Cherie Gough
Vitamin
SEA
9 Ocean animal adventures for kids
Do your beach-loving kids obsess
over dolphins, orcas and sea anemone? Before summer ends, take the plunge into ocean learning at one of Southern California’s many places that explore the ocean’s diverse species. From sea creature animation to the magical world of bioluminescence, read on to discover experiences that allow future oceanographers to check the final boxes on their summer bucket lists.
Tots and Preschoolers
1
Engage little ones with the beautiful art exhibit at The New Children’s Museum’s Sketch Aquarium (downtown San Diego). Children are in awe as they design a sea creature on paper that is then scanned, projected, and comes to life as it “swims” with other sea creatures on a wall-sized, moving aquarium. www.thinkplaycreate.org/explore/artinstallations/sketch-aquarium
2
Climb into a real submarine at LEGOLAND’S Lego City: Deep Sea Adventure. Embark on a treasure hunt surrounded by real marine life such as stingrays and sharks, in addition to fish made from Legos.
3
LEGOLAND’S SEA LIFE Aquarium is perfect for young marine explorers. Marvel at sharks and rays swimming overhead in the walk-through tunnel. Interact at sea star touch tanks, set at lower heights so kids get a great view. New this year is the exhibit Sea at Night, which simulates a bioluminescent tide under a starry sky, a perfect way to cool off during a hot day. Educational talks and animal feedings teach the importance of environmental protection. Aquarium admission can be purchased separately or as part of a hopper ticket. www.visitsealife.com/california
Kids Ages 5-10
4
Living Coast Discovery Center is Chula Vista’s hidden gem. Because it’s small, curious kids can ask plenty of questions as they explore exhibits and animals up close. The Center’s “Naturally Wild” program offers experiences such as feeding sea horses, sharks and lobsters. Knowledgeable staff members share interesting and useful information. Don’t miss feedings of sharks, rays and sea turtles. Flat walking trails to San Diego Bay make bird-watching easy. www.thelivingcoast.org
5
Take kids who love science to Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. In the Hall of Fishes, look for scientists testing out gear before using it for real fieldwork. Future oceanographers love the R/V Sally Ride exhibit, highlighting what it’s like to live and work at sea. Try on survival suits and hear from the ship’s crew. A giant screen gives the feeling of being onboard a ship. Check out the aquarium’s newest exhibit, Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collections. The intriguing collection takes a comic book approach to unique ocean animals and their adaptations (“superpowers”). https://aquarium .ucsd.edu
6
A visit to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is well worth the two-hour drive. The aquarium is huge, but each exhibit is