Browsing Tag

Long Beach Aquarium

ExploreLongBeach

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

Our aquarium visit was: 20% looking at aquatic life, 40% playing outside in the water, 10% crying because the other sibling was being lifted up to look at an exhibit, 10% whining about the heat, 10% bumping into the stroller and spilling Mom’s beer, and 10% eating snacks, but overall, the kids had a blast.

Penguins, sea lions, frogs, all types of fish, sharks, and rays

The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is one of our favorite outings because there is so much to do for all ages.  There is obviously a ton of aquatic life.  Penguins, sea lions, frogs, all types of fish, sharks, and rays.  There are touch tanks for sea anemones, starfish, stingrays, sharks and jellyfish.  There is a lorikeet forest where you can purchase nectar and the birds will land on you to eat it.

There are puppet shows, animal feeding and training shows, and also short movies

In addition to the exhibits, there is so much more to do.  There is a shaded area with tables that has coloring pages and crayons for kids.  There is a really cool splash pad outside that is half shaded and half in the sun that my kids love.  Some days we go and all they do is play in the water.  There’s a boat that is perfect for climbing and a few other animal models to climb on.  There are puppet shows, animal feeding and training shows, and also short movies (for a small additional fee.)  And there’s also beer for adults!

We have an annual pass and we go at least once a week and never get bored. 

We have an annual pass and we go at least once a week and never get bored.  I would definitely recommend visiting if you are local to Southern California, and purchasing a pass if you plan to go at least twice a year.

Daily Life ExploreLongBeach

Date Night at the Long Beach Aquarium Member’s Prom!

We had an amazing childless night at the Long Beach Aquarium Member’s Prom last night. It was Roaring 20s themed and I could not have asked for a better night. We had so much fun drinking and dancing, and actually got to look at the animals without having to chase our kids. And to top if off, we Postmated happy meals and sundaes from Mcdonalds after we got home and ate them on the couch! It’s nice to have some time alone to remind us why we fell in love. I woke up today feeling so lucky to have someone as wonderful as Jason. (And perhaps a tad like I had one too many beers . But mostly lucky.)

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

 

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

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.