By Lookout Staff

October 8, 2013 -- You can get an early start on Dia de los Muertos by sleeping -- or just hanging out -- with the fishes at Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium this month.

The marine science center will celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 with some spooky, family friendly activities planned both days from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Both days will feature a family-friendly, bioluminescent deep-sea experience at 1:30 p.m.

“Visit the glow-in-the-dark deep sea laboratory, tip toe (if you dare!) through the marine animal graveyard and create colorful Dia de los Muertos crafts and masks,” aquarium officials said.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, guest author and yoga instructor Valerie Pike will combine yoga and meditation for kids at the 3:30 p.m. story time, reading Ozzy the Octopus Learns about Tingshas.

On Sunday at 2:30, author David Derrick will read his new children’s book, I’m the Scariest Thing in the Jungle!

Then at 3 p.m. Sunday, ghosts and goblins are invited to join a phantasmagoric parade kicking off in front of the Aquarium at 1600 Ocean Front Walk. The spooky procession will make its way along the Pier to gather tricks and treats from Pier businesses, including Rusty’s Surf Ranch and Pacific Park, where Inky the Octopus will pass out the treats.

“Shark-themed Sunday will also feature spine-tingling facts about these misunderstood marine creatures,” aquarium officials said. At 3:30 p.m. there will be feeding at the shark exhibit. (No humans, please.)

Face painting and spooky story times are scheduled throughout the weekend, and an Aquarium-staffed photo booth on the Pier is the picture perfect place to snap a shot in costume.

Children under 13 are admitted free with an adult; for all others, there is a suggested donation of $5 or a $3 minimum admission fee. For groups of 10 or more, the entry fee is $2 per person.

For more information call 310.393.6149 or check out a detailed listing of the weekend’s events at http://www.healthebay.org/event/fishy-fest-santa-monica-pier-aquarium-day-one.