Education Programs

Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

The Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center is located at 555 Pier Avenue, at the entrance to the Oceano Campground.   Visitors are encouraged to stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park and pick up a free park map brochure as they plan their adventure for the Oceano Dunes SVRA.   Knowledgeable State Park Staff are available to answer questions and kids can pick up a free activity booklet.  Open Monday through Saturday from 12pm-4pm.

Image of building of visitor center with grey sky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PORTS Program

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Programs provides K-12 students the opportunity to connect with the diverse cultural, natural, and historic resources of our State through virtual field-trip experiences.  The Oceano Dunes SVRA is excited to offer a new PORTS Program titled "Discovering the Dunes".  During the live video conference, State Park Interpeters will immerse students into the coastal sand dune habitat.  Students will learn about sand dune formation and the rock cycle, in addition to discovering what animals have adapted to survive in this habitat.  

Teachers who are interested in registering their class for this FREE virtual field trip experience, can register online at https://www.ports-ca.us/

Activity Guides for Kids

Oceano Dunes SVRA Adventure Guide [PDF]

Marine Protected Areas Activity Guide [PDF]

Augmented Reality Coloring Sheets

California State Park Coloring Pack on QuiverVision: https://quivervision.com/coloring-packs/California-State-Parks 

Pismo Clam

Off Highway Vehicle Safety Gear 

Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle

Western Snowy Plover

Summer Interpretive Programs

Campfire Programs 

Join State Park Interpreters around the campfire on Saturday nights during the summer season for fun and interactive presentations about local wildlife and cultural topics. All ages welcome.  

Junior Ranger Program

Children ages 7-12 are invited to become Jr. Rangers at Pismo State Beach!  Join our Interpretive Park Rangers for fun activities as you learn about the outdoors!  At your first Junior Ranger program you will get a logbook and badge.  Programs are offered in the Oceano Campground Campfire Center and the North Beach Campfire Center during the summer season. 

Junior Lifeguard Program

The objective of the Oceano Dunes Junior Lifeguard Program is to provide quality water safety education. Further, the program is designed to improve young people's physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their peers and their parents.

Lifeguards in the water
Recreational objectives are accomplished by instruction and practice in open water swimming, paddle boarding, body surfing, body boarding, surfboard riding, skin diving, and self rescue. Respect for the environment is increased by the understanding gained by the student’s daily physical contact with the environment and through lecture and discussion of pertinent marine and environmental topics. Increased respect for themselves is gained through the student’s personal progress and pride in self-accomplishment. Respect for others is increased by the student’s constant contact with compassionate Instructors and by working with other youths in a team-building environment.

For more information, visit the Junior Lifeguard Program Page.