School and Youth
Group Programs

Graphic featuring the phrase 'Change in Motion' prominently displayed. A bright orange construction cone is positioned in the foreground.

Open During Construction

Please note, the Hall of Fishes is closed for the 24/25 school year as we build Living Seas. During construction, many animals — including our Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Giant Pacific Octopus — have been moved behind the scenes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Education Team at birchaquariumprogram@ucsd.edu. We are here to assist you and ensure a successful and memorable experience with Birch Aquarium!

Aquarium Map

discovery lab

Discovery Labs

Provide your students with NGSS-aligned, hands-on programs led by our educators in one of our aquarium classrooms.

Plan Your Discovery Lab

Aquarium Express Outreach

Our Aquarium Express van can travel to your school. Students will experience a variety of hands-on Discovery Labs in the comfort of their own classroom.

Plan Your Aquarium Express Outreach

The Aquarium Express van painted with an underwater scene is parking front of La Jolla Shores.
Students get hands-on with an aquarium.

Self-Guided Visits

Explore Birch Aquarium at your own pace without structured programming or instructors. Offered daily, year-round during regular aquarium hours. Pre-registration is required.

Plan Your Self-Guided Visit

Financial Aid for School and Youth Groups

Birch Aquarium at Scripps believes that every child should have access to high-quality ocean science education. Our goal is to serve as many schools as possible, while providing a unique and stellar learning experience for all students.

Financial Aid Information

Students learn about kelp.

Teacher Appreciation Night

Be our guest as we introduce you to the world beneath the waves and the resources available to you and your students through Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Register For Free

Online Resources

Enjoy, explore, and create with Birch Aquarium's online resources.

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Stay In Touch

Join our teacher eList for the latest updates on our programs and other opportunities for schools. If you have additional inquiries in the meantime, please email our Education Team.

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