Join us for special ocean-themed celebrations throughout the year. From World Oceans Day to Jingle Shells, there’s something for everyone in the family!
Here are a few of the fun events we celebrate. Check out our calendar for a complete list.
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Earth Week
April 21–26, 2020
Learn more about the big blue planet called Earth during the Seymour Center’s 2020 Earth Week celebration! Special pop-up exhibits and fun arts and crafts will be set-up for visitors every day during the week.
Plus, each April the Seymour Center’s Earth Week celebration includes free admission for anyone arriving via people power (bicycle, walking, etc.) or via public transportation. The Seymour Center thanks you for doing your part to reduce your carbon emissions!
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Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Take your mother out for a beautiful seaside Mother’s Day in Santa Cruz at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. There’s fun for everyone in the family! Learn a little about moms who live in the ocean, and stop in for Sunday Seaside Crafts (1–3 PM) to create a special ocean-themed Mother’s Day gift to give to her, right on the spot.
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World Oceans Day
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Oceans Day is the perfect time to learn how to protect the 71 percent of our planet that’s blue. Come get empowered to make a lasting difference for the future. Take the “Better Bag Challenge” and decorate/make a reusable tote bag. Make an ocean promise and create a special ocean-themed craft. World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 each year; however since the Seymour Center will be closed on Monday, June 8, we will be celebrating World Oceans Day on June 7, 2020.
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Shark Science Week
July 2020, Dates TBD
For a full week, the Seymour Center will celebrate Shark Science Week by revealing fascinating facts about these cartilaginous fishes. Come explore amazing shark adaptations including their extraordinary senses, the unique ways in which they reproduce, and so much more. Shark touching pool open every day! Shark Science week was July 28–August 3, 2019. 2020 dates TBD.
Sea Otter Awareness Week
2020 Dates TBD
Discover the vital role sea otters play in the nearshore ecosystem during Sea Otter Awareness Week. Special pop-up exhibits will highlight sea otters’ natural history, reveal conservation issues facing these marine mammals, and so much more. Sea Otter Awareness Week was September 24-29, 2019. 2020 dates TBD.
Many thanks to our event sponsor: Elizabeth Quinn, MS DC
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Locals “Seymour” in October
2020 Dates TBD
Santa Cruz County locals can visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for free during Locals “Seymour”! Simply present a current photo ID showing Santa Cruz County residence. Current student ID from any school in Santa Cruz County or current utility bills are also valid proof of residence. Guests of county residents must pay regular admission prices. Locals “Seymour” was October 1–4, 2019. 2020 dates TBD.
Sponsored by generous donations on Giving Day.
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Halloween
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Wear your costume to the Seymour Center on Halloween and receive $2 off regular price admission! Discount available for adults, seniors, and children on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 10 AM–5 PM.
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Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Noon–5:30 PM
Celebrate the holidays – Santa Cruz-style! The Seymour Center hosts its Jingle Shells Arts and Crafts Festival annually in December.
This holiday tradition features more than 30 local artists and craftspeople who will tempt you with their ocean- and nature-inspired wares. The festival features ocean-themed gifts, while proceeds directly support marine science education. Meet artists, shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy live music, hot apple cider, free gift wrapping, children’s activities, and explore Seymour Center exhibits, aquarium, and touch pools. Where else can you touch a shark and get your holiday shopping accomplished all while supporting ocean conservation?
Shop jewelry, ceramics, art glass, photography, gourmet food gifts, and much more—all by local artisans—and save 10% in the Ocean Discovery Shop!
Special one-day-only price:
Adult $7 | Senior, Student, Child $5 | Children 2 and under FREE
Members: FREE
Sponsored by:
Read more about the 2016 Jingle Shells from NBC Bay Area.
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Elephant Seal Weekend Celebration
February 2021, TBD
This Valentine’s Day weekend, explore the fascinating world and interesting adaptations of northern elephant seals during a special weekend celebration. Unique pop-up exhibits will reveal natural history, migration strategies, and allow visitors to become citizen scientists (helping out UC Santa Cruz researchers). As a citizen scientist, learn about elephant seals, sea lions, and seabirds that visit Año Nuevo Island, an important natural reserve north of Santa Cruz; then analyze drone photos to identify and count different types of animals that visit the island. Top the weekend off with February Science Sunday speakers Dr. Roxanne Beltran and Sarah Wood who will provide insight into their lives as scientists as well as exciting facts about elephant seals. Special Valentine’s-themed arts and crafts are offered throughout the weekend. Elephant Seal Weekend Celebration was February 14-16, 2020. 2021 dates TBD.
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