LA county things to do

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  This aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the kids!  There are penguins, sharks, otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and plenty of other aquatic life to see.  There are large touch tanks for sting rays, jellyfish, and small sharks such as leopard sharks.  There are also smaller touch ponds with sea anemones and starfish.

Tips: 

• – Bring a change of clothes and shoes if you plan on letting your kids play around in the splash pads outside.
• – Pack a lunch to save on the cost of buying there and eat it at the tables at Shoreline Aquatic Park!
• – Bring everyone sweaters, especially in the summer!  They keep the AC on high inside!
• – Come exactly at 9 am during the week to avoid the crowds!  Before 10 or 1030, it’s usually super empty and you can easily view all the inside exhibits without having to wait your turn.
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  $29.95 for adults, under 3 is free, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors ages 62+.

I know, I know, this page is supposed to be free or cheap events.  But hear me out.  

The annual membership is totally worth it.  It’s a big initial investment at $139 for 1-2 adults and all children living in the same household (aged 17 and under).  But if you plan on going with your family even twice in one year, it pays for itself.

The pass also includes access to special members-only events, including a couple fun adults-only evening events.

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, every day except Christmas Day.  

The lorikeet forest is open 10:30 – 4:30 and the moon jelly touch lab is open 10 – 5.

Stroller Friendly:  There is definitely room for strollers, but it can get harder to maneuver them when the aquarium gets crowded, which is typical during midday or on the weekends.  

There is stroller parking if you want to bring your stroller and not have to push it all around the aquarium, but as always, leave valuables at your own risk (although we have never had a problem.)

Inside/Outside: Inside/Outside

Alcohol:  Yes

Parking: Yes, $8 for the day for aquarium guests in the structure, WITH validation.  There are a few cheaper meters in the street but most are 2 hours max.

Check out additional parking information here.

 Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but you can purchase them here as well.  There is a cafe upstairs, a smaller food counter downstairs, and a few stands outside with foods like hot pretzels and smoothies.  The outside stands are not always open during off-peak hours but there is always food available for purchase inside.

Read More: This is an awesome place to visit in the summer because the inside is air-conditioned and the outside has a few splash-pad type areas for the kids to run around and get wet.

There are a few movie-shows for an additional fee and live shows such as a story time and multiple animal feedings.

There is a lorikeet forest that you can walk through and look at the lorikeets and you can purchase cups of nectar to feed them for an additional charge.

There is also a coloring area with coloring pages and crayons near the lorikeet forest.

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.