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Fun Activities

A series of fun and engaging activities have been created to get the public outside to learn about MPAs while also enjoying them in person. Use the tabs below to see the various options.

Discover MPAs- CA Coastal Explorer Guide

Developed by the MPA Collaborative Network, this 20-page kids activity booklet features fun activities to educate its readers on marine protected areas (MPAs), wildlife, ocean safety, marine stewardship, recreational opportunities, and more. Content updated in 2021 features new activities including 3D augmented reality coloring pages and experiences. Download and print the whole booklet or individual pages. When finished, don’t forget to take the online MPA Quiz to earn a personalized MPA Steward Certificate.

Available in English and Spanish.

Marine Protected Area Coloring Book

A MPA Collaborative Network developed bilingual Marine Protected Area Coloring Book featuring species likely to benefit from MPAs, MPA science, and 3D augmented reality coloring pages with interactive experiences.

 

MPA Passport

Created by Save our Shores, the MPA Passport is designed for students in elementary school, middle school and junior high. The MPA Passport is an interactive guide that allows families to learn about MPAs, why they are so important to marine life and what activities are permitted within them. Filled with activities, including a game in which the reader matches the sea creature to its native MPA, true or false questions about local MPAs, and opportunities to draw underwater scenes, the MPA Passports are fun for the whole family, and a unique resource for local teachers looking for extra credit options or supplemental learning tools. (1.1M PDF file).

 

 

Marine Protected Area Coloring Sheet 

Developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this coloring sheet poster depicts the species and habitats of California’s MPAs.

 

Name That Song!

Listen to these marine mammal vocalizations and guess whether the call is from a whale, porpoise, or dolphin. Match the songs in the left column (click on the sound to hear it) with the correct marine mammal in the right column. See how many you and your friends can get correct!

 

MPA Kids Brochure

This fun brochure from the Surfrider Foundation contains puzzles, word searches, and ocean scenes for you to color and bring to life. See what you can learn about the ocean and marine protected areas!

 

Kids Activity Booklet

This booklet contains fun activities for children of all ages including coloring pages, word searches, a word scramble, maze and ‘connect the dots’ games.

 

California Beach Treasure Hunt

(También está disponible en español)

No need to collect these treasures! Instead, draw a picture, snap a photo, or just take a moment to observe your find and then check it off the list of treasures. Remember to always keep an eye on the ocean and stay safe! Not all of these items will be found at every beach. See how many you can find at YOUR beach! Courtesy of the California Coastal Commission.

 

Beach Bingo

(También está disponible en español)

Get your friends together and enjoy a fun game of Beach Bingo! Look for the animals or objects in the puzzle on the beach or in the water and be the first person to get four squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to win!

 

Elkhorn Slough Word Search

Try this cool word search about Elkhorn Slough!

 

Be a Kelp Sleuth!

Become a detective with this fun activity and find the kelp hiding in your home!

 

Sammy Steelhead

Come learn with Sammy Steelhead and his friends as they teach you about storm water pollution in these fun coloring and activity books! Morro Bay National Estuary Program

California Beach Treasure Hunt

No need to collect these treasures! Instead, draw a picture, snap a photo, or just take a moment to observe your find and then check it off the list of treasures. Remember to always keep an eye on the ocean and stay safe! Not all of these items will be found at every beach. See how many you can find at YOUR beach! Courtesy of the California Coastal Commission.

 

CA_beach_treasure_hunt.pdf (1.0M PDF file)

MPA Geocaching

A series of hidden treasures or geocaches are now hidden along the coast near several MPAs! Geocaching, a real-world treasure hunting game using GPS (global positioning system), allows people of all ages to explore the coastline in search of the cache boxes and the treasures within. Each geocache box contains information about marine protected areas, otherwise known as underwater parks, a logbook to sign your name and fish magnets that are free for the taking.

New to geocaching? No problem! Visit the official geocaching website for more information, access to tutorials and links with tips and tricks for starting the hunt.

Geocaches are currently hidden in the following MPAs- Enjoy the hunt!

The mission of the California’s Marine Protected Areas Education and Outreach Initiative is to enhance MPA education through enduring partnerships to empower Californians to protect what they know and love.