Ocean Encounter returns to Discovery Cube Orange County starting May 24 with an immersive journey that dives deep into the mysteries of our blue planet and calls on you to help protect it.
Step into a vivid, interactive world that brings the ocean’s five zones to life—from the brightly lit Sunlight Zone to the pitch-black depths of the Trenches. Along the way, encounter stunning marine life, learn how human activity impacts these fragile ecosystems, and explore how small changes on land can make big waves in ocean conservation. Ocean Encounter will include massive LED walls to showcase the journey of the ocean, giant inflatables, demo labs, and much more!
***A Discovery Cube Orange County Exclusive
📅 Dates: Now Open – September 1
📍 Location: 2500 N Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92705 | Located at the Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater on the second floor
👪 Age: All ages are welcome
🕙 Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Price: Included with General Admission or Membership
Through hands-on play with environments like a full-scale submarine experience, guests of all ages will uncover the realities of coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and kelp forest decline—while discovering real-world actions they can take to help. As part of your journey, join Discovery Cube Cares for a series of Impact Events, including local beach cleanups and community science efforts to protect our coastal environment. The next Impact Event is happening August 2, register here to get started.
Extend your adventure at Sea Lab, Discovery Cube’s live animal exhibit where you can get hands-on with ocean life. Gently touch real sharks and rays while learning about their unique adaptations and the importance of protecting California’s marine habitats. It’s a powerful connection between what we learn, what we feel, and how we act.
This is more than an exhibit. It’s a call to adventure, awareness, and action. Are you ready to explore below—and act above?
📅 Dates: Now Open – September 1
📍 Location: Next to Sea Lab on the 1st floor
Set sail through history!
Explore a limited-time display of intricate ship models from the 1600s to 1800s. Don’t miss the ship scavenger hunt—can you spot the hidden features on board?
Weekend Activities
Make a monocular out of cardboard tubes and use it to search for constellations in the Ocean Encounter exhibit.
***Weekend activities are subject to change.
Our Mission is to INSPIRE and EDUCATE young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits therefore creating a meaningful IMPACT on the communities we serve.
