A sweet sandy escape

Between Los Angeles and San Diego there are plenty of lovely seaside spots you and your children can enjoy. We’re very fond of the gallery filled streets and great ice cream cones in Laguna Beach, the small arcade with games like ski ball, and the ferry to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. And of course, you can’t really top that jumbo Ferris Wheel in Santa Monica, and the sweeping vistas you and your kids can enjoy from one of the cars as they spin to the top.

THE BEACH

The beaches are gorgeous

But one of our all time favorite spots is Del Mar. It means the sea, and honestly, everything about the town is ocean friendly, and kid friendly too. Essentially located at a midpoint between San Diego and LA, Del Mar is a quintessential California coastal town with a great beach. It’s as simple and special as that. The beach is wide and flat and accessible throughout the town. My kids like the wide, open space to run, and the fine sand that makes great castle building. It’s long and broad, and makes for a wonderful stroll. If your kids are older or you’re so inclined, it’s also a sweet surf spot. Buy or rent a board at Rusty’s Del Mar Surf Shop, a classic surf shop straight out of a Beach Boys’ song.

FOOD & SIGHTSEEING

And when you’ve had enough Fun, Fun, Fun on the sand, head over to Del Mar Plaza. This boutique-strewn mini mall has something you and your kids will both love – ocean view balconies and seating. Go up to the top, bringing a snack from the food market located in the mall, and take in the broad expanse of sea and sand you were just playing on.

 But wait, there’s more. Maybe you’d rather have a snack, or a lovely lunch closer to the water. If so, try child-friendly Jake’s. The patio is just off the beach, and the reasonably priced and amply portioned pescatarian meals will keep everyone happy. My kids love the fish and chips, and had their first taste of crisp calamari right here.

Worth a visit even if the price tag for a weekend stay exceeds your family budget, another great stop is the Grand Del Mar. This is a vast and beautiful resort with mosaic tiles, shiny marble, and stunning outdoor areas. Explore the grassy enclaves and enjoy the lovely architecture, as we did.

We also took the kids on a short drive to Scripps Aquarium, just south of Del Mar. This is a wonderful aquarium, just large enough to offer beautiful sea creatures in great display cases, and just small enough not to overwhelm. There’s an outdoor area with a view of the stunning coastline, a splendid jellyfish exhibit, and best of all, a veritable cyclone of sardines mid-aquarium.

Or, take in some of the family friendly trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Shaded by towering pines, you’ll get great coastal views on comfortably short paths. You can stay all day exploring, or simply take the little ones out for a leisurely, view-filled stroll. As always, hold tight to small hands as the easy to walk trails do abut cliff side views.

The San Diego Botanic Gardens are another treat

Fifteen minutes farther south, take a stroll through the San Diego Botanic Garden. Here the flower-strewn trails are flat and broad, you can give your child more room for exploration. We love the bamboo garden, arguably the largest bamboo garden in the west. Pristine, peaceful and just exotic enough to thrill the kids. We also enjoy the with olive trees, and the historically accurate copies of native American living spaces. But if your kids aren’t satisfied with plants and flowers, try the really wonderful Free Flight sanctuary, an exotic bird sanctuary that began in 1981. This is a really great spot to get up close and personal with birds. Many of the feathered friends residing here are rescues. Parrots, macaws, and cockatoos are everywhere.

My kids love seeing the birds, and the only caveat is that with many of the creatures there for adoption, you may find your children begging you to take home an exotic beauty. It’s a wonderful feeling to stroke soft feathers and see these birds enjoying the care of volunteers and the attention of visitors.

Of course, you’ll want to spend the night in the area. We like the Hotel Indigo – the rooms feel private, almost as if you have your own unique bungalow. Many have kitchenettes, convenient for breakfasts or late night snacks. Bright and large, we loved the luxury bathrooms and the hardwood floors.

So if you’re looking to escape to the sea, and find birds, flowers, beach, and moderately priced fish dinners, Del Mar is the perfect spot. And why wouldn’t it be? It literally means the sea.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A highly-ranked Atlantic beachfront resort, Coral Beach Resort & Suites is a haven for families with kids of all ages. It boasts activities galore including water sports, an on-site recreation center with arcade, foosball, pool tables, an 8 AMF land bowling alley, 10 pool attractions including a water park with interactive play elements, lazy river, heated indoor pool, two children’s pools, a fitness center, saunas, children’s activity center, karaoke, family magic show, comedians, several dining options, a marketplace, and more.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites has activities galore for the whole family

Families will feel right at home with the spacious accommodations selections that include private balconies, free wireless internet, and suites with fully-equipped kitchens down to the dinnerware service for 4-6 people. Learn more about the Coral Beach Resort in one of our site reviews Best Family Vacation Spot on the US East Coast.

Myrtle Beach Attractions 

While visiting, take advantage of the wonderful offsite attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer as well. From Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Oceanfront Water Park, to Ripleys Aquarium, Children’s Museum of South Carolina, IMAX 3D Theater, and a host of shopping, theaters, and restaurants, there is plenty to see and do at this lovely destination. For more information on Coral Beach Resort & Suites, visit their website at www.coralbeachmyrtlebeachresort.com

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu – Big Island, Hawaii

Good for a tropical getaway any time of the year, Hawaii offers one of nature’s perfect family retreats:  balmy weather, sandy beaches, warm waters, lush vegetation, and good old fashioned Hawaiian hospitality that makes you say “ahhh” the moment you step off the plane.

The aerial view above the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is stunning (courtesy of Peter French)

Resting on the beautiful shores of a white sandy beach, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is a wonderful choice for families with children. It offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, lanais (porches), and dining and living rooms, all beautifully decorated with luxury and comfort in mind. The resort features seven swimming pools including a children’s pool with water toys to keep tots happily entertained. There is tennis, golf, a spa and fitness center, a rock-climbing wall, shops, onsite restaurants and lounges for delicious dining, and much more. There are plenty of amenities for children as well, including toddler activities and babysitting services for parents who want a little time to themselves.

Some of the resort’s complimentary activities include basketball, foosball, ping-pong, a playground, Hawaiian arts & crafts, flower lei making, movies, puzzles, games and treasure hunts. Kids ages 5 to 12 will enjoy the supervised program with its exciting activities planned just for them. Older children and adults can hang out in the game and activity center which includes six video game stations, big-screen television and outdoor grassy game area.

