The New England Aquarium will hold a full day of free World Ocean Day programming on Boston’s waterfront Sunday, running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Wharf with hands-on marine science, climate art, indigenous fishing demonstrations, and free Ocean Dreams scre
For one Sunday window on Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium is turning the city’s shoreline into a living classroom.
The aquarium’s free celebration for World Ocean Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Central Wharf, with activities spread across the aquarium’s front plaza, Harbor View Terrace, and Simons Theatre. Aquarium officials say one of the day’s biggest draws is “Salt. ” a life-sized inflatable humpback whale provided by NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary—an installation that lets visitors learn about whale anatomy and conservation efforts.
The program also makes room for voices and traditions rooted in the region. Members of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag will demonstrate traditional fishing methods used for generations.
Inside the aquarium’s outreach booths, visitors can meet researchers and animal care experts at an “Ask a Scientist” station. Staff from the aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team. and other departments will answer questions about marine conservation and animal care.
Other free activities include ocean-themed face painting. water quality demonstrations. environmental stewardship exhibits. and an interactive mural project led by Artists For Humanity. Guests will also be able to experience “Temperature Tapestry. ” a colorful climate-focused art installation designed to visualize nearly two centuries of global temperature data.
Simons Theatre will host free screenings of Ocean Dreams at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The documentary—narrated by actor Shailene Woodley—follows marine wildlife and conservation efforts from Norway’s fjords to Indonesia’s biodiverse waters. Aquarium officials say seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To help people get there, the aquarium is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to offer free shuttle transportation from Dorchester and Roxbury, though pre-registration is required through participating club locations.
World Ocean Day also overlaps with Boston Family Day, a local program that provides Boston students and their families free admission to the aquarium. More information about Sunday’s programming is available at neaq.org.
New England Aquarium World Ocean Day Central Wharf NOAA Stellwagen Bank humpback whale Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag Ask a Scientist Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Temperature Tapestry Ocean Dreams Shailene Woodley Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston free shuttle