It’s Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium!
Have you ever wondered what species swim in our local waters? Or wanted to know what makes sharks such unique animals? This July, join us as we dive deep into the world of these amazing animals, with fin-tastic fun for shark fans of all ages! Shark Summer celebrates the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem, while shining a light on the important conservation work and research being done to protect them.
Shark Summer Schedule of Events/Activities
Catch Shark Feedings and Kelp Forest Dives, trivia nights, weekend activations and more throughout the month. Shark Summer takes place from July 13 to 31, 2024. Activities offered during normal business hours are included with the cost of General Admission while Oceans at Night requires separate admission.
- Shark Feedings
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.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
- Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
- Kelp Forest Dive
Discover how we care for a variety of animals in our Giant Kelp Forest like Swell Sharks, Moray Eels, a Giant Sea Bass and more!
- Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Shark and Ray Exploration Stations
Shark and Ray Physical Exploration Station — Want to learn how a shark gets a check-up? Explore how our Husbandry Team at the Birch Aquarium cares for our multiple shark and ray species by practicing how to give a shark a physical examination. This station takes place on Saturdays and Sundays during Shark Summer.
- Trivia Nights
Ready to test your shark knowledge?! Put your shark smarts to the test at Shark Trivia Night in collaboration with Geeks Who Drink on Wednesday, July 17 and 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Drinks and food are available for purchase on Blue Beach. Trivia Night is included with admission but advanced registration is required. Walk-up spots cannot be guaranteed.
- Oceans at Night: Sharks
Experience a night that's totally jaw-some during Oceans at Night: Sharks on Thursday, July 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dive into a world of all things shark-related and discover the allure of these apex predators. This 21+ event features live music, games, a Kelp Forest Dive and more! Drinks and food are available for purchase.
- Meet The Shark Specialists
Learn from and ask questions to our team of shark specialists about the day-to-day care of the amazing shark species at Birch Aquarium! This station takes place on July 13 and 14.
SAFE Sharks and Rays
During Shark Summer, proceeds collected in the donation box in the aquarium’s Galleria benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Sharks and Rays program, a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide to work together to save the more than 1200 species of sharks and rays worldwide from extinction through evidence-based education and communication.