Island Activities

The Big Island of Hawaii has wonderful attractions that allow families to explore this paradise together. There are helicopter tours, zipline canopy tours, beautiful state parks and beaches, tide pools and hiking trails, botanical gardens, dolphin encounters, fishing, an astronomy center, and more. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Families can also visit the 12-acre Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo with its 80 resident species including monkeys, birds, sloths, a white Bengal tiger, a giant anteater, tortoises and more. For more information on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa – San Diego, California

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is indeed a piece of island-themed paradise found in beautiful Southern California.  Set on a private 44-acre island on the sapphire waters of Mission Bay, this nirvana offers a variety of family activities, while being close to the many popular attractions of San Diego.  Its bungalow-style guest rooms are tucked among tropical gardens, lagoons and the tranquil sandy shores of the bay.

One of the five pools at Paradise Point Resort & Spa

The resort features 5 pools, a spa, salon and fitness center, several restaurants, and an island market. Guests can take surf lessons, play golf, basketball, tennis, rent bicycles, Segways, quadracycles, and enjoy the blazing warmth of a bonfire at sunset, right on the beach in one of the 14 bonfire pits. The marina also has a variety of rentals for water sports including kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, speed boats, and paddleboards.

Offsite Family Attractions 

Some of the wonderful attractions in the area include the San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The resort offers packages and family deals at special pricing as well. Paradise Point Resort & Spa was also featured in our Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast.  For more information visit their website at www.paradisepoint.com

Pearl South Padre – South Padre Island, Texas 

South Padre Island in Texas’s beautiful Gulf Coast is home to Pearl South Padre hotel. This idyllic getaway boasts luxurious accommodations with private balconies commanding gorgeous views. Their hotel guestrooms and beachside condominiums are nestled on the shores of this Texas barrier island bathed in gentle ocean breezes and the warmth of the southern sun. All of the condos have spacious living rooms and fully-equipped kitchens, with one or two bedroom options to serve your family needs.

The beaches in South Padre Island are beautiful

Pearl South Padre hotel features a 6,000-square-foot swimming pool with waterfall and swim-up bar, an oversized whirlpool, children’s pool, beach volleyball, parasailing, horseback riding, banana boat rides, wave runners, spa, fitness center, and nearby golf club. Onsite dining and a gift shop are also at the hotel.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island boasts many watersports in addition to those offered by the hotel. There are boat rentals, kiteboarding, ecological tours, and dolphin watches, to name a few. The tranquil shores of South Padre island dotted with seagulls and natural beauty await. For more information on this hotel visit their website at www.pearlsouthpadre.com

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island, Florida 

It is no surprise to learn that pirates once claimed the shores of the beautiful Captiva Island just off the southwest coast of Florida. With so much natural splendor, this island is known for its lovely shells, white sandy beaches, and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Captiva Island’s glorious sunset

South Seas Island Resort is one of the best ways to explore the natural treasures of Captiva Island. It has a vast array of accommodations to suit today’s diverse family needs. From hotel rooms, villas and cottages, to private homes and condos, there is something here for everyone. What is most attractive about this resort is the endless range of activities including special things like the swim school with programs for kids and toddlers. Stunning beaches, turquoise pools, a host of dining options, shops, water sports, cruises, fishing, golf, tennis, a spa, fitness center and so much more await to rejuvenate the senses. The resort pool complex also boasts a family water park with two water slides, and poolside cabana rentals with stocked mini-refrigerators, cable television, internet access and poolside dining.

A family interactive center on the island provides recreational fun for all ages from tiny tots to kids and teens. Arts and crafts, games, competitions, an arcade and more are sure to keep kids happy. There is even a kids’ night out for children ages 4-11 that includes dinner, crafts and games, so that parents can enjoy a little time on their own as well. Resort specials and packages help make this oasis affordable. For more information on South Seas Island Resort visit their website at www.southseas.com

Amusement parks have long been a preferred venue for families in search of exciting entertainment. From favorite roller coasters, to high-speed thrillers, traditional family and children’s rides, live entertainment, shops and dining, these alphabetically listed parks have something for everyone in the family.

BUSCH GARDENS  WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg, Virginia

Verbolten is one of the many exciting rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

One of the most visited parks in the United States, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia has an exciting array of European-themed rides, shows, tours, and animal exhibits committed to conservation including gray wolves, lorikeets, red foxes and bald eagles. The park itself is very beautiful and divided into 10 hamlets inspired by Europe. Guests can take behind-the-scenes tours, watch entertaining shows, indulge in mellow to thrill-seeking rides, and shop and dine in the many venues themed after European countries including Italy, France, Germany and Ireland. There are also plenty of attractions for kids, making it perfect for the whole family. For more information visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg

CEDAR POINT – Sandusky, Ohio 

This animatronic T-Rex is a roaring sight in Cedar Point’s Dinosaurs Alive! attraction

Dating back to 1870, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is the second oldest amusement park in North America. This highly acclaimed theme park has drawn people to its pleasure grounds on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie time and again. Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is a sprawling 364 acres with 15 roller coasters and everything from brain-scrambling thrill rides, to family rides, areas for children like Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy with their own exciting rides and attractions, to live entertainment, shops and great dining. It also features the prehistoric-themed attraction Dinosaurs Alive! (nominal fee required) with 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. For more information visit www.cedarpoint.com

DISNEY - Florida & California    

Cinderella’s Castle rising in the midst of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park

Disney has enchanted children for decades, and both Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, are wonderful places to spark their imaginations with their rides, attractions and entertainment. The parks are divided into themed lands (varies by park) including Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, with favorite attractions like “it’s a small world,” the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beautiful fairytale castles. Activities for all ages abound, from shopping, dining, games, rides galore, dazzling entertainment, a host of favorite Disney characters, and so much more. For more information on Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Visit our Disney World and our Disneyland Articles for a more in-depth look into the theme parks complete with reviews and family tips.

