As the sun goes down, the fun heats up this summer at the San Diego Zoo. From global rhythms and spectacular entertainment to one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife after dark, join us under the stars for wild and unforgettable experiences—perfect for the whole family.

What makes an icon? Drawing inspiration from concurrent exhibition Fashioning an Icon: Virgin of Guadalupe Imagery in Textile Design, high school students were invited to create work exploring the visual themes of what makes a figure an icon. Students selected a personally meaningful iconic figure to explore through craft forms including but not limited to clay, metal, jewelry, furniture design, glass, textiles, weaving, basketry, fashion design, and craft-based mixed media.

All student work on view has been made by hand, by high schoolers during the 2024/2025 school year.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Star of India Family Overnight Experience — an unforgettable opportunity to stay aboard the iconic 1863 bark Star of India and step back in time. Families sign on as “crew” and take part in an immersive living history adventure led by our costumed, in-character instructors. This special overnight program is usually reserved for student field trips — but this summer, it’s open to families looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. the following morning. Sleeping accommodations are 19th-century style — a nautical camping trip on the ship’s “tween decks,” protected from the elements. 

Activities include: Raising sails.Moving cargo.Learning sailor skills from the 1800s.Exploring areas of the ship normally closed to the public. 

Scouts BSA youth are invited to earn their Oceanography Merit Badge at the Maritime Museum of San Diego by attending one of three engaging Saturday classes. Each session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and scouts need only attend one class to complete the badge requirements.

This unique program gives local scouts a chance to dive deep into oceanography—right in the heart of San Diego’s waterfront. Through a dynamic mix of field work, hands-on lab activities, and thought-provoking discussion, Oceanography Merit Badge Days immerse participants in the many branches of oceanographic research.