Birch Aquarium Is Making A Splash With New Summer Lineup
Make sure you’ve got the aquarium in your plans for summer! Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is kicking off summer with an amazing lineup of offerings including seasonal hours, animal feedings, and Octopus Behind-the-Scenes Tours.
Extended Birch Aquarium Summer Hours Starts May 28
Guests will have two extra hours to enjoy the aquarium during a time when it’s typically less crowded and when some animals may be more active. From May 28 to September 4, the aquarium will be open most days from 9AM to 7PM. On days when private events have been booked, the aquarium will close at 5PM.
“Many families are gearing up for a summer of exploration as warmer weather finally makes its way to San Diego,” said Harry Helling, Executive Director at Birch Aquarium. “By bringing back interactive feedings and introducing new offerings, the aquarium hopes to advance its mission of connecting understanding to protecting our ocean planet with new, fun and engaging activities for our guests to enjoy.”
During seasonal hours, all exhibits and hands-on activities — including Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins, where guests come face-to-face with the world’s smallest penguins as they waddle, swim and dive — will remain open.
On Tide Pool Plaza, guests will take in stunning ocean views while getting hands-on with local animals including a juvenile shark.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Giant Octopus Encounter
As part of its summer offerings, the aquarium is bringing back fan-favorite animal feedings.
In addition to the Little Blue Penguin feedings that take place at 10 a.m. daily, these new sessions highlight how the aquarium’s Husbandry Team feeds rays, Leopard sharks, Weedy Seadragons and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle while demonstrating the important role each plays in our ocean ecosystems.
These sessions will be offered on select days and times starting May 27.
For guests looking for an unforgettable animal experience, the aquarium is offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes encounter with a Giant Pacific Octopus!
During the 60-minute tour, guests will get up close and learn about this amazing cephalopod, its complex personality, camouflage abilities and super strength.
A member of the aquarium’s Husbandry Team will lead an enrichment-focused activity where the octopus uses its arms and intelligence to interact with an enrichment object and potentially the guests themselves!
Octopus Behind-the-Scenes Tours will be offered Thursdays and Saturdays at noon beginning June 17. The tour costs $110 for aquarium members and $125 for nonmembers. Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of the tour.
Info and Tickets
General Admission tickets are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17. Advanced reservations are required. Annual memberships are also available. Both Splash! Café and the Gift Shop will also remain open late.
Visit here for more information, including the daily schedule, and to purchase tickets.
See you there, San Diego!
