Celebrate World Ocean Day at Frost Science as we spotlight the science, innovation, and people working to protect our blue planet. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” the celebration explores how research, conservation, and protected ocean spaces sustain marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Event highlights include hands-on STEM activities with community partners, a book reading and a new Frost Planetarium show developed in partnership with O, Miami and Topos Graphics!
World Ocean Day 2026 is generously presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA). Programming is free with paid museum admission.
More Details
Frost Planetarium Show: UniVERSE *NEW*
10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2:15 p.m.
Level 1, Frost Planetarium, preregistration required
Created by Frost Science and O, Miami with Topos Graphics, this show features poetry written by Miami-Dade County residents and K-12 students.
Science Story Time: Ocean Superheroes by Gabrielle Raymond McGee
12:30 p.m.
Level 3, meLab
Dive into ocean biodiversity with a reading of “Ocean Superheroes” by author Gabrielle Raymond McGee. Then, buy your own signed copy to take home.
Frost Science Conservation
Level 1, Atrium
Join the Frost Science Conservation team to learn about the importance of coastal ecosystems and how we work to protect them.
MORAES
Level 1, Atrium
Identify which South Florida species are native or invasive in a fun, interactive game with MORAES of South Florida, a non-profit that offers a path to get involved in the local marine science community.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Make a Wish Face Painting
Level 1, Power of Science
Show off your love for the ocean with free face painting!
Broward County Natural Resources
Level 2, Terrace
Test your ocean knowledge with marine biology trivia.
Ocaquatics Swim School
Level 2, Terrace
Learn how to keep safe at sea and enter a raffle to win a free month of swim lessons.
Miami Waterkeeper
Level 2, Terrace
Discover how to test water quality and become a community scientist with EarthEcho kits.
Rescue a Reef
Level 3, Terrace
Build a Lego coral reef and help “restore” the reef by picking native Florida corals species to outplant!
Sustainable Spin
Level 3, Terrace
Reflect on your own personal connections to the ocean in a community mapping project called The Water Column.
University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies & NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory
Level 3, Terrace
Learn about the chemistry of the ocean by experimenting with pH and saltwater density.
In recognition of America250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s programming highlights the role American ingenuity has played, and continues to play, in advancing ocean science through hands-on partner activities.
As part of our America250 Passport Program*, guests can engage with a special poster exhibit celebrating American oceanographers, scientists, and engineers. Answer questions throughout the exhibit and turn in your completed passport at the Science Store to receive a prize.
The Frost Planetarium will also debut a specially commissioned short weaving together five thematic stories drawn from marine science, paleontology and natural history, astronomy, and aeronautics and flight. Narrated by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the short celebrates how American innovation has sparked connection across disciplines, across generations, and across the globe.
*Pick up a passport at the entrance kiosk.
On behalf of the Miami DDA, residents of Downtown Miami will receive a 10% discount on purchases at the Science Store. Promotion is valid with a photo ID showing a Downtown Miami zip code. *Applicable Zip Codes: 33128, 33130, 33131, 33132, 33136, 33137 (Offer is valid for non-members only.)
Presented by:
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
