From listening to gruff pirate songs about life on the high seas to learning how to tie a bowline, the festival has it all for boys and girls, kids of all ages. Around the grounds the pirate encampments will have ongoing activities throughout the day for adults and kids alike. 

Ship Tours

Most of our visiting ships, as well as on the Brig Pilgrim, will have opportunities for kids to take a turn at the helm, talk to some ‘real’ sailors and watch interactive demonstrations. After the Naval Education Shows on board the Pilgrim, the crew will be staying onboard for photo opportunities.

Inside our Maritime Barn

Learn about the history of whaling with resident expert Bob Minty. Interactive displays, historical artifacts and more await!

Inside the Ocean Institute

Check out our interactive ocean exhibits throughout the day!

Mermaid Swim Encounters* 

Sheroes Entertainment invites you to join us in our Mermaid Lagoon! Meet and greet with our special mermaid guests and see her swim! Suitable for ages 3-12 years old; must be accompanied by an adult. 
*Additional purchase required of $5.00 per person. 

“Kraken” Dissections

Join our naturalists as we use scientific inquiry to understand the internal anatomy of a squid. 

Mermaid Talks 

How do mermaids communicate under water? Find out at during this interactive story time with Sheroes Entertainment’s Mermaids! 

Opera of the High Seas

Join us in Samueli for a special sneak-peak performance of our upcoming event “Opera of the High Seas” October 22 at 6:00 pm. 

On the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Maritime Wharf

Sailor’s Life

Raise sail, move cargo, and more during this hands-on activity on our historical maritime wharf! 

Cap’n Jacks Pirate School 

“School” is back in session- Captain Jack’s School for Lil’ Scallywags has some new lessons for all his pirates in training. Suitable for ages 5-12 years old. 
*Additional purchase required of $5.00 per person. 

Demo & Exhibition Area

 Get your face painted to look like a pirate, experience up close some cannon demonstrations, try your hand at wood carving, knot work, and more in our new hands-on exhibition area. 

Join the Ocean Institute in gold panning, build-a-boat competitions, or share your memories of the Ocean Institute at our memory map.

Educational Partners Include: 

Bowers Museum 
Dana Point Historical Society 
Headlands Leather Company 
Knot Tyers Guild 
Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Library- Dana Point 
Pretend City 
tH&R Collective
Sea Scouts 
Woodys of Orange County
Wood Carvers Association of Orange County

Baby Beach

Reenactor’s Village

Pirates, marines, and blacksmiths intermix at the pirate encampment. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you learn from our historic reenactors. 

Live Music presented by Los Rios Rock School

Enjoy live music by some of Orange County’s most talented young musicians throughout the day. 

Sierra Nevada Beer Garden 

Join us in the beer garden for a $5.00 pour of Sierra Nevada’s classic brews. 100% of the sales benefit the Ocean Institute’s education programs. Must be 21 years or older and have a wristband to purchase alcohol. Please drink responsibly.