Make a splash with Birch Aquarium’s Summer Camps!

La Jolla, CA (Mar. 6, 2025) — Calling all ocean explorers — summer camps at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego are now open for registration! As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the aquarium offers a unique opportunity for children ages 4-13 to learn about the ocean through hands-on activities and immersive experiences. Campers will explore underwater worlds, meet ocean creatures, create crafts, play games and more during each week-long session. Birch Aquarium’s educators facilitate summer camps that range from half-day experiences at the aquarium for younger campers to full-day adventures, including snorkeling and surfing at La Jolla Shores, for older campers. 

“At Birch Aquarium Summer Camp, campers will use science, art and play to explore the wonders of the ocean alongside their peers," said Alaine Ibarreche, Manager of School and Youth Programs. "Our expert educators will guide campers through exciting marine animal encounters, creative crafts sessions, hands-on science experiments, fun games and snorkeling and surfing adventures. In this fun and safe environment, campers will make unforgettable discoveries and create lasting memories.”

Registration is now open for the weeklong camps, which run from June 16 to August 8 and range in price from $250 to $600. Discounts are available for Birch Aquarium members and scholarships are also available. For more information, visit our website, or call 858-534-7336.

Camps offered this year include: 

Half-Day Camps (ages 4-5)

Sea Slugs  
During this half-day camp, campers explore the magnificent wonders found beneath the waves without leaving the aquarium. Camp participants will learn about jiggling jellies, scuttling crabs, waddling penguins, toothy sharks and massive mammals through hands-on activities, games, crafts and live animal touches. Meets at the aquarium every day. 

Sea Squirts 
During this half-day camp, campers learn about amazing underwater habitats and the interesting animals that live there. They will explore teeming tide pools, enchanted kelp forests, colorful coral reefs, soft sandy beaches and the blue open ocean through hands-on activities, games, crafts and live animal touches — all without leaving the aquarium. Meets at the aquarium every day. 

Full-Day Camps (ages 6-7)

Only One Ocean 
Young students will learn about unique ocean habitats as they embark on a global high-seas adventure, “travel” to a new location each day and discover the amazing animals that live there. From the Arctic to the deep sea, campers will bring home crafty mementos highlighting their unforgettable voyage to amazing marine environments. Meets at the aquarium every day. 

Underwater Playground 
What would it be like to grow up in the ocean? Campers will discover how sharks, otters, turtles, penguins, and sea stars grow and survive in their watery homes. They will make and take home fun projects highlighting these exciting discoveries. Each day features stories, games, aquarium visits and animal interactions. Meets at the aquarium every day. 

Full-Day Camps (ages 8-10, held on-site and off-site)

Seaside Science
Campers will embrace their inner scientist. They will learn about amazing discoveries in marine biology, chemistry, meteorology, geology and zoology. In addition, campers will discover the natural world and those we share it with through fun experiments, outdoor explorations, games and animal interactions. Meets at the aquarium three days and offsite at Scripps Beach two days. 

Coastal Inspirations
Campers will get up close with animals that make the ocean their home, uncover the diversity of San Diego's coastal habitats, and explore their creativity through craft projects. Their scientific discoveries will inspire their art through classroom activities, outdoor explorations, aquarium exhibits, games, and live animal touches. Meets at the aquarium three days and offsite at Scripps Beach and La Jolla Cove two days. 

Full-Day Camps (ages 11-13, held off-site)

Ocean Adventures 
During this full-day adventure, campers will learn about the magnificent Pacific Ocean while enjoying its blue waters. Experienced instructors will teach basic surfing, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling skills, while introducing campers to related marine science topics such as waves, water temperature, beach landscape and near-shore marine life. An intermediate swimming ability and comfort in beach and ocean settings required. Meets offsite every day at Mission Bay, Scripps Beach and La Jolla Cove. 

Surfing Into Science
Surf's up! Campers will dive into the perfect blend of ocean sports, beach exploration and marine science discoveries. They will hone their surfing, snorkeling and oceanographic skills as they learn how beach features play important roles in the waves we ride and observe animals that share the water with us. An intermediate swimming ability and comfort in beach and ocean settings required. Meets offsite every day at Scripps Beach.

Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, except for members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information including the Daily Schedule.