Close
We're Sorry
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Science & Nature Museum
Monterey Bay Aquarium Description
Kids have no choice but to let go of their expectations at the door of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and let themselves be dazzled. After countless trips, my daughters still dash for the otter tank to check on feeding times, ooh and ahh at the otherworldly jellyfish, and laugh hysterically at the antics of the penguins. If the light-sensitive octopus deigns to show himself or the giant sunfish comes out of hiding to circl the fish roundabout, we talk about it all the way home.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The aquarium can get very crowded, and the more crowded it is the more likely that little ones will get stuck behind others and not be able to see. So go first thing in the morning or at the end of the day if you have small kids or prefer fewer people, though the price you pay is perhaps missing otter and penguin feedings unless you plan a long visit.
School-Age Kids: Plan your visit to include otter and penguin feedings and other special events such as the wide variety of movies, especially if your kids are the "this is boring" types. Otter feedings and training sessions are at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.and last 15 minutes; penguin feedings are at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and also last 15 minutes. The only way to catch both is to come for the 1:30 p.m. otter feeding and stay for the 3 p.m. penguin feeding, or run from the penguins to the last otter feeding and risk being pretty far back in the crowd.
Planning Notes
- New Exhibit. Opening in April 2009 is the long-awaited exhibit The Secret Lives of Seahorses, created to commemorate the aquarium's 25th anniversary. Given that the original tanks of seahorses and sea dragons were already a favorite, this promises to be a spectacular showcase for these truly weird creatures. However, beware of crowds for the first few months, as tried and true museum fans use the new exhibit as an excuse for a repeat visit.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily (except Dec. 25). Sept. 2-May 25 10 a.m.–6 p.m., May 26–Sept. 1 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. weekends July 5–Sept. 1 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; holidays 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fees: $20-$30
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
Reviews of Monterey Bay Aquarium
Huge Tanks!
By MaxPowers325 March 30, 2009
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we loved:
So much to see, large tanks
What we didn't love:
a little crowded...
This is probably my favorite aquarium that Ive ever been too. The tanks are honestly huge. The variety of fish and amphibians is great. They have Sea Otters which I personally think are one of cutest animals ever!br/br/The location of the aquarium itself is great. I live in Los Angeles and the drive up to Monterey is beautiful....its a great a great weekend trip. Read More
Related Vacations
Otters, Tide Pools, and Whales on the California Coast
Monterey Bay, CaliforniaTake a world-famous aquarium, throw in the living history of Cannery R...
