Fishy Friends at the Aquarium 

There are more than 100 exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Towering tanks provide glimpses of the magical world under the sea. There is a stunning two-story tank greeting visitors as they enter the aquarium. It's full of sharks, colorful schools of fish, and even endangered sea bass. 

The Aquarium of the Pacific has an excessive variety of fish, from the most colorful to the biggest. To the tiniest. Peek at an eel lurking in the stony coral or marvel at a ray gliding by. Sometimes, a friendly diver lectures on different species from inside the tank, and at Christmastime, a Santa diver often pays a visit. 

Interactive Exhibits at Aquarium of the Pacific

Shark Lagoon Touch Tanks

One of the trickiest parts of taking kids to museums and attractions is those large and inflexible signs everywhere that say "Do not touch." But at the Aquarium of the Pacific, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to plunge their hands into the chilly water and feel a shark, ray, or jelly.

Outside, the aquarium has two giant touch tanks. Supervisors sit in the center of the exhibits, answering questions, offering facts, and enforcing the rules. The sand sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs often glide surprisingly close to the water's surface. My kids were thrilled each time they would feel the creatures.

Splash into touch tanks. 

Moon Jelly Touch Tank

There is also a moon jelly touch tank near the museum exit. I had to drag my kids away from this one as there was something about the squishy, jelly-like orbs that was all too addicting. And yes, in case you're wondering, the jellies can sting. But no, it doesn't hurt or leave any mark. The staff encourages visitors to only touch the tops. 

Tide Pool Touch Tanks

Want more tactile experiences? Smaller touch tanks with tide pool critters, like sea cucumbers, sea stars, and anemones, are also inside the aquarium. 

Create a Fish Tablet Experience

The "design your own sea creature" iPads are another interactive experience at the aquarium and were my kids' favorite part of the visit. These allow kids to virtually color a fish or another sea creature and then watch it pop up in a virtual fish tank on a large screen.

I know it doesn't sound as incredible as waving at a sea lion or gazing into a coral reef, but for little kids with lots of creativity, this experience was the highlight of the visit. They were thrilled when one of their bizarre oceanic creations swam into view.  

Aquarium Outdoor Fun 

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Take a break from the aquarium by heading outside to the climbable play structures. 

Play Structures

If your kids are getting wiggly from all the observing, take them outside to play on the climbing structures. There's a little yellow lifeboat, and some sneaky sea creatures that may spit water (you may want to bring an extra change of clothes as kids can get pretty wet!) 

Sharks and Sea Lions

To the left of the touch tanks is a shark lagoon, home to predatory sharks who glide by a giant window and show their razor-sharp teeth. To the right of the touch tanks are the sea lions and seals, beloved and friendly little guys that love to pop up and greet visitors with a bark. 

Penguins

Guess what else is outside the aquarium? Penguins! They do have a distinct smell, so make sure to hold your nose if you're sensitive to strong odors, but these little guys waddle, splash, and play all day long, and if you watch long enough you start to see their unique little personalities come out. 

Lorikeets — A Can't Miss Experience at the Aquarium 

These pudgy, brightly-colored little birds are one of the highlights of the Aquarium of the Pacific. A large aviary holds hundreds of these little feathered friends, and they're exceptionally friendly. For a few dollars, you can buy Lorikeet food, which entices the birds to come closer, and maybe even land on your arm or shoulder (or head—it's happened to me!).

Keep in mind that like all birds, lorikeets use the bathroom whenever they please, and on whomever they please. I have left this exhibit before with a "gift" on my clothes. 

My Favorite Exhibit: The Otters

Anything fluffy, cute, and playful gets my attention. Otters check all the boxes, and the otters at the Aquarium of the Pacific are just insanely adorable. I could sit on the risers that face the exhibit and watch them all day.

Workers do daily presentations and feedings so you can see them in action. The otters are shockingly smart. Trainers often let the otters perform tricks based on their natural inclinations and abilities for eager onlookers. 

Special Programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Kids who love the aquarium will be delighted to know that they can attend summer camp or take a variety of classes there, with topics that target kids from toddlers to teens. There are even classes in Spanish. 

Other family favorites include holiday and cultural festivals (the Halloween Scarium of the Pacific event is a popular one), homeschooling days, and special after-hours family autism evenings. The aquarium also runs some of the best whale-watching excursions in the Southland, with naturalists on board every cruise conducting research and sharing insights. 

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There are tons of interactive activities at kids at Aquarium of the Pacific. 

Want to add more interactive fun to your day at the aquarium? There is often a scavenger hunt available for kids to participate in. Right now, visitors who collect all eight embosser animals on their visitor guide maps can take the completed map to the front desk for a surprise. 

The aquarium also offers several unique behind-the-scenes opportunities for encounters with some of these animals. If meeting a penguin face to face is on your bucket list, you can cross that item off by arranging a special encounter in advance on the Aquarium of the Pacific website. 

Parking

Parking at the Aquarium of the Pacific is easy. There is a spacious lot adjacent to the aquarium that charges $8 per day with validation. Street parking in the immediate area isn't so easy to find, so the all-day deal is the simplest approach with kids. 

Food Options 

As far as food options at the aquarium, the outdoor Bamboo Bistro offers pizza, hot dogs, and cold beverages.

There is also a casual little snack counter called the Blue Whale Cafe inside the aquarium in the center of the foyer. When our crew got hungry, we took a break here with a view of the largest tank to enjoy a few soft pretzels, water bottles, and bags of chips (there's coffee available too, for tired parents). 

If you're looking for more of a meal (or a healthier bite), try getting a table at Cafe Scuba, where you can enjoy lunch with a view of the sea lions.

The Aquarium is within walking distance from The Pink Outlets and Shoreline Village, two of Long Beach's best dining and shopping destinations. We often walk over to Bubba Gump's or Islands Burgers after our visit for a hearty dinner. 

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Dive into a day of marine life!

Caring for Little Guppies at the Aquarium 

Strollers are welcome at the aquarium, though there are times that we leave ours outside of an exhibit. When the aquarium is crowded, it can be tricky to navigate with bulky strollers in tow. 

The aquarium provides changing tables in the bathrooms. Next to the women's restrooms downstairs, there is a baby care center. If you are bringing toddlers or babies to the aquarium, I suggest coming on a weekday morning, when there aren't as many visitors. 

The outdoor exhibits are exceptionally toddler-friendly. My littlest loves climbing around on the play equipment and getting her wiggles out. All exhibits are also wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are available to rent on-site. 

All photos by author Kylie Williams