All Events

party for the planet
All Ages, Included with Admission, Seasonal

Party for the Planet

April 20-21 | 11a.m. - 3p.m.

Are you ready to Party for the Planet? We’re participating in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Party for the Planet — a family friendly event celebrates our ocean planet’s biodiversity and highlights simple steps we all can take to make a difference!

A pair enjoys sipping wine while delving into the fascinating world of intertidal zone creatures.
Seasonal

Enjoy Seasonal Hours

March 1 - Sept. 2 | Open until 7 p.m.

Longer days mean more fun for our guests — Birch Aquarium is open late most days now through Labor Day.

Guest explore Hold Fast exhibit at Birch Aquarium.
All Ages, Included with Admission

Gyotaku

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 12:30 - 2pm

Since the 1800s, Japanese fishers have used gyotaku (pronounced Gee-oh-tak-oo) to record the size and species of their catches. Now it’s your chance to practice this traditional art technique and scientific practice! Please note, this event is included in aquarium admission and will run while supplies last.

Guests watch a local fish get fed during a Hall of Fishes feeding.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Hall of Fishes Feeding

Wednesdays | 10:30 a.m.

Wonder what it takes to care for a diverse array of marine life? Join us by the Pacific Northwest habitats in the Hall of Fishes at 10:30 a.m. and follow as we explore our local and tropical habitats and watch the fish get fed along the way!

Scuba diver feeds fish in the Giant Kelp Forest habitat.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Kelp Forest Dive

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays | 10:30 a.m.

Discover how we care for a variety of animals in our Giant Kelp Forest like Moray Eels, Leopard Sharks, a Giant Sea Bass and more!

Little Blue Penguins 101
Included with Admission

Immerse yourself in the world of Little Blue Penguins and find out what makes this species of penguins so unique! Learn all about our colony and how our husbandry team cares for them during this daily presentation.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle swims in her habitat.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Loggerhead Sea Turtle 101

Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays | 2:30 - 2:40pm

Join an educator to learn more about our rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle and how advancements in technology help her thrive!

Oceans at Night illuminates the courtyard.
For Adults, Oceans at Night, After Hours

Oceans at Night - May

Thursday, May 23, 2024 | 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Discover the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark during our monthly nighttime 21+ event. Tickets go on sale for members on April 30 and the general public on May 2 at noon.

A view of the ocean from Scripps Pier.
Lectures, After Hours

Our Common Climate

Monday, May 13, 2024 | 7 - 8pm

The Keeling Lecture series is in memory of distinguished Scripps Professor Charles David Keeling's life and invaluable contributions to climate science and Scripps.

Little Blue Penguins getting fed some fish.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Penguin Feeding

Daily | 10 - 10:10am

Watch our penguins waddle, swim and eat and find out how our husbandry team cares for them during this daily feeding event.

Weedy seadragon swims among some kelp.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Seadragon Feeding

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays | 3:30 - 3:40pm

Watch our Weedy Seadragons use stealth and speed to snap up a meal!

A guest feeds a seahorse behind the scenes.
Behind the Scenes Tours

Seahorse Tour

Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 11 am - 12 pm

Venture behind the scenes for a one-hour private tour and explore the fascinating world of seahorses.

Leopard Shark swims around its habitat.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Shark Feeding

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 to 1:40 p.m. | Saturdays 11:30 to 11:40 a.m.

Come join us for a feeding with our sharks and rays! Learn all about our local sharks and rays and discover how our husbandry team cares for them during this feeding.

Guests Explore a labyrinth of cyanotype-printed giant kelp by photo-based artist and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter
All Ages, Included with Admission

Sun Printing

Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 12:30 - 2pm

Try creating the original “blueprint” by making your own cyanotype art! Arrange materials on this special paper and watch as the sun leaves behind a lasting impression. Please note, this event is included in aquarium admission and will run while supplies last.

A guest gets a close of view of the Little Blue Penguin colony at Birch Aquarium.

The Big Exchange

May 1 to May 18, 2024

Are you a member of a San Diego Museum Council organization and want to visit Birch Aquarium?

During The Big Exchange, members of participating San Diego Museum Council organizations can get free general admission* to 50+ museums, historic sites, gardens and more throughout San Diego County. The Big Exchange runs May 1 to May 18, 2024!

Guest observe a tidepool feeding.
Included with Admission, Feedings

Tidepool Feeding

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 12:30 p.m.

Get to know the fascinating creatures that call the intertidal zone home and learn how they catch a meal.

A group of people explore local tide pools.
Outdoor Adventures, Seasonal

Tidepooling Adventure

Select Saturdays and Sundays through April

Tidepooling Adventures are SOLD OUT for the season.