Cabrillo Marine Aquarium features kid-height tanks that display the marine life of Southern California -- live jellyfish, octopuses, fish, leopard sharks and eels. The front courtyard has full-sized killer whale, shark and dolphin models while the exhibit halls contain numerous preserved animals and skeletal remains.
Kids can indulge their need to explore the world with their hands at the Tidepool Touch Tank, which includes sea anemones, sea stars and other safe wildlife.
Visitors can also take a plunge in the ocean at nearby Cabrillo Beach -- remember to pack swimsuits and towels!
Throughout the year, the aquarium offers such seasonal events as grunion hunting (March through July), whale watching (January through mid-April) and various workshops. At low tide, staffers lead tide-pool tours.
— Susan Peterson
Author of "Fun Places To Go With Kids"
Open End
Learn about marine science through art, stories and hands-on activities.
Open End
Open End
For three hours each Saturday and Sunday, Sea Rangers are available to answer questions and share observations at the tide pools, salt marsh and fishing pier.
Through Sep. 5
Join the education staff and volunteers in maintaining the Cabrillo Native Garden while learning more about its plant and animal inhabitants.
Jul. 5
Join in removing litter from Cabrillo Beach to help protect coastal habitats. Meet by the auditorium.
Jul. 6 - Jul. 10
Observe animal behavior as you hold hermit crabs, go crab fishing, feed barnacles and more. Discover the mud at the salt marsh and how native people have used the ocean.
