The Central Coast Aquarium (CCA) is preparing to celebrate marine science with six days of boredom buster programs during the winter break at the Aquarium located at 50 San Juan Street in Avila Beach. Join the aquarium for two weeks of educational crafts plus all-ages fun with the purchase of Aquarium admission.

central coast aquarium

Programs offered will highlight six important areas in our marine ecosystem: The Food Chain (December 27), Squid (December 28), Tidepools (December 29), Ocean Pollution (January 3), Animal Camouflage (January 4), and Swell Sharks (January 5). Each day will have a themed craft and activities.

While at the Aquarium, don’t forget to visit Avila Beach’s newest public art project created by local artist, Colleen Gnos, on two exterior walls of the Aquarium directly across from Avila Park. The mural’s theme, “Avila Beach Ocean Stewardship, the Past and Present”, explores the shift in our identity as ocean stewards over the last 100 years and honors local people, species, and history. Specifically to acknowledge the Chumash, Gnos included four Chumash artifacts in the reef. See if you and your family can find the four: an abalone fish hook, a gaff made from a deer horn, an arrowhead carved from chert, and a whale effigy. This mural activity is truly free family fun just steps from the beautiful ocean that the mural represents.

central coast aquarium

For specific program information, please visit www.centralcoastaquarium.com or call the Aquarium directly at 805-595-7280 and ask for details about Winter Break events.

About the Central Coast Aquarium

For 25 years, the Central Coast Aquarium, located in Avila Beach, has been providing unique hands- on learning opportunities to children and adults in the fields of Marine Biology and Oceanography, as well as local history. The mission of the CCA is to cultivate a community dedicated to ocean stewardship through education, engagement, and action.  By increasing appreciation for the ocean, its marine life and our local environment, we aim to encourage an active commitment to its preservation. For more information, contact: Christine Johnson, Executive Director, Christine@centralcoastaquarium.com, 805-595-7280, ext. 1002.