The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium—which attracts upwards of 85,000 visitors per year–is made of large salt-water tanks, where ocean life can survive and prosper in conditions similar to ocean life on dry land. Its purpose is to display, study, observe, and care for underwater sea creatures, which have been plucked from their natural habitat–the depths of the ocean. The Aquarium is a place for people to observe what is typically impossible to do on land–to see first hand teaming ocean life.

With three touch tanks, kids—and adults—are able to see, touch, and interact with over 30 species of ocean life common to the rocky shores and Pacific Ocean that defines California. One “fish” not included in the touch tanks are the sharks—Oh My!—which are seen on Sundays at 3:30pm, when they’re brought their lunch.

One special section of the Aquarium is the “Kids Corner,” which features an “interactive space full of books, games and puzzles centered around a marine theme. The Kids’ Corner also features a puppet theater and a host of puppets for visitors to use to create their own undersea adventures.”

Another great program for kids at the Santa Monica Aquarium is the Micro Biologist Classes. Intended for preschoolers ages 3-5, it incorporates the use of games, stories, art and hands-on exploration, that’s so important to child development and learning. In this case, kids learn about the many facets and facts about our planet’s ocean’s and the creatures which inhabit it. The minimum price of admission is extremely reasonable at $2.00 per person. In this day and age, the Santa Monica Aquarium is fun, unique, meaningful, family-friendly, and a place where kids both feel welcomed to explore and investigate the wonders of the deep blue ocean, and where they can be themselves.

For more information, the Aquarium, which is owned and operated by Heal the Bay, has a wonderful website.

Its hours of operation are:

Tuesday thru Friday 2:00pm — 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday 12:30pm — 5:00pm

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