DOLLYWOOD – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Dollywood Express affords gorgeous views of the Great Smokey Mountain foothills (Courtesy of Jeff Hunsaker)

With the Great Smokey Mountains rising majestically in the background, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee blends an invigorating country flavor into its gorgeous natural setting. This award-winning theme park has spectacular rides, attractions, live entertainment and craft shops that combine the southern tradition and history of Tennessee into an authentic and unforgettable experience. There are rides for all ages from white-knuckle thrillers like its newest wing coaster Wild Eagle, to kiddie rides, playgrounds for children, rides that make the most of the spectacular views and scenery of the mountain foothills like the Dollywood Express steam engine, plenty of shops, delicious dining, and more. For more information visit www.dollywood.com

HERSHEYPARK – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hersheypark is like three parks in one with its dry rides, water park rides in The Boardwalk, and its 11-acre zoo called ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Hersheypark has been entertaining people since its original founding in 1907 by Milton S. Hershey as a place of enjoyment for his employees. With over 65 rides and attractions including 12 coasters and a whole slew of rides for children, exciting live entertainment, games, shops and food, this outstanding 110-acre theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania has built a highly respected reputation in its industry. One admission price also includes access to the water park style rides and attractions of The Boardwalk, as well as to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park – an 11-acre zoo with over 200 animals from more than 60 species representative of North America, making it a world of delight for all ages. For more information visit www.hersheypark.com

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN’ SAFARI – Santa Claus, Indiana

The flying carousel ride HallowSwings at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offers panoramic views (Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari thrills guests with its dynamic duo of an amusement park and water park. With free parking, free unlimited soft drinks, free sunscreen, free Wi-Fi, rides for all levels, exciting attractions, shows, shops and dining, this theme park makes for an outstanding time for the whole family. This Santa Claus, Indiana park is themed after traditional holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and 4th of July. It is also home to the world’s longest water coaster Mammoth, and has a wonderful play area for kids that includes the interactive climbing structure Holidog’s Treehouse, and Magic Waters with its geysers for splashing fun. Holiday World was previously featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA article, while Splashin’ Safari was included in our Top 10 Best Waterparks in the United States article. For more information visit www.holidayworld.com

KINGS ISLAND – Mason, Ohio

Kids can ride on The Great Pumpkin Coaster at Kings Island Planet Snoopy

The largest amusement park in the Midwest also features the water park Soak City with more than 50 splashing attractions, so guests can have twice the fun for one admission price. Over 80 rides, attractions and shows at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio await to entertain families with kids of all ages. There are family rides like bumper cars, coasters, and flying swings, to thrill rides like the coasters Diamondback and The Beast, to special kids’ attractions like Planet Snoopy with its own rides, shows and favorite Peanuts characters, to live entertainment, plenty of dining options and more. Visitors can also meander through the fascinating Dinosaurs Alive! attraction with 60 life-size dinosaurs in a lush Jurassic setting (requires an additional nominal fee). For more information visit www.visitkingsisland.com

LEGOLAND– Carlsbad, California

Legoland’s Pirate Reef ride is great for sailors and landlubbers alike!

Where else can you see famous sites like the Las Vegas Strip, New York’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, New Orleans’ French Quarter, Washington D.C.’s monuments, and more reproduced on a miniature scale of 1:20 entirely from Lego bricks?  Legoland of course! This fabulous park is an absolute delight for families with children and features rides, shows, hand-on free play areas for young children to explore, attractions, shops, dining, and an exciting water park and aquarium (requires upgrade fee). The park is divided into themed areas including Dino Island, Pirate Shores and Castle Hill that captivate visitor’s imaginations and are strewn with life-sized models of characters made from Lego bricks. For more information visit Legoland, Carlsbad California or visit their official website at: http://california.legoland.com/en. Carlsbad’s Legoland was also featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA.

SEAWORLD – California, Texas & Florida

See exciting dolphin shows and more at SeaWorld (Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)

SeaWorld combines the thrills of an amusement park, with the wonder of the animal world. With three exciting locations to choose from (San Diego, CA, San Antonio, TX, and Orlando, FL), guests can learn all about the intriguing animals at these parks while having a roaring good time on the rides, attractions, shows, shops and dining. There are exciting rides for all levels of thrill seekers, like the flume coaster Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower with its spectacular views, splashing raft rides, and gentler rides for younger children. The exhibits feature fascinating animals like penguins, playful otters, tropical fish aquariums, sleek sharks, and lots more.  All three parks have fantastic shows including dolphins, killer whales, sea lions and acrobatic stunts. There are lots of touch/feed pools, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters for viewers to learn more about the amazing animals up close. For more information about their Southern California location please visit Sea World San Diego California Family Review, or you can also visit their official site at  http://seaworldparks.com

SESAME PLACE – Langhorne, Pennsylvania 

See Elmo and other lovable furry characters at Sesame Place (Photo contributed by Sesame Place)

This fantastic amusement park is the only one of its kind in the country, and perfect for families with younger children. See the Sesame Street Neighborhood come to life complete with its beloved furry characters like Elmo, Big Bird, the Cookie Monster, as well as the Furry Arms Hotel, Oscar’s trash can, Mr. Hooper’s store, Bert and Ernie’s house, and more. This Langhorne, Pennsylvania park offers games and plenty of wet and dry attractions for kids to ride, play, climb and explore including Big Bird’s Court, the Cookie Mountain, an interactive water play castle, slides, wave pool and more. Exciting shows and the popular Neighborhood Street Party Parade with all the favorite furry friends makes a visit to this outstanding theme park a memorable experience. For more information visit www.sesameplace.com

SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA – Gurnee, Illinois

The dazzling Columbia Carousel stands 10 stories with two decks for a nostalgic ride (Courtesy of Six Flags Great America)

Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags Great America is also home to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor where guests can get their fill of dry and wet thrills, and best of all, the water park is free with park admission. There are countless rides including the thrilling coasters Raging Bull and Viper, Jester’s Wild Ride rocking tugboat ride, Big Easy Balloons, Little Dipper family coaster, the resplendent Columbia Carousel, lots of shops, dining options, and shows with live entertainment including the Glow in the Park Parade. Three areas dedicated just for kids ensure that even the youngest guests are thoroughly entertained and include Skull Island, Kidzopolis, and Camp Cartoon with rides, attractions and play areas. The water park boasts slides, raft rides, a wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and more. For more information visit www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS – Orlando, Florida 

The iconic globe of Universal Studios Orlando

The world of film and television has a marvelous element of fantasy that is lots of fun to explore at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  From behind-the-scenes shows, to real working movie sets, and exciting rides and attractions, a visit to this park is unforgettable. There are 3-D and 4-D interactive experiences like Shrek 4-D and Terminator 2 3-D, play areas for kids like Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playground, shows like A Day in the Park with Barney, Fear Factor Live with lots of audience participation, the Horror Make-up Show, a variety of shops, and a delicious array of dining including cafes and restaurants. For more information visit Universal Orlando: Not Just for Thrill-Seeking Teens.

