Family Days

Oceans of Fun for Everyone!

Free with admission, Family Days merges Earth and ocean sciences with art and literacy themes from 11am to 3pm on the third Saturday of each month. Join us for hands-on fun and learning.

November 15

Kelp Kornucopia

Discover the many ways that people and ocean animals depend on an amazing seaweed called kelp.  Meet Scripps scientists and learn about current kelp forest research discoveries. Experience an interactive Kelp Tank Dive Show, and get your hands slimy with real kelp.

December 20

A Whale of a Time

Watch for the gray whale migration this winter from the aquarium’s tide-pool plaza. Put your fingers on real whale baleen and transform your hand into a whale flipper to see what life is like in cold water.  Journey over for some whale story times, interactions with whale biofacts, and an all-around whale of a time!

January 17

Underwater Parks

Celebrate ocean conservation and learn more about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Scripps Oceanography researchers and naturalists will help visitors of all ages learn about their role in protecting the ocean and how to get involved in the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, now focused on creating a network of MPAs in Southern California. Meet local high school students who will share their MPA presentations with visitors. Make an ocean-inspired art project and take home conservation tips.

February 21

Sea Secrets

Meet Beth Simmons, co-author of a new children’s book Sea Secrets: Tiny Clues to a Big Mystery. As Simmons reads aloud, get ready to join a scientific investigation. The mission: find a hidden connection among three ocean animals—a seabird, a whale, and a penguin. Learn from Scripps researchers about real-life sea investigations. Make a krill-er craft and get ready to uncover cool sea secrets.