Kids Ocean Day OC Returns To Beaches With New Message For 2026

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Over 1,000 elementary school students from across inland Orange County will gather at Huntington State Beach on Tuesday for Kids Ocean Day OC. This youth-driven environmental action event is focused on ocean conservation, coastal access, and community stewardship.

Starting at 9 to 11 a.m., students will participate in a large-scale beach cleanup before forming a massive aerial art installation in the sand inspired by this year’s theme: “Coast for All: Celebrating 50 Years of the California Coastal Act.”

For roughly 20% of participating students, this will be their first-ever visit to the beach.

Arriving students from 3rd to 6th grade are being brought in from schools in Garden Grove, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Orange, Huntington Beach, and Westminster, according to an event spokesperson.

Also on hand will be 140 teachers, guardians, and chaperones and 150 Orange County Coastkeeper staff and volunteers.



In the past, students have performed aerial art pieces, including a child with a dolphin, saying "Protect what you love"; another depicting an octopus with a "Sea Change" sign; and a diver among fish and other sea life, saying "Give Us A Chance."

This year, the artwork will feature a wheelchair user enjoying a day at the beach. The kids will be photographed by a drone.

Learn more at coastkeeper.org/education/kids-ocean-day.