La Jolla families can sign up now for Birch Aquarium's fall Marine Science Club, a hands-on ocean science program for kids ages 6 to 10 that includes animal encounters, aquarist talks and dissections.

The Aquarium Adventure Club for ages 6 to 7 begins Sunday, Oct. 11, and runs for six weeks on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. A brand-new Aquarium Explorers Club for ages 8 to 10 joins the lineup this fall as well.

Each session costs $25 per child and includes aquarium admission for the participant. Family members who aren't enrolled must purchase separate tickets. Advance registration is required, and spots are already on sale at aquarium.ucsd.edu/learn/camps/marine-science-club.

"This is such a great opportunity for kids to experience hands-on science and really explore the ocean in unique ways," said Danielle Carter, youth programs coordinator at Birch Aquarium, in the aquarium's announcement Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Sessions stand alone. Families can register for one week or all six. Activities include behind-the-scenes aquarium access and craft keepsakes alongside the science programming.

The club debuted in fall 2025 as a Saturday program for ages 8 to 10 at $18 per session. This season's expansion adds the younger age group and moves the returning track to Sundays.

The growth comes during a record-breaking stretch for the La Jolla aquarium. Birch welcomed 603,670 guests during the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported, surpassing 600,000 visitors for the first time.

Program FAQs are available at aquarium.ucsd.edu/learn/marine-science-club-policies-and-faqs.

Upcoming at Birch Aquarium: The aquarium's red octopus hatchlings, the first raised from eggs at the facility, are now on display. Birch Aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m., and tickets can be purchased online or through an annual membership.