Halloween isn't just about jack-o'-lanterns and candy — at least not at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. They're bringing back Halloween Aglow, an event that merges spooky season fun with ocean science and education, on October 24 and 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., according to the aquarium's news release.
In a twist that's becoming a local tradition, the Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery will transform into an undersea nocturnal wonderland for trick-or-treaters. Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator, highlighted the unique marine life that will play a part in the event. "The ocean is filled with unique, alien-like — but most importantly, slimy — creatures!" Arrollado told the Birch Aquarium newsroom. Kids can get their hands squishy in the Boo and Goo Lab, full of sensory slime and the unique, non-Newtonian fluid Oobleck, and they can even touch some ocean dwellers up close.
But the aquatic offerings are just the beginning. Visitors can parade their costumes through the aquarium or gaze in wonder as divers carve pumpkins underwater, an impressive feat. The lively Billy Lee and The Swamp Critters will provide tunes to bob to, and pop-up science stations are there for a dash of education amidst the fun. If games are your thing, they've got that covered, too, with classic arcade games to keep everyone entertained.
Tickets for this bioluminescent bash go on sale September 26 for the public, with a presale starting September 22 for members. Priced at $45 for adults and $40 for children, members are in for a treat with 50% off admission. And if you've got littles under the age of 2, they're included in the festivities free of charge.
