Halloween Aglow

Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla stays open after dark for Halloween Aglow, its yearly family Halloween party, and the whole building turns into a costume-friendly adventure. Kids collect goodies at treat stations tucked throughout the galleries, so every turn toward a new tank brings another stop for the candy bag. Ocean-inspired costumes are especially welcome, which makes this a perfect excuse for little octopuses, mermaids and sharks to take their outfits for a spin.

The big showstopper happens out on Blue Beach, where scuba divers slip into the Sharks & Rays habitat and carve pumpkins underwater while sharks and rays glide by. Families can catch the carving at 7:00 PM or 7:45 PM. Between dives, budding scientists can squish and stretch their way through the Boo & Goo Lab to learn about slimy sea creatures, then head to the Bone Zone to discover the strange animals that live on the remains of a whale fall deep in the ocean.

Researchers from Scripps Oceanography also bring real specimens from the Scripps Collections to show off some of the ocean's most wonderfully creepy creatures, and Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters keep the party moving with live music all evening. It is a smart pick for your family if you want Halloween fun with a healthy dose of real science and a much calmer vibe than a crowded haunted house.

Halloween Aglow runs on two evenings, and tickets are sold for a specific night, so families should choose a date when they buy. Parking at the aquarium lot is limited, so arriving early or carpooling is a good idea.

📅 Dates & Times

Friday, October 23, 2026

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Saturday, October 24, 2026

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Underwater pumpkin carving at 7:00 PM and 7:45 PM each night.

📍 Venue

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

2300 Expedition Way

La Jolla, CA 92037

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

Children ages 2 and under get in free.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

This is a ticketed event.

Adults (ages 13 and up): $59.95

Children (ages 3–12): $49.95

Children ages 2 and under: Free

Birch Aquarium members save 20% on tickets.

Tickets are sold for a specific night (October 23 or October 24).

BUY HALLOWEEN AGLOW TICKETS

🍔 Food

Please check the website for more information.

🚙 Parking

Birch Aquarium offers complimentary three-hour parking in its lot.

Spaces are limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. The upper level of the lot often has the closest open spots.

Buses, RVs and trailers are not allowed in the aquarium lot; public parking along La Jolla Shores Drive may work for larger vehicles.

🌐 Website Link

Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.