Particularly fascinating to children, zoos are a wonderful place for people of all ages to learn about the animal world and our role in its preservation while having fun. Listed alphabetically, the following 10 zoos were selected from the west coast region of the USA and include Washington State, Oregon and California, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Visit one of these fantastic zoos and discover some of the species that share in our amazing world.

Alaska Zoo

A tiger lounging at the Alaska Zoo

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the Alaska Zoo features a wonderful variety of animals native to this region. There are reindeer, moose, musk oxen, polar and brown bears, wolverines and wolves. Visitors can see a wide collection of birds of prey including owls, hawks and eagles. The zoo is also home to exotic cold weather creatures including Tibetan yaks, snow leopards, Amur tigers and double-humped Bactrian camels. There are tours, animal encounters and various programs that provide guests of all ages with educational experiences they are certain to remember. For more information on this wonderful zoo visit their website at www.alaskazoo.org

Honolulu Zoo

Elephants eating peanuts at the Honolulu Zoo

Hawaii’s tropical climate makes the Honolulu Zoo on the island of Oahu the perfect place for animal species indigenous to the tropics. Birds, mammals and reptiles from three major habitats are showcased here. The African Savannah habitat includes chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, lizards and a walk-through aviary. The Tropical Forest habitat features monkeys, tigers, elephants, Komodo dragons and colorful birds. The Pacific Islands habitat has native birds and reptiles including the Galapagos tortoise and Eclectus Parrots. Children can also enjoy a close encounter with the domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo including sheep, goats, hedgehogs, and llamas. For more information visit their website at www.honoluluzoo.org

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

A pensive gorilla at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Situated on 133 lush sprawling acres in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 1,100 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more than 800 species of plants. The fantastic exhibits include a gorilla reserve, walk-through tropical aviary, elephant habitat, rainforest, reptile house, and a host of animals native to Australia, Africa, Eurasia, and North and South America. A two-acre Winnick Family Children’s Zoo delights children with a petting area and low windows for pint-sized viewing at rare and unusual animals. The zoo also features an animal themed play park for little ones to climb and explore. A variety of shows and programs at the zoo allow for close encounters with the animals as well. For more information visit their website at www.lazoo.org

Oakland Zoo

A majestic lion at the Oakland Zoo

Set in the picturesque Knowland State Park of Oakland, California, the Oakland Zoo offers families a haven in which to explore the many animals living here. Its main attraction is the African Savannah where elephants and other animals roam a six-acre habitat with grassy hills, open plains, pool and trees. The zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest is a lush and inviting habitat with tigers, primates, colorful birds, reptiles and more. The zoo also features a fantastic children’s zoo with many play and discovery areas including giant sculptures, a Bug House with live insects and a Reptile & Amphibian Discovery room. A small amusement park within the zoo boasts rides for children as well. A variety of programs including live animal presentations and feedings make a trip here unforgettable. For more information visit their website www.oaklandzoo.org

Oregon Zoo

An orangutan at the Oregon Zoo

Founded in 1887, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo on the western part of the USA. Located in Portland Oregon, this 64-acre zoo is home to about 260 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians, 1,000 species of exotic plants in their botanical garden, and exhibits reflecting different regions from around the world including Africa – with lions, cheetahs, giraffes and hippos, Asian elephants, rainforests – with monkeys, birds and caimans, the Pacific shores – with bears, penguins, an insect zoo, the popular walk-through aviary Lorikeet Landing, and the Northwest – with a delightful petting farm where goats, hogs, ducks, chickens, rabbits and more reside. The zoo also boasts wonderful train rides that take guests on a scenic tour through the zoo and Washington Park. For more information visit www.oregonzoo.org

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Curious lemurs at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Surrounded by spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington offers a fantastic combination of zoo and aquarium on its 29-acre property. Most of the zoo animals are native to the Pacific Rim and feature such creatures as tigers and gibbons, to walruses, beluga whales, polar bears and puffins. The aquariums – South and North Pacific – are inhabited by a variety of fascinating marine life including shark, seahorses, cuttlefish and eels, and have a discovery center with touch tank. Children can play and explore at the Kids’ Zone with its live animals, petting zoo, crafts, and climbing and play apparatus. Then they can go for an enchanting ride on the zoo’s Antique Carousel that dates back to 1917. For more information visit www.pdza.org

San Diego Zoo

A panda munching on a bamboo shoot at the San Diego Zoo

100 acres in San Diego’s Balboa Park is home to one of the world’s best zoos with more than 4,000 animals and a botanical garden teeming with exotic plants. The San Diego Zoo has many rare and endangered animals and features exhibits with exquisitely reproduced natural habitats that include gorillas, tigers, leopards, jaguars, polar bears, camels, koalas, giant pandas and much more. The zoo’s Discovery Outpost has a wonderful Children’s Zoo with petting area and playground, and over 30 animal exhibits designed with kids in mind. Tours, animal interactions, presentations and programs offer fascinating and educational experiences, while gondola rides on Skyfari give guests an unforgettable view of the zoo and surrounding San Diego areas. The zoo also features a thrilling safari simulator ride and miniature train ride. For more information visit www.sandiegozoo.org

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Elephants at the San Diego Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive 1,800-acre sanctuary with rolling hills, rocky slopes, and over 3,500 animals in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. Visitors can embark on a variety of safaris where they will be treated to memorable wildlife encounters from scenic and relaxing cart and tram tours with knowledgeable guides, to exciting zip lines with panoramic views, to caravans, sleepovers in tents, and more. Kids will enjoy exploring the park’s jungle gym playground, Discovery Station with fun and educational activities, interactive water play area, Petting Kraal with goats, colorful lorikeets, and exotic merry-go-round with its many rare and wild animals for a delightful ride. This African-themed park offers guests a beautifully recreated glimpse of several African regions including a Gorilla Habitat, Lion Camp and Elephant Overlook. For more information visit www.sandiegozoo.org

