Right before the end of the school year, we visited the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach! I was so happy it opened after restrictions lifted because it’s such a great place to take kids. My youngest is now two, so she can really enjoy the sights. My oldest is eight can appreciate the exhibits from a new point of view. There were a few (expected) changes, for the safety of guests: reservations are required, guests ages two and over are required to wear face masks indoors and out, multiple hand sanitizing stations, and signs to remind guests to safely distance themselves from one another. (Safety protocols can be found here).
When I visit the Aquarium of the Pacific (or any place with a lot of people for that matter), I like to arrive early and walk straight to the furthest, more popular areas. In this case, it’s everything outdoors and interactive exhibits.
The Moon Jelly Touch Lab (Harbor Terrace)
We love jellyfish! Not only are they beautiful to watch, but soft to touch! There is an outdoor exhibit with numbered stations for groups to enjoy the relaxing vibe the translucent moon jellyfish emit. Moon Jellyfish are also known as the ‘jelly’, ‘crystal jellyfish’, ‘common jellyfish’, ‘saucer jelly’ or ‘swimming jellyfish’.
Lorikeet Forest
Both of my children are obsessed with birds. The Lorikeet Forest section is so much fun! If you buy the nectar ($4/cup), be sure to have your camera ready to take the best pictures! The Aquarium’s Lorikeet Forest features green-naped, Edward’s, and Swainson’s lorikeets.
Shark and Ray Touch Pool
It’s so much fun to feel the different textures of sea life! The Shark and Ray Touch Pool is home to: bamboo sharks, epaulette sharks, fiddler rays, and cownose rays. They are graceful and completely give kids a different perspective on the animals normally portrayed negatively in society. It’s a great learning experience for adults and children alike.
Coral Reef
This is one of the most beautiful exhibits in the Aquarium. It’s also the most colorful. This is where most children will identify animals from “The Little Mermaid” and “Finding Nemo.” There’s even a whole aquarium full of clownfish!
Explore coral reefs in Pacific Visions through a new show in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater and an interactive exhibit in the art gallery.
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
Go to their website for the most up-to-date information, hours, parking, ticket reservations, and social distancing policies:
https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
100 Aquarium Way,
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-3100
Disclaimer: We visited the Aquarium of the Pacific as media guests. All opinions are honest and my own. All photos copyright Ruby Hunt and may not be reproduced or reposted without permission.
