I’m a big fan of the Long Beach Aquarium / Aquarium of the Pacific – crazy, since I’m a little freaked out that most of those amazing creatures are in the ocean and could surly bite my toes off (irrational fear of mine since birth I think), but none the less, I love the aquarium.  We bought a family membership last Father’s Day and when I suggested taking the girls to run on the beach Saturday AM, Hubby suggested the aquarium instead (he didn’t quite feel like chasing Addie in and out of the cold water – totally understand and not going to argue with that!)

So we loaded the Littles up, and headed out at 8:45A.  I’m a BIG “do-things-early-in-the-day” kinda a girl.  Less crowds, less lines, less stress, and kids get to burn energy before lunch and get tuckered out for a nice LONG afternoon nap.  Win-win on all accounts!

We headed up to Long Beach (quick 25 minutes), flashed our parking membership card, and parked right next to the elevator.  Quick cross the street and through the member door, flashed our member cards – total car to aquarium time took 7 minutes.  Which included getting 2 Littles out of carseats, packed 1 into a stroller, riding the elevator, crossing the street and entering the aquarium – can’t beat it.

Once through the doors = “BIG FISH MAMA!!“

Addie was off and running and SOOOOO excited!  She looked and waved at ALL the fish.

Both girls splashed their hands in the water with the rays and starfish.

They made it rain at the Water Shed exhibit.

Visited the sharks.

…..and Addie’s all time favorite, played at the little kids water park
standing under the water!
(We take an extra set of clothes for the ride home).

I love the aquarium.

It isn’t that big, it’s super family friendly and Addie is mesmorized by it. Such an easy, entertaining adventure. Plus there are LOTS more things that are fun to do with older kids too…this just happens to work for us at this stage, but we will for sure try out all the movies, crafts, etc that are available later in the Littles’ lives (that is, if I am ever able to leave the house again…)

A family membership is $110 good for 365 days from the date of purchase with no black out dates.  It is good for 1 or 2 adults, and all children 3-17 years living in the same household.

Regular tickets are $23.95 for adults (order online for $5 off each adult ticket), and $11.95 for children 3-17.

Fun FAVORITE activity!

And just in case you have LOADS of extra time this morning (HAAAAA!), here are photos from Father’s Day last year.  Addie was 17 mos at the time, and she loved it even then!

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