San Francisco Zoo

A tamarin at the San Francisco Zoo

One of the most popular attractions in Northern California’s Bay Area, the San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, California has about 700 animals representing the regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and South America. Its 100-acre location by the Pacific Ocean offers families fabulous exhibits, a scenic nature trail, shows and programs, miniature steam train, carousel, bird sanctuary, playground and recreational area. The Children’s Zoo has its own exhibits including an Insect Zoo where kids can observe and learn about creepy crawlies in fascination. It also boasts a Family Farm with petting area, hatchery, and programs like animal care and feedings. The Fisher-Price Little Learners’ Log Cabin provides young children and toddlers with dynamic learning opportunities including music, crafts, games and animal encounters as well. For more information visit www.sfzoo.org

Woodland Park Zoo

Penguins at the Woodland Park Zoo

From tropical rain forests, to the African savannah, to the Pacific Northwest, the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington houses about 1,100 animals in its award-winning naturalistic habitat exhibits. Watch jaguars in a lush tropical forest; see lions, hippos and zebras in the grassland plains; hand feed tropical birds as you walk through the Willawong Station where over 150 colorful birds fly free; listen to Madagascar hissing cockroaches and katydids, or observe desert millipedes and scorpions in Bug World. Children will love the Family Farm (seasonal), with its petting area that includes goats, rabbits and sheep, and the nature-themed Zoomazium where they can have fun expending energy in a playground, enjoy stories, arts and crafts, and live animals. The zoo also features an historic carousel with 48 horses that is open year-round. For more information visit www.zoo.org

My husband, myself, our son, and our daughter at Sea World, California.

On a recent trip to San Diego, California my husband and I took our 3-year old son and 10-month old daughter to Sea World.  Like so many other places, it was a destination we had visited in our pre-children days so venturing out as a family was a new experience.  Our hotel in Hotel Circle was conveniently located just a few miles from the Park so the drive took less than 15 minutes.  This was a welcome bonus for both ourselves and our children considering that we’d spent over seven hours in the car the day before travelling from Southern Utah!

I did some research before leaving for the Park and found that Sea World charges a parking fee: $14 for regular vehicle parking and $19 for closer Preferred Parking.  This last option, although more expensive can be worth the money when travelling with young children and all their accessories since the spots are much closer to the entrance.  Although we’d planned on taking advantage of this option, we found upon arriving that we were early enough that the available parking spaces were just as good as those in the Preferred section, so we didn’t end up needing it after all.

Seasame Street Bay of Play at Sea World, California.

After picking up our already-paid-for tickets at the Will Call window (we’d booked our trip through a travel website so our tickets were waiting for us), we headed into the park.  The first area we decided to visit was someplace we had not seen before.  It was called the Sesame Street Bay of Play and was a large section specially created for children.  It had attractions for kids of many ages including a couple of different rides (these had height requirements), a very large splash pad (warning, your kids will get soaked), a bounce house, maze, climbing net, rope bridge, and a play area for infants 18 months and younger.  Our daughter enjoyed this little play area and also had fun at the splash pad.

My son enjoying the Air Bounce at Sea World, California.

Our son had a blast on everything although he said he especially loved the bounce house and splash pad.  Fortunately we’d brought changes of clothes (San Diego weather can be rather unpredictable) so after they got drenched we were able to put them into dry sets before exploring the rest of the Park.  Had I realized before we left that Sea World had such an area, I probably would have packed their bathing suits instead and will certainly be sure to bring them along on future trips!

Splash pad at the Bay of Play Sea World

After leaving the Bay of Play we decided to watch one of Sea World’s many animal shows.  The “Sea Lion Live” show looked interesting so we headed across the park to try that one.

While the show itself was entertaining and our son enjoyed watching it, having to get there early enough to get seats was a bit problematic.  Most of the ‘theaters’ open their gates about a half hour before the show starts and while it’s a good idea to get there when they do in order to find a spot to sit, entertaining young children during the wait can be difficult.  Our son did okay for most of the wait but our daughter was not so happy about it and I’m afraid there were a few disgruntled guests sitting on the benches around us.  Fortunately even she seemed to be absorbed by the Sea Lions once they finally made their appearance, but it was definitely more of a hassle than I would have liked!

After leaving the show we decided to take a look at some of the nearby exhibits.  We made sure to visit Shark Encounter which our son loved.  Part of the exhibit includes a moving sidewalk which runs through a tunnel beneath the water.  The sharks (which are visible from above in a huge tank at another point of the attraction) are now swimming above and on both sides of the visitors providing a stunning view of them from every angle.  This exhibit is always worth seeing and seemed to be an especially huge hit with all the little boys that were visiting!

Our son at Shark Encounter at Sea World, California.

Once we left that area we went on to see the Penguins, (our daughter loved watching them dive off the rocks) and then to see the Dolphins.  When we first arrived however, we found the viewing area was closed for their Dolphin Interaction Program.  While this was going on, the exhibit was shut down so we went and had lunch while we waited.  The Shipwreck Reef Café was the closest restaurant to the exhibit so we decided to give it a try.  The food was good and it was set up in a semi-buffet style, but it was also very expensive.  The portions were quite large however, which worked out well since our kids were young enough to share with anyway!  Once we were done eating the dolphins were open for viewing again and our son had a wonderful time reaching over the side, (with Daddy’s help) to touch the dolphins as they swam by.  This was one of the most crowded attractions at Sea World as the dolphins are absolutely always entertaining to watch and they often swim close enough to the sides to touch.  Since it’s an interactive exhibit and touching is allowed, it is always packed!  It’s certainly worth it though as the adults enjoy it every bit as much as the kids!

My son and I visiting the Dolphins at Sea World, California.

For our last stop of the day, we decided to take in yet another show.  Despite the frustration of dealing with the early seating, we felt we couldn’t miss seeing Shamu since the Killer Whale is of course, the star of Sea World!  The Shamu shows have two different seating areas: the “Soak Zone” and what I like to think of as the “safe zone.”  If you sit in the “Soak Zone,” (which takes up the first 16 rows all the way around the theater), you really should be prepared to get truly wet.  Although the day was warm and it would have been nice to cool off a bit, our daughter was sleeping, so we sat higher up where the water would be sure to miss us.  Our son really loved watching the whales swim around the enormous tank and slide up onto the platform to ‘wave’ at everyone.  Our son enjoyed him so much in fact that it was the stuffed animal he chose to take home as a souvenir!

Enjoying Shamu at Sea World, California.

