The Discovery Cube of Santa Ana celebrated the opening of two interactive ocean-themed exhibits last week that incorporate sea life interactions with tide pool science.

“Did you just see that?” a young boy yelled to his mother as a sting ray surrounded by small Bamboo sharks breached the surface of the new, waist-high “Sea Lab” aquarium, which will now be a permanent fixture at the education institution after nine months of construction.

The second exhibit, which will run through Sept. 4, is the “Ocean Encounter,” featuring ocean-themed activities ranging from digital scavenger hunts to inflatable play equipment.

“These exhibits are about helping kids to appreciate the ocean and inspire them with the life that surrounds it,” Discovery Cube spokeswoman Cherie Whyte told The Epoch Times.

Children and families enjoy new ocean-themed exhibits at Discovery Cube, a children's educational museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on June 22, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

At the Sea Lab, families can see sharks and rays up close, but also touch them under the supervision of staff members.

“Our sharks are from the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and we should be getting more of them in the future,” Aquarist Martika Cummings told The Epoch Times.

As both exhibits give visitors the opportunity to see ocean life in diverse climates and depths, it also allows them to see current global conservation efforts and the effects of coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and global kelp forest declines.

A sting ray swims in a new aquarium as part of two ocean-themed exhibits at Discovery Cube, a children's educational museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on June 22, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Bamboo Sharks swim in an aquarium connected with ocean-themed exhibits at Discovery Cube, a children's educational museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on June 22, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

“By providing a hands-on experience, we hope to empower the next generation to become stewards for these animals and their habitats,” said Joe Adams, CEO of The Discovery Cube.

The Discovery Cube will also host its first-ever beach clean-up day June 29 in Seal Beach, California from 9 to 11 a.m. with the goal of inspiring children to use science for the good of the oceans.

The event is open to all and sign-ups are available on the Discovery Cube’s website.

A sign introducing new ocean-themed exhibits at Discovery Cube, a children's educational museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on June 22, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

“It’s another way for children to be inspired by our local ocean life and learn to care for it,” Whyte, the facility’s spokesperson, said.

The Discovery Cube’s Orange County location is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.