

How Long to Plan Your VisitĪn average visit typically lasts between 2-3 hours. If you do bring older kids, make sure they’re mindful of younger kids as some of the hands-on exhibits are in tight spaces. This, combined with spectacular Pacific Ocean views, is why I’ve never found visiting to be stressful. It’s easy for kids to dart back and forth between favorite exhibits. The entire aquarium is accessible, and it doesn’t take long to get from one side to the other. The facilities are also straightforward to navigate, especially for young families with strollers. This means that it’s easy to pair a Birch Aquarium visit with stops at other La Jolla attractions, and I’ll provide you with fun suggestions below.

Convenient La Jolla Locationīirch Aquarium’s location in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood is just a few minutes away from the I-5 freeway (San Diego’s major transportation artery), which means convenient access from the rest of San Diego. All guests will be asked to do a symptom check before entering and should adhere to the one-way pathways to ensure proper distancing. Ages 2 and above will need to wear face coverings inside and outside. You can expect new health and safety measures in place. This allows Birch Aquarium to monitor capacity, which is fantastic for getting up-close to your favorite exhibits. Everyone needs to make a reservation before visiting. Advanced Reservations Are Required for all guests
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It isn’t a huge aquarium, but visiting is the first step to understanding exactly what they do and how to use this exploration center as a resource. What to Know Before You Go to Birch Aquarium at ScrippsĪ powerful conservation message is woven throughout Birch Aquarium at Scripps, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They do an excellent job of making the work of the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography accessible to the public. I send them here and to the aquarium’s calendar of events for opportunities to learn in the field.

I’ve learned over time that families visit San Diego specifically because their kids are interested in oceanography.

It’s a treat to watch the kids pick up something new and exciting for them every single time they visit the aquarium. There are tourists and even older kids revisiting favorite exhibits. However, you’ll also see plenty of adults practicing photography outside on Tide Pool Plaza or in the Hall of Fishes (without a flash, of course). This is the age group that you’ll see the most during your visit. I used to believe that La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium was best for toddlers and preschoolers who want to explore interactive exhibits and see fish. There isn’t an age group that can’t enjoy Birch Aquarium and its programming. Birch Aquarium Hours and Directions Įveryone.Join Popular Programming Outside of the Aquarium.10 Fun Things to Do at Birch Aquarium: Exhibits, Dining & Shopping.What to Know Before You Go to Birch Aquarium at Scripps.(Photo is courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps) I’ll cover these, too, but I’ll start with most people’s introduction to this fantastic resource - a visit to the aquarium facility. Plus, if you have kids interested in learning what it’s like to be a scientist, Birch Aquarium offers them opportunities to interact with staff members, STEM events, resources for educators, and outstanding summer camps. Seasonal adventures that meet in various locations around town encourage all ages to get outside, unplug, explore, view wildlife, and learn more about how we can better care for our local environment. I like to remind both locals and tourists that the San Diego aquarium’s programming extends far beyond visiting the aquarium itself. The hands-on exhibits and over 60 fish and invertebrate habitats showcase the research and findings of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the largest centers for ocean and Earth science research. We’re members and have been visiting the aquarium for over 13 years now. Birch Aquarium at Scripps is one of San Diego’s best attractions and not your average aquarium.