Although we really enjoyed our time at Sea World, my husband and I both agreed it probably would have been more fun if our kids were older.  Of course our daughter was too young to take in much, but we also felt our son would have enjoyed it more had he been a little bit bigger.  Even though the kids got to ride in the stroller, they still got bored with all the walking and we were all in the sun a lot.  Shade in the park is limited—especially during the shows—and sunblock is a must!  The distance between exhibits was often considerable, and once we got inside they usually weren’t interactive enough for our children to thoroughly have fun.  While our son enjoyed watching the shows, they were more geared toward an older audience.  At the end of the day, it was obvious that our kids’ favorite part of Sea World was the Bay of Play and that they could have spent a lot more time there and have been perfectly content. While I know we’ll visit Sea World again, we will probably wait until most of our kids are a bit older!

Our sunburned son (and Shamu) at the end of our Sea World day.

For more information on Sea World San Diego including admission prices, show schedules, and exhibits, please visit their website at http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sandiego/.

My son and daughter at the San Diego Zoo, California.

On our recent family trip to San Diego, California my husband and I took our 3-year old son and 10-month old daughter to visit the San Diego Zoo.  Having just trekked through Sea World the day before we were tired but ready for another adventure!  Like Sea World, the Zoo was also located just a few minutes from our hotel at Hotel Circle but unlike our previous destination, parking at the Zoo was free.  After getting our stroller loaded up and picking up our tickets at the Will Call window (we’d booked our vacation through a travel website so our tickets were there waiting for us) we headed off to explore!

Visiting the Koalas at the San Diego Zoo, California.

The Zoo has their exhibits grouped together in large sections with each section housing a variety of animals.  Our son was anxious to see the elephants and our path to see them took us by the “Outback,” “Urban Jungle,” and “Africa Rocks” portions of the park which meant we got to see among other things the giraffes, camels, koalas, and vultures along the way.  Although most of those exhibits were ‘stroller friendly,’ the koala enclosure was a bit tricky.  I had to take the stroller up through the exit and it was so crowded that navigating through all the people without running over anyone was a challenge.  It would have been easier to have parked the stroller outside the exhibit and carried the baby up; something I saw many other people doing!

My husband and son with the elephants at the San Diego Zoo, California.

By the time we finally reached “Elephant Odyssey” we were tired so we stopped for a few minutes to pull out some snacks (the Zoo does allow snacks and drinks to be brought in to the park as long as they’re kept in small personal bags) and watch the elephants from a near-by bench.  Their enclosure is huge with many different viewing areas and our son really enjoyed seeing them all close up!  He was especially captivated by one huge male that was pulling apart a large tree trunk!

My son visiting the lion at the San Diego Zoo, California.

As we left “Elephant Odyssey” and continued on around the Zoo, we came to a small glass-enclosed exhibit where a jaguar, lion, and lioness were housed.  Unlike the outdoor enclosures, this one allowed visitors to view the huge cats through just a pane of (hopefully very thick) glass.  It was an extremely popular exhibit and was quite crowded so we had to wait a bit to squeeze our son up front so he could see them.  It was worth the wait though!  He was fascinated (and a little intimidated) at seeing them so close but it turned out to be one of his favorite parts of the day!

Myself with my son and daughter hanging with the Flamingos at the San Diego Zoo, California

The rest of our afternoon took us through the “Polar Rim” and “Asian Passage” parts of the park as well as past the “Panda Canyon” section of the Zoo.  Although we’d hoped to see the Pandas, the exhibit only allowed a certain number of people in at a time so those who were waiting stood in a very long line outside the doors.  With the wait close to forty minutes, we decided to pass so we could see the rest of the park instead. We had a quick lunch at the near-by “Canyon Café” then decided to see the gorillas.

My son in the Polar Rim section of the San Diego Zoo, California.

This turned out to be the most confusing part of our day.  The Zoo is not only separated into sections but also has a number of walkways and ‘roads’ that run through it.  The gorillas happen to be located high up one of the hills at the Zoo and the path that eventually leads to them winds past a number of other animals as well and then requires a change onto another path half-way up.  We wandered around for quite a while until we finally found them and in the process, discovered that of all places, this was not a stroller friendly exhibit either.  One of the walkways is almost a vertical incline and for safety reasons the Zoo doesn’t allow strollers on it.

The Children's Discovery Playground at the San Diego Zoo, California.

This further delayed our visit to the gorillas but once we finally got there, we found there had been another, much easier way to reach them.  It was rather confusingly located near the exit of the gorillas by the “Treehouse Café” and didn’t go past all the other animals.  An elevator allowed strollers as well as wheelchairs easy access to the third and highest level where the gorillas were located.  Even here though there were a series of stairs that made it difficult for strollers to get by.  Fortunately they were shallow enough to get up and down easily so for those of us who were determined to take our strollers, it was possible.  Others chose to park their strollers near the grill and carry their children to see the gorillas.

The Disovery Playground at the San Diego Zoo, California.

My son with his tiger face paint at the San Diego Zoo, California.

After our adventure to see the Great Apes, we stopped to visit the Insect house (which was somehow disgusting and fascinating at the same time and something our son loved) then ended up accidentally coming across a children’s play area called the “Discovery Playground.”  It had a good sized playground and just beyond that, a petting zoo called the “Petting Paddock.”  Our son really enjoyed playing on all the equipment while my husband and I rested on one of the shaded benches and our daughter napped.  Then we visited the Petting Paddock together where he got to feed some of the animals.  Afterwards he had his face painted and enjoyed being a ‘tiger’ so much that he was sad to have it all washed off at the end of the day!  Like the play area at Sea World, this was also one of his favorite places of the day.  It gave him a chance to run off some of his energy while his exhausted parents sat down for a while!

My husband and daughter on the Skyfari at the San Diego Zoo, California.

As one of our final adventures of the day we took a round trip on the “Skyfari” sky gondolas.  It passes high above the park over the “Lost Forest,” “Panda Canyon,” and “Polar Rim” sections of the park.  It does not allow strollers so we parked ours along the fence before boarding and picked it up again after our return trip.  In addition to the “Skyfari,” the Zoo also has a series of busses that are available.  Some of them allow guests to get on and off at stops across the Zoo while others provide 40-minute guided tours.  This last option looked interesting but we weren’t sure that we could keep our kids occupied for that long so we decided to save it for another time!  On a side note, both the “Skyfari” and bus were included in the price of our tickets so we didn’t need to pay extra to take advantage of them.

Just before we left we had a quick dinner at the “Front Street Café,” a restaurant we enjoyed much more than our lunch at the “Canyon Café.”  Although both places were somewhat expensive, they were still less than our meals had been at Sea World!

