Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 7, when the New England Aquarium turns Central Wharf into a hub of free ocean-themed programming to celebrate World Ocean Day—no admission ticket required to enjoy the outdoor activities. Families, students, and ocean enthusiasts are invited to explore interactive experiences that highlight marine science, conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and climate action along Boston’s waterfront.
From 10 AM to 4 PM, the Aquarium’s front plaza and Harbor View Terrace Tent will host hands-on activities, art, and science demos, while the Simons Theatre offers free screenings of the new documentary Ocean Dreams at 11 AM and 3 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. Free shuttles from the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club in Dorchester and the Yawkey Club of Roxbury will help Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston members access the event, with pre-registration required through their local Club.
Waterfront activities to celebrate World Ocean Day
Visitors can dive into a full slate of free, family-friendly programming on the Aquarium’s front plaza.
- NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary with “Salt,” a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale, plus lessons about whale anatomy and ocean conservation (weather permitting).
- Fish weir building with members of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, sharing traditional fishing practices and their cultural and ecological significance in Boston Harbor.
- Harborside water quality testing demonstrations showing how the Aquarium monitors local harbor conditions.
- Artists For Humanity collaborative mural from 10 AM to 3 PM, where guests help paint and take home a postcard featuring the event’s custom design
Just outside the tent, you can also experience Temperature Tapestry: A Climate Stripes Art Installation, visualizing 174 years of global temperature data and the impact of carbon pollution.
Harbor Terrace, community partners, and sensory-friendly options
In the Harbor View Terrace and Tent, guests can meet the people and organizations working on ocean and environmental stewardship.
- An “Ask a Scientist” booth with experts from the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation, Animal Care, and the BalanceBlue Lab ready to answer questions about their work.
- Community partner tables featuring groups such as the Hispanic Access Foundation, Stone Living Lab, Neponset River Watershed Association, Surfrider Foundation, and more, sharing ways to get involved.
- Glitter Dolls Face Painting with ocean-themed designs.
- A book signing with author Liza Ketchum for Turtles Heading Home! from 2 PM to 4 PM at the New England Aquarium Membership table.
- An art exhibition and pin-making activity based on youth artwork from Bow Seat’s Ocean Awareness Contest.
- The KultureCity Sensory Activation Vehicle, offering a quick sensory refuge for visitors with sensory needs.
While all of this outdoor programming is free, visitors who want to explore the Aquarium exhibits will need to purchase tickets, with Boston students and their families eligible for free entry through the Boston Family Days program on June 7. Full event details are available on the Aquarium’s website.
