World Ocean Day
One-Time Events
Celebrate World Ocean Day with the National Museum of Natural History on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Join ocean scientists, researchers, and educators in the Sant Ocean Hall for an exciting series of interactive experiences celebrating our blue planet and exploring all the ways science and community action can connect us to our waterways.
See the full list of the museum's World Ocean Day events.
Photo credit: Teodor Drobota on Unsplash.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Celebrations. Event Group: Earth Optimism LSP. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
World Ocean Day Play Date: "Don't Eat the Cleaners" with Susan Stockdale
One-Time Events
Join us for a special edition of Play Date for World Ocean Day featuring a story time with special guest author and artist, Susan Stockdale!
We are so excited to welcome Susan Stockdale to read and demonstrate how she created her new picture book, Don’t Eat the Cleaners! – the ninth book she has written and illustrated with the research assistance of our very own museum’s scientists. Children will learn how ocean animals visit “cleaning stations” at coral reefs around the world. While there, tiny but mighty cleaner fish and shrimp remove their pesky parasites in return for a tasty meal. And animals ranging from manta rays to sharks must remember the golden rule if they want a washing by the scrubbing crew: Don’t Eat the Cleaners! Susan will engage children as “picture detectives” to uncover the changes she made from her first sketches to her final, splashy illustrations, and encourage them to create their own books! Museum educators will also be facilitating multiple hands-on stations throughout the Sant…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Shopping/Book Signing. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
An Evening With Finspan: World Ocean Day Board Game Night
One-Time Events
From the world of game developer Elizabeth Hargrave’s hit board game Wingspan comes Finspan, a deep dive into aquatic life of the world’s seas and oceans. Celebrate World Ocean Day with the National Museum of Natural History and join in the conversation with Finspan designer David Gordon and zoologist in the Division of Fishes at NMNH Matt Girard moderated by Associate Director for Science and Chief Scientist at NMNH Rebecca Johnson. , After the conversation, stick around to enjoy exclusive after hours access to Sant Ocean Hall and play Finspan – beginners and enthusiasts welcome. Labyrinth Games will help with set up and instruction. Copies of the Finspan boardgame will be available for purchase. Registration is free and highly encouraged. Space is filled at a first come first served basis.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor and First Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/74563023/an-evening-with-finspanworld-ocean-day-board-game-night-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Films. Related Events: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/events/festivals-and-event-series/world-ocean-day. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Science on a Sphere
One-Time Events
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 9, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Mineral Rainbow
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
On Tuesday, June 10th, we will be exploring color with minerals! Come play, make art, and make up-close observations of colorful mineral specimens.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail NMNHAccessibility@si.edu. Image: Tectosilicate Mineral Amethyst
Image copyright:…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Reef Tank Talk
One-Time Events
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Volcanic Eruption: How Far the Ash Will Fly
One-Time Events
When volcanoes erupt, they can send ash high up in the atmosphere. The ash can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers, affecting climate and threatening aviation. What allows ash to travel so far? Come talk to Miraz Hossain, volcanology grad student, learn about volcanic eruptions and their deposits, and how scientists study volcanic ash.
Presented by: Miraz Hossain, volcanology graduate student, Washington State University, Image Credit: Betsy Yount, 1986 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Events: This event will repeat on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 11:00 a.m.-12:30p.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Thursday June 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Volcanic Eruption: How Far the Ash Will Fly
One-Time Events
When volcanoes erupt, they can send ash high up in the atmosphere. The ash can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers, affecting climate and threatening aviation. What allows ash to travel so far? Come talk to Miraz Hossain, volcanology grad student, learn about volcanic eruptions and their deposits, and how scientists study volcanic ash.
Presented by: Miraz Hossain, volcanology graduate student, Washington State University, Image Credit: Betsy Yount, 1986 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Events: This event also occurs on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Thursday June 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Volcanic Eruption: How Far the Ash Will Fly
One-Time Events
When volcanoes erupt, they can send ash high up in the atmosphere. The ash can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers, affecting climate and threatening aviation. What allows ash to travel so far? Come talk to Miraz Hossain, volcanology grad student, learn about volcanic eruptions and their deposits, and how scientists study volcanic ash.
Presented by: Miraz Hossain, volcanology graduate student, Washington State University, Image Credit: Betsy Yount, 1986 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Events: This event also occurs on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Thursday June 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superbird!: Exploring super senses in seabirds
One-Time Events
Seabirds are remarkable creatures with unique adaptations for life at sea, which sets them apart from the birds we see on land. Interested in learning how these birds navigate vast oceans with no landmarks or why some are known as tube-noses? Dive into the super-sensory world of seabirds to discover their incredible sense of smell, sensitive eyesight, and impressive navigation skills.
