The Living Planet Aquarium celebrates its 8th birthday this weekend. Like most 8th-birthday parties, it involves cake, activities for kids and the possibility of getting wet. ---

Though only celebrating six years at the current Sandy location, The Living Planet opened in 2004 in a special preview attraction at the Gateway. The birthday festivities scheduled for Saturday, June 2 include 98-cent hot dogs served all day and free birthday cake at 2 p.m. (while supplies last). Aquarium staff will provide an aquarium treasure hunt and "enhanced" animal-encounter opportunities for kids at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Visitors can also enter into a drawing to win a free birthday party at the Aquarium.

 If you haven't visited recently, it's a good excuse to see the new North American river otter exhibit. Aquarium hours Saturday are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-17.