Link: http://www.seaworldsandiego.com

Summer Nights at SeaWorld, which continues daily through Aug. 29 and Sept. 4–6, features extended park hours, fireworks, and special nighttime animal shows, including “Shamu Rocks” and “Sea Lions Tonite,” plus “Cirque de la Mer,” an acrobatic odyssey on and above Mission Bay, performed during the day.

“Blue Horizons” — a spectacular new show featuring energetic bottlenose dolphins, magnificent pilot whales, a colorful array of exotic birds and amazing human performers — is now open at SeaWorld San Diego’s completely- renovated Dolphin Stadium.

“Believe,” SeaWorld’s visually-stunning, daytime killer whale show, features a 2-story stage, three underwater cameras that capture Shamu below the surface, a giant 3-story whale tail that soars high above the set, and four LED screens that move and rotate as they highlight the power and beauty of the park’s killer whales.

The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of fascinating mammals, fishes, reptiles and birds including; killer whales at Shamu Stadium; a dozen species of sharks at the Shark Encounter; and polar bears, beluga whales, arctic foxes and walruses at Wild Arctic. Other attractions include “Sea Lions LIVE,” a hilarious new sketch-based comedy show starring Clyde and Seamore; Sesame Street Bay of Play, a whimsical play area for kids with family-friendly rides, Sesame Street character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities; Journey To Atlantis, a wet and wild water coaster and 130,000-gallon Commerson’s dolphin habitat; “Pets Rule!” —a zany show where clever canines, curious cats and unpredictable pigs take charge and show humans who’s the boss; Shipwreck Rapids water raft ride; spectacular animal shows, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides and dining facilities.

Ages 10 and older, $69; ages 3–9, $59; children under 3, free; parking $12. Park hours vary by season. For more information visit www.seaworldsandiego.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

The Ocean Institute is pleased to offer a 2010 Summer Stargazing Family Night on Saturday, August 7, 6:30 – 11 p.m.

Participants will explore the night sky with JPL scientist Ron Buning and other local astronomers at the Lazy W Ranch Campground, located in the Cleveland National Forest. Learn how sailors used stars to sail the seas, discover constellations, and explore the solar system. Make a sextant and learn to use it, take a night hike with an Ocean Institute naturalist and join in hilltop stargazing.

Cost: adults, $40 (members: $30); children: $30 (members: $25). For additional information, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.