Birch Aquarium at Scripps352

If your kids are fascinated by the underwater world but you can't fathom the cost of a visit to SeaWorld, then the Birch Aquarium is the place to go. The aquarium is the public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of the University of California, San Diego. For more than a century, the aquarium-museum has inspired visitors with the wonders of the ocean. The aquarium features interactive exhibits and fabulous educational programs.

Perched on the side of a hill overlooking La Jolla Shores, this beautiful facility enjoys panoramic views of the Pacific, which are best appreciated from the outdoor tidepool plaza. Visitors are encouraged to touch tide-pool creatures such as hermit crabs, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and more with assistance from trained volunteers.

Inside, children will be mesmerized by a giant tank of silvery sardines that marks the entrance to the Hall of Fishes. The aquarium features a stunning variety of Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats. A crowd favorite is a 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank where interactive dive shows are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30pm and Sundays at 10:30am.

Scripps Explorers Gallery features a museum showcasing cutting-edge discoveries by Scripps explorers. Dive into exhibitions that showcase the mysteries of ocean, air, land, and life through interactive displays and media.

Wonders of Water entices visitors to make a splash as they experience rippling, streaming water in three outdoor waterplay stations. Imaginations will overflow as guests of all ages build dams and create rapids, design watersheds, and explore water.

During the summer, the aquarium holds Summer Learning Adventure Camps for kids ages four to 15. The programs give campers opportunities to explore ocean habitats, learn about marine biology, meet animals up-close, and learn to surf and snorkel.

The aquarium offers two-hour themed educational birthday parties that include hands-on activities with live animals, marine-themed crafts, aquarium tours, and other activities.

Family Days, held on the third Saturday of each month from 11am to 3pm, merge earth and ocean sciences with art and literacy themes for all ages. Each month's theme is introduced through crafts, stories, interactive exploration, and occasional activities with researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Family Days activities are included free with admission.