Name: 2026 Family Science Sunday
Start: 2026-01-18T11:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-18T16:00:00-08:00
Location: Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles

Family Science Sunday is BACK! Free reservation at bit.ly/mmccscience
Dive into an enriching family experience led by our experts, where you and your loved ones will embark on a captivating one-hour journey delving into ocean conservation, marine mammals, and beyond. This event is free and includes access to MMCC’s full visitor experience, including patient viewing and our interactive exhibit hall.
Ages: 8 and up, families are encouraged to participate in science activities together, and adults must accompany children 13 and under.
Times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Topics:
1/4: Marine Mammal Rescue Squad: Join us in this fun and interactive Family Science Sunday for a hands-on experience exploring how our rescue team springs into action to save seals and sea lions facing various challenges. Families will witness the tools needed to safely bring patients from the beach or open ocean to our facility, then take part in a mock rescue to practice real teamwork and techniques. Don’t miss this unique chance to step into the role of a real marine mammal rescuer!
1/11: Marine Mammal Medics! Dive into the world of marine mammal recovery and learn how our expert hospital team cares for sick and injured patients. Families will get an up-close look at the rehabilitation process and discover what it takes to help these animals return to the wild. This is one of our most popular Family Science Sunday programs, don’t miss it!
1/18: Marine Mammal Researchers: Learn about the different research projects managed by our amazing veterinary team. Families will discover how we conduct research at our facility, how we track our patients even after they return to the wild, and ways you can help support our research along the coast. Don’t forget to sign up to learn more about our animals and the science that supports their care!
1/25: The Acidification Adventure: Dive into how our changing ocean and climate affect marine life. In this Family Science Sunday program, families will explore pH levels, investigate shifting ocean chemistry, and learn how climate change impacts our planet. Using a natural purple cabbage indicator, participants will test different solutions and see how small changes can make a big difference. It’s a fun, hands-on introduction to one of today’s most important environmental topics.
2/1: Underwater Sound Lab: Join us for Family Science Sunday and dive into the amazing world of marine mammal acoustics! In this interactive class, families will explore how dolphins and whales use sound to communicate, hunt, and navigate beneath the waves. Through hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations, you’ll discover how scientists study underwater sound and why it’s essential for protecting these incredible animals. It’s a fun, educational adventure perfect for families looking to learn, explore, and connect with the science of the sea!
2/8: Fin-tastic Fish Friends! Take a guided look inside the world of fish biology through a hands-on dissection of a herring. Families will explore external and internal anatomy, learn how fish are adapted for life in the ocean, and discover the unique features that help them swim, sense, and survive. It’s an engaging, educational experience perfect for curious young scientists
2/15: Inkcredible Squid Science: Discover the fascinating anatomy of market squid in this interactive dissection lab. Participants will examine the structures that help squid move, hunt, and communicate, and uncover the
remarkable adaptations that make cephalopods so unique. Families will get an up-close look at these incredible ocean animals while learning essential science skills along the way.
2/22: Tiny Ocean Drifters: Explore the hidden world of plankton, the tiny drifters that keep our ocean ecosystems alive. Families will investigate different types of plankton, look at real samples under microscopes, and learn how these small organisms play a huge role in supporting marine life. It’s a hands-on discovery of the ocean’s most important (and often overlooked) residents!
3/1: Amazing Algae: Join us for Family Science Sunday and dive into the amazing world of Southern California’s algae! Discover how these incredible organisms do more than wash up on shore; they’re even used in everyday items like ice cream. Then get creative by making your own algae press, using real seaweed varieties to create a beautiful take-home masterpiece. It’s a fun, hands-on experience the whole family will love!
3/8: Meet the Flipper Friends! Dive into the amazing world of seals, sea lions, and their ocean cousins! At this month’s Family Science Sunday, you’ll discover what makes marine mammals special, from their incredible diving skills to their unique ways of finding food and raising their young. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore how these remarkable animals survive in the wild and how we can help protect them. Perfect for curious kids and ocean-loving families!
3/15: Secrets of the Whales: Make a splash learning about the ocean’s largest and most brilliant mammals! At this month’s Family Science Sunday, you’ll explore how whales and dolphins communicate, navigate the seas, and work together in family groups. Through fun, hands-on activities and games, you’ll discover the science behind echolocation and life beneath the waves. Perfect for curious kids, future marine biologists, and anyone who loves these amazing animals!
3/22: Polar Bear Pals: Join us for Family Science Sunday as we dive into the frosty world of polar bears, the Arctic’s coolest creatures! Discover how these giant snow giants stay warm, hunt on ice, and raise their adorable cubs in one of the harshest habitats on Earth. With hands-on activities and bear-y fun facts, your family will learn what makes these powerful predators true masters of the frozen north.
3/29: Sea Otter Guardians: Get ready to explore the incredible story of sea otters, animals with the thickest fur on Earth, who once survived the brink of extinction. Learn how scientists and rescuers are working hard to protect these fluffy ocean heroes and help their populations bounce back. During Family Science Sunday, your crew will dive into hands-on activities, discover otter-ly amazing facts, and find out why these playful creatures are so important to keeping our oceans healthy!
4/12: Mermaids of the Sea Grass: Discover the amazing adaptations of manatees, the calm, plant-eating marine mammals that once inspired mermaid legends. Families will learn how these gentle animals use their paddle tails, marching molars, and unique buoyancy tricks to survive in warm coastal habitats. Hands-on activities bring the science to life in a fun, family-friendly way.
4/19: Meet Your Ocean Neighbors! Discover the amazing marine mammals that live right in your own backyard! Through hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations, families will explore the marine mammals that call the Los Angeles coast home. Learn how these incredible animals find food, communicate, and thrive in our local ocean habitats, from kelp forests to open waters. Along the way, you’ll uncover how these mammals fit into the coastal ecosystem and why protecting them matters. It’s a fun, interactive dive into the wild marine world just off the LA shoreline!