celebrate World Ocean Day 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

Roaming photobooth

Harborview 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

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

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 

Hispanic Access Foundation: Latino Connections to the Ocean and Coast

Martin Kelare

The Massachusett Tribe at Ponkopoag

MBTA Ferry System

Marine Conservation Action Fund

Museum of Science

Mystic River Watershed Association

New England Aquarium Conservation Policy

New England Aquarium Dive Club

New England Aquarium Membership Info Station

New England Aquarium Volunteer & Internship Programs Info Station

New England Aquarium Youth Development Team

NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 

Stone Living Lab

Uvida Shop

Simons Theatre

White Snake Projects

Youth music performance by the White Snake Project in partnership with Boston Music Project

Sy Montgomery

Remarks and book signing by the celebrated author of The Soul of an Octopus

Screening of “Finding My Father” 

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

For Aquarium Ticket Holders

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

Conservation Learning and Animal Care Presentations 
Staff from our Conservation Learning and Pinnipeds 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.

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