Even the animals get special treats during the holidays at the Aquarium of The Pacific and lucky for us all we have the opportunity to witness it.
We got invited to the Aquarium of the Pacific Winter Preview and loved every minute of it. Alexia got to make a polar bear as part of their winter camp activity, take character holiday photos, see santa scuba dive with sharks, witness snow fall, meet real life penguins, and watch the sea otters and sea lions feast on holiday inspired treats. Trust me it was as fun and magical as it sounds. Alexia is a big animal lover so she was very excited to see all of the animals. All the holiday touches made it extra special.
Does this sound like something you would enjoy experiencing with your family? I definitely recommend you visit this holiday season to experience all of this and more. It's a great way to incorporate some holiday cheer into a fun and educational opportunity. There's always so much to learn about the animals and their habitat.
I didn't realize all of the fun holiday events the aquarium had to offer, but now that I do, I want to share them with all of you. I have listed the main event they offer down below.
Celebrate The Holidays This Winter Season
Each weekend December 7-23, 2019 the aquarium will be getting into the holiday spirit. What does this mean? You will get to:
Witness and play with snow
Photo opportunities with santa in his traditional attire
Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel on weekends
Santa diver gives "fishmas" gifts to the animals
Watch the 10:00 penguin parade
Take photos at the holiday selfie station
Explore the gift store for unique holiday shopping
Explore all of the aquarium exhibits
To purchase tickets you can call (562) 590-3100 or follow this link I have provided http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/aquarium_holidays/
Holiday Treats For The Animals Festival
Want to experience all of the above plus witness the animals get special holiday treats? If you do, come witness it all Saturday December 7 or Sunday December 8, 2019. These special festivities will be happening between 9:00am to 5:00pm so don't be late. You will get to:
Witness Penguins, sea otters, birds, fish and many other animal get special holiday treats.
families will enjoy holiday music, crafts, special presentations, unique photo opportunities and shopping.
Kids will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and holiday characters
Both events listed above are included in your general admission prices of $34.95 adults (12+), $31.95 seniors (62+), $24.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and aquarium members.
But wait... they have opportunities for you to get discounted tickets simply by Joining the Long Beach Fire Department Spark of Love Toy Drive. December 7-23 donate a new unwrapped toy ($15 value or more) and you will receive a coupon for $10 off adult/$3 off child regular admission for up to 4 admissions. It's a win win! You get to donate a toy to a child in need and you get a discount. If you're an aquarium member you will receive a complimentary admission ticket for each toy donated (max of 6).
Plan to visit December 21-22? wear and ugly holiday sweater and you will receive $5 off admission upon request, plus it will make for some fun holiday pictures!
Holiday Late Nights At The Aquarium
Rather attend the aquarium at night while taking advantage of special savings? During this time you can explore all of the aquarium, plus enjoy touching a shark after dark, and see colorful frogs at the FROGS: Dazzling & Disappearing exhibition, and watch hypnotizing Sea Jellies. The aquariums films will be show in the Ocean Theater throughout the evening. Please keep in mind that The Lorikeet forest aviary will be closed during this time.
Holiday late night dates: December 26, 27, 29, and 30th 2019. January 3 2020.
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Price: $19.95 per person and free for kids 3 and under and Aquarium members.
Winter Camp At The Aquarium
Have kiddos who would like to explore and learn more about the different animals and regions of the pacific ocean? Then you definitely need to read this. Camps vary for kids ages 5-15. Here are the different camps available based on age.
1. Sea Squirt Day Camp- Ages 5-6 (children only)
This course provides an introduction to the life that exist in the Pacific Ocean like the lives and habitats of wiggly fish and furry mammals. Aquarium members will assist in crafts, games and tours. Children will also be able to touch animals in the private classroom touch pool.
Date: December 26-27 2019, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $80 per child (members $65)
2. Winter Day Camp- Ages 7-12 (children only)
This day camp will take children on an adventure into the depths of the Paficif Ocean through interactive learning. Students will explore marine life though hands on activities, games and crafts. They will also be able to visit behind the scenes areas, meet animal care staff as well as help feed some of the animals. Specific topics covered are cold water habitats, penguins and polar bears.
Alexia is 7 and I know she would love this!
Date: January 2-3 2020. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 per child (members $75)
3. Winter Teen Overnight- Ages 13-15 (children only)
Participants start the night with a pizza party before becoming an ocean explorer to discovery the mysteries of the deep sea. Overnight camp includes Aquarium exploration, hands on activities, pizza party, light snack, cereal breakfast and a souvenir T-shirt.
Date: December 30, 5:00p.m. to December 31, 7:30 a.m.
Cost: $90 ($80 for members)
Doesn't this all sound like so much fun! Which event will you be visiting this season? Regardless of what event you choose you and your kids are sure to learn all about the animals while having fun. Doesn't get any better then that.
Talk to you later!