Oceans at Night: Halloween

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is doing an adults-only Halloween night on Thursday, October 22, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. They're calling it Oceans at Night: Halloween, and it's exactly what it sounds like: the aquarium after dark, open only to the 21+ crowd. The whole evening mixes ocean science with spooky additions, so you'll find the usual exhibits alongside a few things that only show up for Halloween.

There's a good bit to do while you're there. Scuba divers will be carving pumpkins underwater, and there's a Boo & Goo Lab and a Bone Zone to wander through. You'll also find interactive games, some unusual animals, live music, and enchanting illuminations throughout the building. One of the bigger draws is a first look at The Axolotl's Garden, so if you've been waiting to see that, this is your first chance to get in. There are special science activities too, all set against the spooky aquarium atmosphere.

It helps to keep in mind what the place is. Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public outreach center for UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is where the actual ocean discovery happens. That's the connection between the exhibits you see and the research they're doing. The night is expected to sell out, so it's worth getting your tickets early if you're planning to go.

Tickets are $59.95 for adults 21 and over, and members save 20%. The event runs from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Thursday, October 22, at 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla.