Sea Star Feeding at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point: 2026 Guide
Looking for a unique family-friendly activity in Dana Point, California?
The Sea Star Feeding experience at the Ocean Institute gives visitors the opportunity to get remarkably close to local marine life—including the chance to actually prepare food and hand-feed a sea star.
One of the upcoming Sea Star Feeding experiences is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor. The program is offered as an add-on to general admission and costs $10 per participant.
Sea Star Feeding in Dana Point: Quick Answer
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Sea Star Feeding |
| Date | Saturday, August 29, 2026 |
| Time | 12:00 p.m.–12:35 p.m. |
| Location | Ocean Institute |
| Address | 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629 |
| Sea Star Feeding Cost | $10 add-on |
| General Admission Required? | Yes |
| Best For | Families, children, marine-life lovers and visitors to Dana Point |
| Recurring? | Saturdays and Sundays at noon during 2026 |
The Ocean Institute currently lists Sea Star Feeding at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, with the recurring program continuing through the end of 2026.
What Is the Ocean Institute Sea Star Feeding Experience?
This isn't simply watching someone else feed marine animals.
During this interactive program, visitors learn about sea stars while participating in two parts of the feeding process: preparing the food and feeding the sea star.
Ocean Institute staff guide participants through preparing the sea star's food before allowing them to hand-feed one of the animals.
It's a fun way for children and adults to learn about marine biology while getting a much closer look at one of Southern California's most recognizable tide-pool residents.
Is Sea Star Feeding Good for Kids?
Yes, although parents should be aware of one important detail.
The preparation portion involves the use of sharp knives, so the Ocean Institute recommends that children 10 years old and younger be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For families interested in the ocean, marine animals and hands-on science, this is one of the more unusual educational activities you can find in Dana Point.
Instead of simply looking through aquarium glass, children get an opportunity to participate directly in the experience.
How Much Does Sea Star Feeding Cost?
The Sea Star Feeding experience costs $10 per participant, but it is an add-on to Ocean Institute general admission, so visitors must also purchase admission to the Institute.
Current 2026 general admission prices are:
- Adults: $16
- Children 19 months–13 years: $12
- Seniors 55+ and military: $14
- Infants and toddlers 0–18 months: Free
- Sea Star Feeding add-on: $10
Ocean Institute members receive complimentary year-round general admission, although separate fees may still apply for add-on experiences.
Because admission and program availability can change, I recommend confirming pricing and purchasing tickets directly through the Ocean Institute before heading over.
What Else Can You Do at the Ocean Institute?
The Sea Star Feeding only lasts about 35 minutes, so it makes sense to combine it with the rest of the Ocean Institute.
General admission includes access to interactive exhibits, local aquariums, marine mammal artifacts, a shark and ray touch experience, an intertidal touch tank and maritime exhibits.
And August 29 is actually a particularly busy day at the Ocean Institute.
Other programs scheduled that day include a 9:00 a.m. kayak tour, squid dissections beginning at 10:30 a.m., a Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour at 2:00 p.m., and a Sunset Sail beginning at 4:30 p.m.
That makes it easy to turn the Sea Star Feeding into a larger Dana Point Harbor day trip.
Make a Day of It in Dana Point Harbor
One of my favorite things about activities at the Ocean Institute is the location.
The Institute sits at the end of Dana Point Harbor, so there is plenty to do before or after your visit.
You could visit the Ocean Institute in the morning, participate in the Sea Star Feeding at noon, have lunch around the harbor and spend the afternoon walking along the waterfront or enjoying one of Dana Point's beaches.
For families searching for things to do in Dana Point with kids, it offers a great combination of education and a day by the ocean.
Parking at the Ocean Institute
Parking deserves some advance planning, especially during summer weekends.
The Ocean Institute advises visitors that its parking lot is reserved for Ocean Institute and Coffee Importers guests, while its lot and nearby public parking areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Summer parking can become limited, so the Institute recommends arriving early and allowing extra time to find a space.
For a noon Sea Star Feeding appointment, I would plan to arrive substantially earlier and enjoy the general admission exhibits first rather than trying to arrive just before the feeding starts.
Tips Before You Go
- Purchase tickets ahead of time. Sea Star Feeding is an add-on to general admission.
- Arrive early. Dana Point Harbor parking can be busy on summer weekends.
- Plan more than 35 minutes. There's much more to explore at the Ocean Institute.
- Parents should accompany younger children during the food-preparation portion.
- Check the Ocean Institute calendar before leaving home in case schedules or availability change.
- Consider combining the visit with lunch, a harbor walk or another Dana Point activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Star Feeding in Dana Point
When is Sea Star Feeding at the Ocean Institute?
One upcoming Sea Star Feeding is Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 12:35 p.m. The Ocean Institute currently schedules the experience at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where is the Sea Star Feeding?
The experience takes place at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629.
How much does Sea Star Feeding cost?
Sea Star Feeding is a $10 add-on experience. General admission to the Ocean Institute must also be purchased.
How long is Sea Star Feeding?
The scheduled experience runs approximately 35 minutes, from noon until 12:35 p.m.
Can children participate?
Yes. Because participants help prepare food using sharp knives, the Ocean Institute recommends that children age 10 and younger have a parent or guardian with them.
What else can kids do at the Ocean Institute?
General admission includes interactive exhibits, local aquariums, marine mammal artifacts, a shark and ray touch experience and an intertidal touch tank. Additional programs are offered depending on the date.
Why Activities Like This Make Dana Point Special
The Ocean Institute is a great example of what makes living in Dana Point and coastal South Orange County so unique.
Dana Point isn't simply a beach community. Residents have access to the harbor, boating, whale watching, marine education, beaches, trails, restaurants and year-round community events—all within a relatively compact coastal city.
Activities like Sea Star Feeding are also one reason I enjoy sharing local events alongside real estate information. Understanding a community means knowing what it's actually like to live there, not simply what homes are selling for.
If you're considering buying or selling a home in Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach or elsewhere in South Orange County, I'm always happy to be a local real estate resource.
Holly McKhann, REALTOR®
San Clemente | Dana Point | South Orange County Real Estate
Official event links
Ocean Institute Sea Star Feeding information