All in all, our kids both seemed to enjoy the Zoo more than Sea World and my husband and I did as well.  While our daughter was still too young to interact much, she was much more engaged with the animals we saw at the Zoo.  There was just as much walking (if not more) as there had been at Sea World but there was a lot more to see and experience in between exhibits; there was always something else just around the corner and our son was never bored.  There was also more shade at the Zoo which made the day a lot more enjoyable.  Since the weather in San Diego can be a bit iffy at times, we packed extra clothes for our kids just in case; they started out wearing shorts but ended up in jeans as the afternoon went on.  Aside from the problems with stroller access, we all had a great time and are looking forward to a return trip!

For more information on the San Diego Zoo including hours, admission prices, shows, and special exhibits, please visit their website at www.sandiegozoo.org.

My husband, son and daughter at the Petting Paddock at the San Diego Zoo, California.

Oceans, rivers and lakes have captivated people since the beginning of time with living mysteries of every size, shape and color that dwell in their depths. Aquariums offer an up close and personal venue to explore these mysteries while educating visitors about the various ecosystems upon which we rely. The following 10 aquariums (listed alphabetically) stand among the very best in the USA. Come discover our planet’s water world and watch the faces around you light up in wonder.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific - exterior view (photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific)

Home to more than 11,000 animals, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California represents nearly 500 species of fascinating creatures in the Pacific Ocean. Three main regions of the world’s largest ocean are represented here: the warm Tropical Pacific, the moderate waters of Southern California and Baja, and the cold Northern Pacific off the coasts of Alaska and Russia. In addition to the ongoing exhibits there is a wonderful range of programs for children and adults meant “to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems,” as the aquarium’s mission states.

Aquarium of the Pacific - Tropical Reef Habitat (photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific)

Galleries and Exhibits

Some of the more popular exhibits are the interactive Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest aviary, and the new Arctic & Antarctic: Our Polar Regions in Peril gallery. Get face-to-face with sharks in the Shark Lagoon with its sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and more. Visitors can even touch the more gentle varieties like zebra, epaulette, and bamboo sharks. The displays and daily shark feeding presentations are educational and lots of fun for all ages.

Say hello to the lorikeets in the 5,200 square foot Lorikeet Forest aviary. These colorful birds are native to the Southern Pacific in Australia, south-eastern Asia, Polynesia, and Papua New Guinea. Visitors can purchase a small cup of nectar to feed these friendly little parrots, and watch them closely as they hop on your shoulder, arm and hand to sip at the nectar.

The new Arctic & Antarctic: Our Polar Regions in Peril gallery gives people the opportunity to see polar animals like the arctic fox and king crab up close while learning about what can be done to protect their habitats. Two adorable arctic fox pups have recently joined the Aquarium’s family as well. This exhibit includes a fascinating moon jelly touch tank that is safe for children.

Some of the additional popular exhibits include the BP Sea Otter Habitat, Tropical Pacific Gallery with over 1,000 colorful fish and coral, the Northern Pacific Gallery, Southern California/Baja Gallery with the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat and the Ray Touch Pool, and much more.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The Aquarium offers daily presentations with its seals and sea lions, sea otters, and sharks as well as underwater presentations with divers, who are equipped with microphones. The Marine Life Theater features daily interactive family education programs, and the Honda Theater offers educational films that relate to our ocean planet, including a 4D film. There are also a variety of education programs that include courses, lectures, kayaking adventures, summer day camps, family sleepovers, parent and child classes and family workshops. Programs feature various marine topics and may include animal interaction.

Location

Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100. For more information visit www.aquariumofpacific.org. Other related articles include: Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach, CA

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas‎

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - exterior view (photo courtesy of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas)

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in the historic French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas explores the waters from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. 10,000 animals spanning 400 species are featured, representing both the North and South American Continents.

Galleries and Exhibits

There are many wonderful ongoing exhibits showcasing amazing creatures that captivate and engage visitors of all ages. Walk through the Caribbean Reef exhibit’s clear, 30-foot-long tunnel where aquatic creatures of all shapes and sizes can be seen swimming through 132,000 gallons of water. The Gulf of Mexico exhibit replicates an offshore oilrig where various shark species, sea turtles, stingrays and the largest tarpon in captivity swim through the 400,000-gallon tank. The Changing Exhibits Gallery features new and interactive exhibits with a play zone and touch pool.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sea turtle (photo courtesy of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas)

Some of the additional popular exhibits include the Sea Otter Gallery, Penguins, Frogs exhibit with a colorful assortment of amphibians, Seahorse Gallery that includes two species of rare seadragons, Jellies exhibit with graceful jellyfish from around the world, many from the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River gallery with its catfish, paddlefish, and alligators.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The animal presentations, feedings and educational shows help visitors understand the creatures of the deep, while the touch pools allow for greater appreciation of these fascinating animals through interactive encounters. The Holiday Camps are a great opportunity for children to have outdoor animal experiences during breaks, and typically include: hikes, classroom lessons, daily animal encounters, arts and crafts projects, animal shows and feedings, presentations and videos. All vary by age and weekly themes. The Audubon Zoo and Audubon Insectarium are conveniently located here as well. There is an Entergy IMAX® Theatre that features terrific films in big bold colors to educate and entertain viewers of all ages.

Location

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas‎ New Orleans is located at 423 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 410-2847. For more information visit www.auduboninstitute.org

Georgia Aquarium

10 million gallons of water may sound like a lot. Perhaps that is because it belongs to the world’s largest aquarium: Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. With the largest collection of aquatic animals, a fascinating array of exhibits and programs that engage, entertain and educate visitors, this aquarium offers guests an exciting and unforgettable experience for all ages.

This Bluering Angelfish is just one of the colorful animals that call the Tropical Diver Gallery home. (photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Galleries and Exhibits

There are six galleries within Georgia Aquarium, each representing distinct aquatic habitats, ranging from arctic to tropical waters, featuring the largest collection of aquatic animals.

Ocean Voyager, the world’s largest aquatic habitat, features species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and includes a 100-foot long tunnel which surrounds guests with water and animals on three sides. Here guests can view whale sharks, manta rays, and a variety of sharks as they glide through the waters around them.

Tropical Diver is a 164,000 gallon reef habitat with more than 90 species of fish and live coral beautifully displayed as a living art gallery for viewers to admire.

