Cali Moms’ Summer Must Stop: Aquarium of the Pacific
When you think of the Aquarium of the Pacific, you may think of it as a place where only children could enjoy, but in my recent trip I learned that there are many other fun activities for the whole family. Below I’ve listed a few activities that every So Cal mom and kids will enjoy during this summer.
Day Camps - Magical place for kids and adults alike
There are several themed day camps for children of different ages. Check out the various offers in the link below, there’s something for every age group.
Cost: $100-$130 per child/adult pair
Special Extended Hours
The Aquarium of the Pacific offers special extended hours staying open late, except for Lorikeet Forest. The admission after 5:00 p.m. is just $14.95 for adults and seniors, and children (3-11). You can expect to witness the nighttime activities of the animals and still touch a shark while enjoying the beautiful evening lighting of the Aquarium’s architecture. As for food, the Café Scuba may not be open on all nights but the Coffee Cart will still be open in those cases.
Special Discounted Late Nights
The following late nights are in celebration of different themes, cultures, and seasons that may offer additional programing. Click each one for specific event descriptions and pricing. Please click-through for details and availability.
Cost: $14.95 per adult, children and seniors enter free
Night Dive
Night Dive is an adults-only (over 18) event with local bands rockin’ out right next to the fish, DJs spinning in the Aquarium’s galleries, and inspiring works of art, cocktails and drinks, and tasty bites from food trucks. Some local bands include:
The Junglecats
Southpaw
Electric Machines
QRUX
Anthony De La Rosa
Ninja Loving
Benny Jets
Other Activities
Art: Watch local artist Jess Weymouth as she uses watercolors to paint one of her celestial and surrealist works of art. You can also take in a few of her pieces on display, some of which give a nod to conservation, ecology, and the environment.
Aerialists: Come see the Aerial Butterflies, a troupe of circus performers based in Long Beach. They’ll be dropping down from the bridge in front of Honda Blue Cavern throughout the entire night for dynamic aerial acts!
Lecture: Learn about synthetic microfibers as an emerging ocean pollutant from Timnit Kefela of the USCB Bren School of Environmental Science and Management.
Food Trucks: Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks parked on the front plaza of the Aquarium.
Cost: $17.95 per adult, beverages additional
Teen Overnight
Dive deep and enjoy a night sleeping with the fishes in this teen only event. Start the night with a pizza party before becoming an ocean explorer to discover the mysteries of the deep sea. This overnight camp program includes Aquarium exploration, hands-on activities, pizza party, light snack, cereal breakfast, and a souvenir T-shirt.
Highlights Include:
Pilot your very own Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) through an obstacle course
Explore the Aquarium galleries while searching for hidden “bioluminescent” treasures
Witness real bioluminescence in the Aquarium classroom
Sleep in front of one of our most popular exhibits, the Tropical Reef or the Sea Otter Habitat
Cost: $80-$90, registration required
The Aquarium of the Pacific is not only a great destination for family but also a romantic place for couples... of maybe that's just me since this is the place my husband proposed!
