Monterey Bay Aquarium Tips News and Notes
You may think visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium is just another fun thing to do in the area. But this Aquarium is something special - rated amongst the top in the world.
If you are traveling with your kids (or just a kid at heart), the Aquarium is a great place to start for its scenery, touch pools and educational exhibits. For a complete list of our Children's Activities on the Monterey Peninsula, visit our Monterey Bay Aquarium and things to do with the kids page by clicking here. Our top list of Monterey Bay Aquarium Exhibits for the kids:
(1) Splash Zone
(2) Outer Bay
(3) Sharks and Rays
(4) Jellies and Living Art
(5) Sea Otters
Aquarium Adventure Programs
A great opportunity for the kids to interact with marine life and get even more out of a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium See the details below.
Aquarium Detectives
Have you ever wondered what it's like in the aquarium in those quiet hours in the morning? It's a mystery! You and your family will discover what goes on before the aquarium opens. You'll even get a chance to serve breakfast to a few of our critters.
When: Most Saturdays, 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. May 27-Sept. 2)
60 minutes, (call for exact dates)
Ages: 3 thru 9
Fee: $20 general/$16 aquarium members
(aquarium admission not included)
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Pre-registration required
Underwater Explorers
Underwater Explorers gives kids ages 8 to 13 the chance to surface SCUBA dive with our staff in the Great Tide Pool. Meet the critters under water as part of your summer visit experience. No SCUBA experience required, but kids must have basic swimming skills.
When: Daily, June 17-Sept. 4, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 thru 13; maximum 12 children with 4 instructors
Fee: $79 general/$59 for aquarium members
(aquarium admission not included)
Youth Group Sleepovers
We're offering an opportunity for youth groups to have a great overnight experience at the aquarium. It's a chance to explore the aquarium after hours, and then bed down to sleep beside our world-class exhibits. Throughout the evening, we'll offer a variety of activities led by our staff.
When: August 25, November 17, December 29
Age: Youth groups with children ages 6-14, one adult chaperone (21 years or older)
required for every five youth campers
Fee: $50 per person (including adults)
News and Notes
There is a new soon to be Giant Octupus on exhibit. Currently weighing only 15 pounds but eventually will grow to a size of over 600 pounds!
The aquarium is the "Best Place to See Animals for 2006" according to a recent poll of families in the Monterey area conducted by "Bay Area Parent" magazine. By winning this "Family Favorite" award three times in a row, the aquarium has also earned a spot in the magazine's Hall of fame and will be featured in its "Best of the Best" issue.
FAQ About the Aquarium
Depending on your interest level, you could see the entire Aquarium in just about 2 - 3 hours or spend over 2 days if you aspire to become a marine biologist.
The Aquarium exhibits approximately 550 different species.
There is over 1.2 million gallons of water in the Outer Bay Exhibit.
The windows that separate you from all of this water ranges from 3 - 13 inches in thickness. Made out of acrylic, a tough plastic.
The Aquarium receives about 1.8 million visitors a year and it opened in 1984. In 1996 the size of the facility doubled.
Part of the Aquarium is located in Monterey and part of it in Pacific Grove.
Strollers are allowed for parents with small children.
You can take your own pictures and video AS LONG AS you don't turn around and sell the images.
Can I get discounts or discount coupons for the Monterey Bay Aquarium? Local hotels offer a promotion that allows a 2 day visit for 1 day admission cost by staying at a local hotel. It is a non profit so they do not operate like a theme park and discount offers are extremely rare.
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