The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5-16, 1972. The significance of the oceans and their role in sustaining life on Earth was discussed during this conference.
To commemorate the importance of this conference, celebrate the ocean and its rich diversity of life, and highlight the various challenges facing our marine environments, the United Nations designated June 8 as World Oceans Day.
Everyone can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for our oceans. For example, reducing your plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, or supporting ocean conservation organizations can have a lasting impact.
Whether you take a beach vacation every year or have never seen the ocean in person, we have five fun ways to celebrate World Oceans Day!
1. Start with a giggle.
Q. How did the crab stay safe near the road?
A. It used the side walk.
2. Learn a fun fact.
We play a role in protecting our oceans even when we live in a land-locked state like Colorado. The Loveland Pass is a continental divide that separates water flowing into the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins.
A sign at Milner Pass explains how water flows from the continental divide to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It's important to note that how we care for our local water resources impacts the ocean's overall health.
3. Visit an aquarium.
Many aquariums offer virtual visits and online experiences so you can learn about marine life from the comfort of your home, including:
- Aquarium of the Pacific Webcams (Lone Beach, California)
- Georgia Aquarium Guided Virtual Tours (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams (Monterey Bay, California)
- National Aquarium Livestreams (Baltimore, Maryland)
- Shedd Aquarium: Stay Home with Shedd Series (Chicago, Illinois):
The Downtown Aquarium is hosting a special World Ocean Day Celebration on Saturday, June 10. Learn different ways to protect our ocean, play games, make crafts, and meet a special animal ambassador at 11:00 M, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
If you can't make it on June 10, the Aquarium has many other fun events, including discounted Summer Family Nights, overnight adventures, and more!
4. Build sand castles at the beach.
If you think Colorado doesn't have beaches, you'd be mistaken — and ours come with a mountain view! Some of our favorite nearby swim beaches are Aurora Reservoir, Bear Creek Lake Park, and Cherry Creek State Park.
Pirates Cove has a sand play area called The Beach, and you can also visit The Bay, The Lagoon, and The River! Be sure to use our BOGO coupon, good through June 30!
PRO TIP: Reduce the amount of sand you bring into your car with baby powder. Dry off with a towel, then liberally sprinkle baby powder on your arms and legs. The sand will brush right off!
5. Get crafty.
Use sidewalk chalk to create an underwater scene in your driveway or make ocean-inspired crafts, such as paper plate jellyfish or a seashell mobile. Upcycle old CDs into colorful fish using markers, foam pieces, and googly eyes. Make an adorable and "hand"some goldfish that doubles as a sweet keepsake.
