Flow with us from the rivers to the sea in Ocean Bound. This exhibition features hands-on activities, games and fascinating videos that reveal the moving world of water. Pilot a life-size submersible from mountain stream to the ocean, discovering aquatic life and habitats along the way; make rain cascade down mountains into valleys and rivers and watch it flow to the ocean in a 3D watershed model; play ball to see how water and pollutants become runoff; and take a hands-on test to find out why some materials float readily downstream.

Discover the importance and vulnerability of watersheds, identify solutions to pollution problems and see how you can make a difference. Learn how scientists successfully reintroduced river otters to their original habitat, then help save animals and birds by changing your own habits on land. Find out about the Academy’s ongoing efforts to restore freshwater mussels in local waterways and how our scientists study eels in Crum Creek in the Kirkwood Preserve and collect macroinvertebrates in Cobbs Creek to gauge the health of the creek. Our Riverside Clubhouse provides play activities for our littlest explorers including shark and fish toys, swim flippers, life jackets, telescopes and easy-reader books about water science. Adults can lounge in the cabana and read up on the Earth’s most important resource. Ocean Bound is the place to discover the ocean's vast diversity and your connection to it.

Members receive free admission to Ocean Bound. Not a member? Join now!
Current members, check out the Members’ Guide for more information about your admission benefits.

Ocean Bound was created by the Sciencenter of Ithaca, N.Y., with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.