Summer planning just got easier for families looking to mix sunshine with science. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is bringing back its popular Summer Camps for 2026, offering hands-on ocean adventures for kids ages 4 to 13.

From aquarium explorations to beach days filled with surfing and snorkeling, these weeklong camps blend marine science, outdoor fun, and creative activities in one of the most scenic settings in San Diego.

Ocean Exploration for Every Age

Birch Aquarium’s educators lead age-specific programs designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Younger campers enjoy half-day sessions at the aquarium, while older kids dive into full-day experiences that include time both onsite and at local beaches.

Each week is packed with animal encounters, crafts, games, and interactive marine science activities – all rooted in helping kids better understand and appreciate our ocean planet.

Half-Day Camps for Little Explorers

For the youngest ocean lovers, ages 4 to 5, half-day camps offer a playful introduction to marine life without ever leaving the aquarium.

Sea Slugs introduces campers to jellies, crabs, penguins, sharks, and marine mammals through hands-on activities, games, crafts, and animal touch opportunities.

Sea Squirts invites kids to discover tide pools, kelp forests, coral reefs, and the open ocean, blending creativity and exploration in a setting designed just for early learners.

Full-Day Aquarium Adventures

Campers ages 6 to 7 can step into full-day programs that expand the adventure while staying primarily at the aquarium.

Only One Ocean takes kids on a global marine journey, “traveling” to different ocean habitats each day while creating keepsakes inspired by their discoveries.

Underwater Playground explores how sharks, otters, turtles, penguins, and sea stars grow and thrive, pairing crafts and stories with aquarium exploration and hands-on learning.

Onsite and Beach-Based Discovery

For ages 8 to 10, camps begin splitting time between the aquarium and the coast, adding an extra layer of real-world exploration.

Seaside Science introduces marine biology, engineering, meteorology, geology, and zoology through experiments, outdoor activities, and beach days at Scripps.

Coastal Inspirations blends creativity and coastal discovery, featuring classroom activities, animal encounters, and time exploring both the aquarium and shoreline spots like Scripps Beach and La Jolla Cove.

Ocean Sports and Science in Action

Older campers ages 11 to 13 take their learning directly into the water with offsite programs focused on surfing, snorkeling, and marine science.

Ocean Adventures includes instruction in surfing, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling, alongside lessons on waves, water temperature, beach landscapes, and near-shore marine life.

Surfing Into Science combines skill-building in ocean sports with an exploration of how coastal features shape the waves and the ecosystems beneath them. Intermediate swimming ability and comfort in ocean environments are required.

See you there!

For families raising future marine biologists, surfers, or just curious ocean lovers, Birch Aquarium’s summer camps are a fun and meaningful way to spend the season.

📆 Registration is now open | Camps run from June 15 – August 7
📍 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
🎟️ Register for summer camp here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!