Crafts & printables
Lotería del mar
Use kelp forest-themed lotería cards to play this classic game.
Story
Learn about Día del Niño celebrations at the Aquarium, then keep on exploring! Find out how you can join in on the celebration — see fun and games the whole family can enjoy while discovering ocean science.
Every year, people all over the world dedicate a day to celebrate children with games, food and music. In Mexico, the holiday takes place on April 30 and is called Día del Niño (Spanish for Children’s Day). Teachers or families organize fun activities and games in the home or at school.
We love celebrating Día del Niño at the Aquarium. For close to 20 years, our Día del Niño event featured Latin music performances, crafts, programs in English and Spanish and more. Our aim as an educational institution is to inspire ocean conservation and create a space for learning and discovery — especially for children and young people.
Photo gallery
Connecting with animals is a special way for young people to develop a closer relationship to the natural world. We aim to cultivate the next generation of ocean conservationists by investing in our children and youth. Young people that participate in our teen programs, like our Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats (WATCH) program, go on to work in the fields of conservation like our alumni Mary Garcia and César Garcia Lopez. We also offer internships for college students — last year, our interns led a campaign to vote with the ocean in mind. Young people can and do take care of the ocean!
To enjoy an ocean-themed Día del Niño at home with your family, try an ocean activity with your little ones.
Crafts & printables
Use kelp forest-themed lotería cards to play this classic game.
For educators
Explore fun and educational ocean-themed activities for students and families.
Video lesson
Watch fun educational videos that will get your young learners excited about ocean animals. Check them out in English and en español.
For educators
Check out our free online courses and daily science activities for parents, caregivers and educators to support children’s learning at home.