Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California hosted us on this family fun day trip. All content is my own.

Aren’t family day trips fun? I love them so much I think I may make a monthly family day trip a family goal of ours!

We like to plan quick trips that are 2 hours or less away from our house to get away for a day and have fun with the kids.

Last week we headed up to Long Beach to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific! They are currently celebrating their 20 year anniversary with lots of fun in store for families this year.

Family Fun California Day Trip | Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach

We have a very spirited toddler and a baby in tow, so we just let our toddler take the reigns for the day. With kids that little you kind of have to go with the flow and call it a day when the babies are tired and the toddler tantrums begin.

There are restaurants and shops right across from the aquarium, so we stopped for a good meal before going in.

Off to the aquarium!

Let me say that this is a huge aquarium with lots to see.

There are so many tanks with beautiful fish and coral.

My kids were freaking out about this eel sticking out of the rock. It was really cool to see. We even spotted one hiding inside a plant.

So many unique jelly fish to see as you go.

Outside they have a really fun play area for kids. Watch out you might get wet!

Hands on Activities

What I love most about this Aquarium are all the hands on activities and experiences they have for families.

Just take a look at all the fun:

My favorite was the lorikeet exhibit. You can buy cups of food to feed them.

Even though we were there when it said they weren’t very hungry. Be prepared for 1-3 lorikeets to immediately land on you!

Everyone loved this experience. My 3 year old couldn’t get enough and was sad when her food ran out, so I gave her the rest of mine and the bird on my hand followed.

There are also lots of touch pools where you can touch everything from rays, sharks, and starfish!

Some cool tanks in between the touch pools!

We loved the interactive rainwater exhibit which was also hands on. It’s so cool how you can see how the rain falls over California.

Upstairs you can see the starfish touch pools, seals, penguins, and more!

There are pink starfish and my daughter was THRILLED about this!

Tips before you go:

• Wear sunscreen, this aquarium has lots to do outdoors.
• This is a large aquarium, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• There is a parking garage right across from the aquarium, which makes it easy to get to.
• Want to see more of the aquarium? Make sure to check out their tours!
• Aquarium of the Pacific is close to shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

20th Anniversary Celebration at Aquarium of the Pacific

Visit in 2018 for Aquarium of the Pacific’s 20th anniversary celebration.

During the celebration, look for special selfie spots throughout the aquarium and post them to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with #AOPandme for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

But, that’s not all the aquarium has also has new animals, exhibits, and more contests going on!

Purchase tickets online to visit Aquarium of the Pacific for the day! There are also combo passes available if you would like a tour or to save and visit more attractions in the Long Beach area.

Are you planning on visiting Aquarium of the Pacific? What are you most excited to see? Let me know all about it in the comments below!

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