(Photo by Ralph Palumbo)
Discovery Cube Orange County’s annual ocean science experience offers fun education while raising awareness.
Discovery Cube Orange County is calling all families to come learn about the ocean — and what’s putting it in peril — at its annual Ocean Encounter interactive experience running through Sept.1.
“At Discovery Cube, our mission is to inspire, educate, and create lasting impact — and our Ocean Encounter exhibit brings that mission to life,” said CEO Joe Adams. “Designed to deepen understanding and spark action, Ocean Encounter invites guests on an interactive journey through the ocean’s diverse zones and ecosystems. Along the way, visitors explore the challenges our oceans face and discover simple, meaningful ways to help protect them.”
Ocean Encounter brings the ocean’s five zones to life: Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, Midnight Zone, Abyss and Trenches. Each zone shows different aspects of ocean life — including the brightly lit Sunlight Zone and pitch-black Trenches. Guests can also learn about marine life and how human activity impacts these fragile ecosystems. They can also learn how small changes on land can make a big difference in ocean conservation. Guests will learn about ocean conservation efforts and engage in hands-on ocean-related activities. Adams said visitors can also enter an immersive, full-scale submersible where they’ll dive deep into the water and catch a glimpse of the animals that exist in each of the ocean’s zones.
“Returning to Ocean Encounter are all of the fan-favorite exhibit pieces. Giant inflatable animals, interactive touch-screens, LED screens featuring breathtaking imagery and overall ocean decor that will transport you into the ocean,” Adams said. “New this year are exciting demos you can experience at our Demo Lab. Our interactors will walk you through the magic of whale sounds, navigation patterns, buried treasure and dark oxygen.”
Visitors will also learn about the realities of coral bleaching, plastic pollution and kelp forest decline.
“Ocean Encounter goes hand in hand with the work we do outside of the Cube,” Adams said. “Join us in July for a beach cleanup, where you can do your part for ocean conservation.”
After Ocean Encounter, families can continue the water adventure at Sea Lab, Discovery Cube’s live-animal exhibit, where they can get hands-on experience with ocean life. Guests can gently touch real sharks and rays while learning about their adaptations, and understand the importance of protecting California’s marine habitats.
“After diving into the exhibit, guests can head over to the Sea Lab, where hands-on encounters with marine animals foster a personal connection with ocean life. Inspired by what they’ve learned and experienced, visitors are then encouraged to take action — whether by making everyday sustainable choices or joining Discovery Cube Cares for our quarterly community cleanup events,” Adams said. “The best part? There’s no age limit to making a difference. Whether you’re a child, teen or adult, every visitor leaves with new knowledge, a deeper appreciation for our oceans and a sense of empowerment to help protect our planet.”
By Jessica Peralta
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