6 West Coast Aquariums for Young Kids

Looking for a fun and educational activity for your young kids? Then look no further than one of these top 6 West Coast aquariums (ones that Rye has been to).

Aquariums are a great way to teach kids about ocean life and the importance of conservation. They are also a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Each of these aquariums offers a unique and educational experience for your kids.

Aquariums are a great option if you're looking for a fun, educational activity with your young kids. And if you're looking for some particularly good aquariums on the West Coast, look no further! Here are five of our favorites.

Our favorite West Coast Aquariums for Young Kids:

Yes, we have vetted each one of these - with Ryeson, and he agrees these are his favorite (unfortunately, the San Fransisco aquarium is not on this list because it was just so small, though Ryeson did like the gift shop. Ha).

Long Beach: The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is a great place for kids to learn about marine life. With over 11,000 animals, they are sure to find something that interests them. The hands-on exhibits are also perfect for getting kids involved in learning about the animals. It has bonus points for having a mini-spray park outside and a restaurant with surprisingly great food. It also happens to be Ryeson’s favorite on this list because his grandparents live semi-close by and they have season passes so they go all the time.

Monterey: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned for its research and conservation efforts. They also have a great exhibit for kids called "The Jelly Lab" where they can learn about these fascinating creatures. There are also plenty of other kid-friendly exhibits, making this a great choice for families. We went with Rye when he was about 5 years old and he loved the jellyfish exhibit and the fact they have multiple gift shops (important for small kids. haha).

Seattle: The Seattle Aquarium is a great place to take kids of all ages. They have a wide variety of exhibits, including an octopus exhibit where kids can watch these creatures in their natural habitat. They also have an interactive tide pool where kids can touch and feel different types of sea life. The Seattle Aquarium is right on the Puget Sound and is a close walk from Pike’s Place. Another fun place for kids in downtown Seattle.

California Academy of Sciences: The Academy is way more than just an aquarium, this must-visit place in Golden Gate Park in SF has a number of kid-friendly exhibits, science experiments, including a hands-on tide pool where kids can touch and feel different types of sea life. They also have an interactive coral reef exhibit where kids can learn about these fascinating creatures. And don't forget to check out the 4-story rainforest! Downstairs, the Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats.

Crab Cove in Alameda: The Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove is a great place to take younger kids as it offers a number of kid-friendly activities, including crabbing off the pier and exploring the Touch Tank, where they can touch different types of sea life. It's also a great place to picnic and play on the beach. This is the smallest aquarium on the list as it’s only one room. But it’s also free, and the staff has a scavenger hunt with a stuffed animal and Ryeson had so much fun playing with other kids, we had to add this to our list.

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla: This Aquarium is The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla: This Aquarium is a great place to learn about oceanography and the various creatures that inhabit the world’s oceans. In addition to being able to see and learn about these animals, the Birch Aquarium also offers great views of the ocean.

These are just some of the top West Coast aquariums for young kids. So get out there and explore with your family! You're sure to have a fun and educational time at any one of these fantastic places.