Get ready to slip into your party shoes for a cause that matters. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, part of UC San Diego, is opening its doors for a special Earth Day bash, fittingly dubbed the Party for the Planet. The family-oriented festivity aims to blend fun with education, emphasizing how everyone can chip in to help our ocean.

The two-day extravaganza on April 20-21 is no small affair, featuring parades, pedal-powered musical sessions, and hands-on exhibits designed to inspire action against the climate crisis. As the Public Programs Coordinator at Birch Aquarium, Matthew Arrollado puts it, "Taking care of our ocean planet can be fun." According to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, he also emphasized the collective power we hold in safeguarding the environment through day-to-day adjustments.

The festivity's lineup is an impressive one. Carbon Station, Bike-Powered Music, and crafting activities are just a few interactive stations spread throughout the entrance courtyard and galleria areas. Meanwhile, hourly parades and educational talks at the Blue Beach elevate the celebration beyond entertainment. Partygoers are encouraged to stride through the aquarium alongside a drum major or dive deep into discussions on kelp forest conservation.

The sustainable shindig is part of a nationwide initiative supported by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and included in the general admission cost. As an added bonus, those who prefer to visit at dusk or dawn can enjoy extended hours through Labor Day, as Birch Aquarium's guidelines indicate.