Join us for special ocean-themed celebrations throughout the year. From World Oceans Day to Shark Science Week, 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.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Elephant Seal Celebration Week
February 21-27, 2021
Explore the fascinating world and interesting adaptations of northern elephant seals during the Seymour Center’s virtual Elephant Seal Celebration Week. Special at-home activities, lectures, and interviews with scientists will reveal natural history, migration strategies, and allow participants to become elephant seal citizen scientists. Virtual Elephant Seal Celebration Week activities will be available for viewing and download February 21-27, 2021.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Earth Week
April 18-24, 2021
Learn more about the big blue planet called Earth during the Seymour Center’s 2021 virtual Earth Week celebration! Special at-home activities and fun arts and crafts will be available for download beginning April 18.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 9, 2021
Virtually celebrate Mother’s Day with the Seymour Marine Discovery Center! Learn about moms who live in the ocean, and create a special, at-home Mother’s Day craft to give to your mom. Crafts and activities will be available for download beginning May 9.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
World Oceans Day
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Oceans Day is the perfect time to learn how to protect the ocean and make a lasting difference for the future. Join the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for a virtual World Oceans Day celebration, and take part in the Seymour Center Online Ocean Superhero Challenge. Other at-home activities and crafts will be available for download beginning June 8.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Father’s Day
June 20, 2021

Virtually celebrate Father’s Day with the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and learn more about seaside-dwelling dads. Exclusive videos, at-home activities, and crafts will be available for download beginning June 20. There is fun for everyone in the family!
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Shark Science Week
2021 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!
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Sea Otter Awareness Week
September 2021, 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.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Halloween
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Wear your costume to the Seymour Center on Halloween and receive $2 off regular price admission! Discount available for adults, seniors, and children on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 10 AM–5 PM.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival
2021 Date TBD
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