NATIONAL DAYANIMALS

National Sea Monkey Day

National Sea Monkey Day shines a light on an animal that deserves more of our attention and a lot more of our care.

MAY16

Sunday, May 16Every year on May 16

days to go

Roots: 1960s, created by Harold von Braunhut
Vibe: A blend of nostalgia and scientific curiosity.
Also on May 16: Armed Forces Day · Check Your Wipers Day · Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
Hashtag: #NationalSeaMonkeyDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Sea Monkey Day.

Learn something specific about the species — one surprising fact.
Donate to an organization doing real work for them.
Choose one product at the store with the animal's welfare in mind.
Share what you learn with a kid who'll care.
Spend 10 minutes outside looking for them or their tracks.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Watch one short documentary together about the animal and talk about what you learned.
Kids
Help them research it, then have them teach you one new fact at dinner.
Couples
Plan a zoo, aquarium, or sanctuary visit and go as a real date.
Office
Share a quick 'did you know' on the team chat or a lunchtime Learning session.
School
Run a one-day classroom mini-project about the species and its ecosystem.
Community
Donate to or volunteer with a conservation nonprofit focused on the animal.
Just me
Read one long-form article about them. Let yourself get into it.

Plan ahead

National Sea Monkey Day is observed on May 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, May 16this year

2027Sun, May 16

2028Tue, May 16

2029Wed, May 16

2030Thu, May 16

2031Fri, May 16

2032Sun, May 16

2033Mon, May 16

2034Tue, May 16

2035Wed, May 16

2036Fri, May 16

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Sea Monkeys are a type of brine shrimp.

They can live up to 2 years under optimal conditions.

The story

National Sea Monkey Day was established to honor the playful nature of these unique creatures that have become synonymous with childhood memories for many. First introduced by Harold von Braunhut in 1957, Sea Monkeys are actually a type of brine shrimp known scientifically as Artemia salina. Their charm lies not only in their appearance but also in their ability to hatch from dried eggs when exposed to water, an astonishing process that seems almost magical to children and adults alike.

Read the full story

The Sea Monkey phenomenon took off in the 1960s when they were marketed as 'instant pets,' and they quickly became popular among kids and families. The whimsical advertising campaigns, often featuring animated illustrations, captured the imagination of a generation. Today, Sea Monkeys continue to be a nostalgic symbol of childhood, evoking fond memories of watching these tiny creatures swim in their aquariums.

Celebrating National Sea Monkey Day can be as simple as setting up your own Sea Monkey habitat or engaging in educational activities that explore marine ecosystems. Schools and families often use this day to encourage curiosity about marine life, making it a perfect opportunity for hands-on learning. Plus, sharing experiences on social media can help create a sense of community among Sea Monkey enthusiasts.

As we celebrate this quirky observance, let's also reflect on the larger implications of our fascination with tiny life forms. Sea Monkeys serve as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity and the delicate balance of aquatic environments. Whether you're nurturing a new batch of Sea Monkeys or reminiscing about past adventures, this day invites us to appreciate the wonders of life in even the smallest forms.