Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Imagine standing under a giant kelp forest, with stalks towering over you, three times your height. Or listening to a humpback sing and recording your own version like Dory from Nemo. What about watching the grunion run? Your children can have these experiences and much more at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps: The Interpretive Center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego (La Jolla). Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean, including three hands-on outdoor tide pools. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science. On- and off-site events include monthly Family Days, summer camps, Eggs-travaganza, Haunted Aquarium, whale watching, Shark Week, meet-and-greet with Scripps scientists, grunion runs, snorkel and tide pool explorations, and sleepovers.

There has been an aquarium at Scripps since 1905, when the Scripps founders and researchers moved from the boathouse at the Hotel Del Coronado to "The Little Green Lab" in La Jolla Cove. The current Birch Aquarium offers many interactive and hands-on programs tailored to everyone from infants and toddlers to adult audiences. Children under 2 will be introduced to undersea flowers, sea stars or other creatures. Two-year-olds create mini books and enjoy story times and live animal encounters. The slightly older pre-school crowd can participate in scavenger hunts and also interact with live animals. While some programs are free with Aquarium admission, a few have added fees.

Family Membership ($75) - two adults plus two children or grandchildren ages 3-17 will pay for itself after about 2 visits. Plus, there are educational program discounts for Members. Receive four guest passes each year and invitations to exhibit previews and members-only events. Also get 10 % discount at the Splash Café and on purchases at the aquarium bookshop.
Organize your playgroup meet-ups at Birch and your group of 8 or more will receive the member discount.
Birthday parties, if you are a member, can be educational and affordable, as your price per guest (child or adult) includes admission, crafts, goodie bags and live animal encounters. The Aquarium even provides decorations! Your only added cost is the cake and ice cream.

Remember, like the Zoo & WAP, Birch is Non Profit and 100% of your membership dues are a tax-deductible charitable donation.
Parking is free for 3 hours.
Plan your trip around one of the feeding times so your children can enjoy watching sharks dine.