New Fall Experiences at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is about to transform into an underwater playground of epic proportions.

While we’re all eagerly awaiting the grand debut of Living Seas next summer, the aquarium is treating us to a tidal wave of new experiences: Riveropolis, a hands-on water play adventure; the Coral Classroom, offering a behind-the-scenes look at coral conservation; and an expanded Animal Ambassador Program featuring a new Laughing Kookaburra.

Water Wonders and Coral Conservation

First up, Riveropolis is swooping in to quench our thirst for hands-on fun. You’ll be standing on Blue Beach, the Pacific stretching out before you, as you navigate a miniature river system.

kids at birch aquarium

It’s like being a kid again, but with a side of science. Building boats, launching them into the current, and maybe even striking up a friendly rivalry with your fellow mariners—it’s all about teamwork, creativity, and secretly learning about water flow while you’re having a blast.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in coral care? The Coral Classroom is your all-access pass to the aquarium’s conservation rockstars.

You’ll get an up-close look at how they’re working to save these underwater cities, and it’s way cooler than any science class you’ve ever had.

Coral Classroom

Feathered Friends and Artistic Adventures

Hold onto your hats because there’s a new bird in town. A Laughing Kookaburra is joining the aquarium’s animal ambassador squad this fall. These Aussie natives are known for their infectious “laugh,” so get ready for some serious giggles during your visit.

Laughing Kookaburra

For all you art enthusiasts out there, Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen is set to make a splash on October 4. It’s not your average exhibition—immersive installations will have you exploring the ocean through all your senses.

It’s part of the Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative, so you know it’s going to be mind-blowingly cool.

The best part? All these new additions are included with your regular admission.

See you there!

Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during the warmer months. Our advice? Snag your tickets in advance here. You won’t want to miss out on these fin-tastic new experiences!

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
A festive afternoon at Oishii Japanese Food & Sake Festival
Spend the afternoon tasting your way through the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum at the Oishii Japanese Food & Sake Fest. From savory street food...
A Beer Lover’s Ultimate Guide To La Mesa Oktoberfest
Dig the lederhosen and dirndl out of the closet and grab your best stein. It’s that time of year again for the most famous German...
Oktoberfest Party Cruise
Lederhosen is optional. A good attitude is not. The San Diego Oktoberfest Party Cruise is back for its fourth year, boarding the three-level William D....
Pirates of the Caribbean screening under the stars at Midway
Calling all pirates, ghosts, ghouls, and creatures of the deep. This Halloween, gather your crew and step aboard the USS Midway Museum for Fright Deck:...
Live dating show chaos unfolding on stage at Love Isn't Blind San Diego
Tired of swiping? Check out Love Isn't Blind dating show for a hilarious night of competition and unexpected romance.
A stroll through Point Loma's new public art walk
Point Loma Village is getting a fresh dose of color, and the whole community is invited to celebrate a bold new mural by acclaimed San...
Recently Featured Restaurants
goop kitchen del mar
Yes, that goop. Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand just opened its first-ever dine-in restaurant at One Paseo in Del Mar, and it’s a 92-seat space she personally...
City Tacos has been a San Diego staple since 2014. What Gerry Torres is building next makes it look like a warm-up. El Punto at...
Zuma has spent nearly 25 years taking over the world – Hong Kong, Istanbul, Rome, Miami, Madrid, and more. Now they’re open in San Diego,...
Doug and Lara Hamm spent years traveling through the French Riviera, Greek Isles, and Amalfi Coast. By The Sea is what happened when they decided...
Little Italy has a new dinner spot, and it’s one that makes the whole evening feel like an occasion. Maranello just opened at 2101 Kettner...
Moniker General is coming downtown, and honestly, it makes all the sense in the world. The coffee and cocktail concept that helped shape Liberty Station...