little feet, big sky

If you live in or near Los Angeles or Long Beach, you have to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific at some point. What does this have to do with kids or pregnancy? Well, it’s a great place to walk around for exercise while pregnant, I can easily imagine packing a young baby into a sling and wandering around here on a weekday morning when I just need to get out of the house, and it’s super kid-friendly for toddlers, strollers and older kids. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also… educational. :-)

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. Our vision is to create the first aquarium, and perhaps the first institution, in the world dedicated to conserving and building Natural Capital (Nature and Nature’s services) by building Social Capital (the interactions between and among peoples).

The aquarium is broken down into different exhibits showing marine life by areas like the North Pacific, Tropical Pacific, Souther California and Baja. There’s also the Shark Lagoon and the Lorikeet Forest, as well as the new Shorebird Sanctuary. (California has lost more than 95% of its natural wetlands, more than any other state. Appalling.)

I know it’s cliche, but my favorite exhibit is the Sea Otter exhibit in the North Pacific gallery. There are three otters, all unable to be released back into the wild: Brooke, Charlie & Summer. They are so amazing to watch in the water. Actually, I love the entire North Pacific gallery, especially the North Pacific Preview, where you can see fish and other life so calm under these crashing waves overhead.

The aquarium offers a ton of educational programs for adults and kids, from dolphin/sea life cruises and whale watching, to stroller tours, day camps and sleepovers.

• Open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day of the year, except December 25 and during the weekend of the Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 18-20, 2008). Shark Lagoon exhibit is open and free to the public from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Friday through June 13, 2008.
• Aquarium admission includes all the galleries, hands-on labs, and presentations as noted on the daily handout. Adult: $20.95; Child (3-11): $11.95; Senior (62+): $17.95
• Order tickets online and save $5 per adult ticket.
• Become a member, starting at $50. There are tons of benefits & it’s tax-deductible.
• Show your AAA card to save 10% off admission. Details & other discounts.
• 100 Aquarium Way
  Long Beach, CA 90802
  (562) 590-3100