Birch Aquarium Launches Haunted Aquarium Remix
On October 1, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is launching Haunted Aquarium Remix, a month-long Halloween celebration.
Haunted Aquarium Remix takes the spooky science fun that the traditional Haunted Aquarium is known for and mixes things up outdoors with new animal encounters and activities geared for children ages 2 to 10, as well as fun decor for the whole family.
During Haunted Aquarium Remix, Birch Aquarium will continue to follow all safety guidelines. Capacity will be limited and advanced reservations will be required of all guests, including members.
“We are delighted to be able to offer a safe and fun Halloween celebration for our community,” said Birch Aquarium Executive Director, Harry Helling. “The Birch Aquarium team has been having fun creating some all-new spooky experiences and our members and guests are in for a real treat!”
Haunted Aquarium Remix will utilize Birch Aquarium’s stunning outdoor spaces including Tide Pool Plaza, Smargon Courtyard, and the Education Courtyard, and is set up in a way that will allow the fun to continue, even if Birch Aquarium has to close its indoor spaces.
Learn more about the creeps of the deep
Upon entering, children — who are encouraged to wear costumes — receive a Discovery Booklet which includes self-guided explorations tied to Haunted Aquarium Remix activities. Young guests will have the opportunity to learn about and touch spooky creeps of the deep including slimy seaweed, several species of small sharks, and creepy, crawly critters like Sea Spiders. They will also enjoy the Haunted Kelp Maze, explore what happens when a whale “falls”, and get up close with nautical nutrients, some of the tiniest critters at the aquarium.
Safety remains a top priority for Birch Aquarium
In addition to limiting capacity, a new one-way path has been created to encourage social distancing. All guests ages 2 and up are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times — both indoors and out — and to keep a 6-foot social distance from other groups. The aquarium has also implemented safety screenings for guests, increased the number of hand washing and sanitizing stations and updated its HVAC system. As an added safety measure, Birch Aquarium staff will also be completing daily symptom screenings, as well as frequent COVID-19 testing.
“Halloween is such a magical time for families to come together and enjoy some fun. So much has changed for children over the past 6 months, that we really wanted to figure out how to safely offer the Halloween experience this season,” said Megan Malaska Medley, Education Director. “We are thrilled to offer a suite of activities for the young and young-at-heart because, now more than ever, we all deserve a break from reality.”
Haunted Aquarium Remix
Haunted Aquarium Remix runs 9AM to 5PM the entire month of October and all of the activities are included with general admission or membership. Admission is $19.50 for adults, $15 for children (3-17). Advanced reservations are required for both members and the general public and can be reserved HERE.
Annual memberships are also available HERE.
In November, the outdoor fun will continue with a new Fall Festival if the aquarium is not able to continue indoor operations. More details on the Fall Festival will be announced soon.
See you there….and stay healthy, San Diego!
