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SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day
SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day brings together science, exploration, and community to celebrate the power of our freshwater resources and inspire the next generation of Great Lakes stewards.
This family-friendly celebration includes
- An exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Port of Cleveland. Typically closed to the public, these guided tours offer a rare look inside Port operations—revealing how cargo moves, how the waterfront supports regional jobs, and how maritime technology keeps our economy connected to the world. Advance registration is required: sign up here.
- Hands‑on learning and outdoor fun at Great Lakes Science Center. Dive into family-friendly STEM activities including water quality testing, robotics demonstrations, and more. (SPLASH! exhibits will be free and open to the public. Tickets are required for admission to the Science Center.)
- Enjoy a variety of art and recreation experiences at the North Coast Yard. Connect to our lakefront in a fun, active way!
SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Locations: This event spans Great Lakes Science Center, North Coast Yard, and the Port of Cleveland. Start your adventure at:
- Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland - North Coast Yard
515 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
Plan Your Adventure
Visit water organizations throughout Great Lakes Science Center and North Coast Yard:
| Organization | SPLASH! Location |
|---|---|
| Argonaut | North Coast Yard |
| Baldwin Wallace University | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Case Western Reserve University Leonard Gelfand STEM Center | Outside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilding and Boating Society (CABBS) | Outside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Cleveland Metroparks | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Cleveland Monsters | North Coast Yard |
| Cleveland Public Library | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center and Outside @ North Coast Yard |
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Nature Includes You) | North Coast Yard |
| Environmental Dashboard | Outside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Great Lakes Science Center | Outside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Greater Cleveland Aquarium | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Interlake Maritime Services | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation | North Coast Yard |
| Ohio Clean Marinas Program | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Ohio Sea Grant and OSU Stone Laboratory | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (ODNR) | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Port of Cleveland | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center and Outside @ North Coast Yard |
| SailingCLE | Outside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Trash Fish | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| University of Akron Field Station | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| West Creek Conservancy | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
| Western Reserve Land Conservancy | North Coast Yard |
| YMCA of Greater Cleveland | Inside @ Great Lakes Science Center |
Why Freshwater Matters
Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River have powered generations of people, connected Cleveland to the world, and played a defining role in America’s environmental movement. Today, these waters support a new chapter of economic opportunity through freshwater technology, research, manufacturing, and sustainability leadership. SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day celebrates this legacy while showcasing how Cleveland is shaping the future of the blue economy.
Event Partners