Presented by: Brianna Law and Jess Kusher, Marine Ecologists and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Knauss Marine Policy Fellows
Photos by Brianna Law and Jess Kusher.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Tails of the Ocean: Tracking and Identifying Whales
One-Time Events
Dive into the depths of the ocean and embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of the world's most majestic marine mammals. Learn what makes whales unique, from their flippers to their songs, and how to tell them apart. Follow the whales as they migrate around the world, and find out how you can help keep them safe.
Presented by: Dr. Dawn Parry and Julia Wente, Marine Biologists and Educators, NOAA Sea Grant Knauss Fellows
Photographs courtesy of the presenters, Dawn Parry (left) and Julia Wente (right).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Volcanic Eruption: How Far the Ash Will Fly
One-Time Events
When volcanoes erupt, they can send ash high up in the atmosphere. The ash can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers, affecting climate and threatening aviation. What allows ash to travel so far? Come talk to Miraz Hossain, volcanology grad student, learn about volcanic eruptions and their deposits, and how scientists study volcanic ash.
Presented by: Miraz Hossain, volcanology graduate student, Washington State University, Image Credit: Betsy Yount, 1986 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Events: This event also occurs on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 pm. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Tiny Vampires: The Unique World of Freshwater Mussels
One-Time Events
Freshwater mussels are a diverse family of shellfish that can be found in most freshwater systems in the United States. Blending into the stream floor, these unsuspecting shellfish lead an interesting life. Their life cycle involves a parasitic stage, in which they live on the gills of fish. Come discover the unique world of freshwater mussels!
Presented by: Dr. Rachael Finigan, Aquatic Ecologist, Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, NOAA National Sea Grant Office
Photos courtesy of Rachael Finigan.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Friday, June 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 16, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Marvelous Meteorites
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, June 17th, is all about exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of objects from space! Families can learn about and make close observations of meteorites from our collection, explore different colors of planets, and create your own play telescope. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
The Ocean Around Us Tour
One-Time Events
Explore the Sant Ocean Hall to learn about some of the exciting animals and habitats featured and how they are connected to your everyday life no matter where you live. This is a 30-minute interactive walking tour where you can meet a North Atlantic Right Whale, find out what is the most productive marine ecosystem, touch coral, and so much more.
Registration is required for this small group tour of up to 10 people. Each visitor may bring up to 3 guests, but the total number of visitors on the tour will be capped at 10.
Photo by Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall, Under the Large Jellyfish. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The Ocean Around Us Tour
One-Time Events
Explore the Sant Ocean Hall to learn about some of the exciting animals and habitats featured and how they are connected to your everyday life no matter where you live. This is a 30-minute interactive walking tour where you can meet a North Atlantic Right Whale, find out what is the most productive marine ecosystem, touch coral, and so much more.
Registration is required for this small group tour of up to 10 people. Each visitor may bring up to 3 guests, but the total number of visitors on the tour will be capped at 10.
Photo by Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall, Under the Large Jellyfish. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, June 23, 2025, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Colorful Corals
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, June 24th is all about exploring coral reefs! Families will learn about coral polyps (the tiny animals that help to build-up the reef), create their own artwork inspired by coral reefs, and look up close at coral specimens from the museum’s collection.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Fishy Business in the Eye of the Hurricane
One-Time Events
Hurricanes are strong tropical storms that form over the ocean and have a rotating center with winds of at least 74 MPH (about 119 KMH). These tropical cyclones can leave behind a path of destruction and chaos on land, but how do animals in the ocean survive during hurricanes? Come discover how sharks and different fishes use their cool adaptations to their advantage. Along the way, we will also learn about natural features in our coastlines that help protect us and how we can prepare for hurricane season this summer!
Presented by: Ana Silverio, M.S. Marine Biologist, Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - The National Sea Grant Office
Image credit: Ana Silverio (left), NOAA NESDIS Environmental Visualization Laboratory (right).
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
One-Time Events
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Friday, June 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The World & Me: Caring for the Future of our Planet with Company E and Sound Impact
One-Time Events
Join us for a special The World & Me as we celebrate diversity found in nature, movement, and the planet we call home with local dancers from Company | E, musicians from Sound Impact, and educators from the National Museum of Natural History. Watch a performance titled Letters to Earth*, explore different hands-on activities with museum specimens, and discover ways to make an impact in taking care of Earth for future generations.
Performances will be 10:20 - 10:50 & 11:30 - 12:00.
Hands-on stations and activities will be open 10:50 - 11:30. More about Letters to Earth
The Earth is made of the magic of nature. Wondrous ecosystems – biomes – which make up the world we call home. For one special morning, the dancers and storytellers of Company | E and the Musicians of Sound Impact invite you to explore the Letters we write to Earth. A celebration and, at the same time, a cautionary tale of our impact on those biomes as told in the stories of “We Hear You – A Climate Archive.” 77 young people from around the…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Ground Floor. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Kids & Families. Performances. Event Group: Music Event. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.