Georgia Aquarium houses four beluga whales in the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest gallery. (photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest features animals from the icy waters of the polar regions to the temperate seas of California, South Africa and southern Australia. Beluga whales, harbor seals, sea otters, and a penguin habitat call this exhibit home.

River Scout is a freshwater gallery boasting species from lakes and rivers from around the world. Waterfalls, logjams and an overhead river entice guests with colorful displays of African cichlids, a variety of electric fish, a striking emerald tree boa, ghost-white albino American alligators, and highly sociable small-clawed otters, amusing guests with their antics. A pop-up window allows kids to get an up-close look at the razor-sharp teeth of the piranha.

Georgia Explorer is a highly interactive gallery which includes a large children’s play area, a simulated shrimp boat and touch pools featuring bonnethead sharks, cownose rays, horseshoe crabs, sea stars and shrimp. This habitat features marine life indigenous to Georgia, from offshore environments all the way to the coast and into the freshwater river systems. Exhibits feature poisonous lionfish, loggerhead sea turtles and fishes of Gray’s Reef, an underwater area off the Georgia coast designated a National Marine Sanctuary.

AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery includes a spectacular theater with live entertainment that takes guests on an exciting interactive journey across the oceans, while educating the public about marine mammals.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Throughout the galleries guests are entertained and educated by the important animals that live in the various habitats and regions. The 4D Theater allows viewers to experience the underwater world from the perspective of the creatures who live there. It is a wonderful experience that engages visitors through multi-sensory media, drawing them into the deep’s mysterious wonderland. Georgia Aquarium events and programs include the children’s Camp H2O (for children ages 5-11) for interactive animal encounters and explorations. There are also toddler activities for 2-5 year olds, behind-the-scenes tours, lectures, and so much more to discover here.

Location

Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 581-4000. For more information visit www.georgiaaquarium.org

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Situated on the beautiful California Coast amid salty ocean breezes and the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium features more than 35,000 animals and plants representing over 550 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants found in Monterey Bay and other marine habitats worldwide.

Galleries and Exhibits

There are approximately 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay. A few highlights include the Kelp Forest (335,000 gallons) where sardines, leopard sharks, wolf-eels and a host of other fishes glide through an enchanted emerald forest of swaying kelp fronds.

Playful sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Sea Otters exhibit (55,000 gallons) showcases two views of these playful creatures: one from the second floor where they can be seen swimming on the surface, and another from the first floor as they dive and swim beneath the water.

Ethereal jellies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Open Sea exhibit is the Aquarium’s largest exhibit with dazzling schools of sardines, tuna, shark and sea turtles swimming across the 90-foot window, while graceful jellies dance through the water.

The Splash Zone has over 45 bilingual interactive exhibits with many new animals, including sea dragons and pot-bellied seahorses. Here children will be delighted by the many features including touch pools, games, and water play areas.

Other exciting exhibits include the Giant Pacific Octopus, Hot Pink Flamingos, Life on the Bay, Mission to the Deep, Monterey Bay Habitats, Sandy Shore & Aviary, Secret Lives of Seahorses, Penguins, and more. This wonderful aquarium houses one of the world’s largest jellyfish galleries as well.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The various shows and presentations help to entertain while educating viewers about the many fascinating animals and habitats showcased at the aquarium. Feedings present learning opportunities about the important roles they play. Wildlife such as dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, whales, numerous seabirds and much more can be viewed from the ocean view decks. Through fun musical performances, live theater presentations and programs, classes, underwater video cameras, films and more, visitors of all ages will come away with a greater appreciation for the plants and animals they meet, and the conservation efforts to help them prosper in an ever changing planet.

Location

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California (831) 648-4800. For more information visit www.montereybayaquarium.org

National Aquarium

National Aquarium combines two venues in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. which together house over 16,500 animals from more than 660 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals living in award-winning, naturalistic habitats.

Galleries and Exhibits

The Washington D.C. site features more than 1,500 specimens and 250 species of amazing creatures. Its American Freshwater Ecosystems Gallery has animals from freshwater habitats in every region of the United States such as the hellbender salamander and the black-banded sunfish. The Amphibians Gallery highlights salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads, along with endangered or threatened amphibians such as the elusive eastern tiger salamander that is rarely seen in the wild. The Amazon River Basin Gallery features animals like the piranha, freshwater stingrays, tropical tetras, angelfish and an electric eel.

A shark glides through the water at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

The Baltimore site features three pavilions of exciting attractions with hundreds of exhibits. Here visitors can explore the connection between life and water by journeying from the top of the rain forest to the depths of the ocean. Displays of Maryland’s diverse aquatic life and one of the largest sting ray collections in the country are included. A kelp sea forest and vibrant coral reef with more than 500 exotic fish from species such as triggerfish, porcupine fish and hogfish surround visitors as they walk through the exhibit. Guests can also come face-to-face with free-roaming animals in Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes and the Amazon Rain Forest exhibits. These extraordinarily recreated habitats feature many animals such as basking lizards and iguanas, colorful birds, turtles, sloths and more. The Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance exhibit features about nine different species of these stunning creatures.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Dolphins delight guests with their antics in the Dolphin Show at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium has lots of educational and interactive elements including games, puzzles, touch tanks and more. The Baltimore venue features an exciting 4-D Immersion Theater where 3-D film and sensory effects such as mist and wind merge to fully engage viewers. There are live dolphin shows at the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Amphitheater, sleepovers for children and their parents at the Baltimore site, daily feedings, special tours, and more wonderful experiences that “inspire people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world,” as their mission states.

Location

The Baltimore venue is located at 501 E. Pratt St. Pier 3 Baltimore, MD 21205 (410) 576-3800. For more information visit www.aqua.org

The Washington D.C. venue is located at 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230 (202) 482-2825. For more information visit www.nationalaquarium.com

New England Aquarium

A favorite destination for children and adults since its opening in 1969, the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts sits along Boston’s historic waterfront. It seeks to “protect the blue planet through hands-on programs, live animal and interactive exhibits, public lectures and forums, and research and conservation projects.”

Galleries and Exhibits

There are over 30,000 animals and 70 exhibits representing the diverse habitats of our world at the aquarium. Some of the highlights include the Atlantic Harbor Seals exhibit which is located outside the aquarium’s entrance. Visitors can watch the seals swim and play in the deep cool waters, then snooze on the rocky outcrops of their habitat. Once inside the aquarium, the Penguin exhibit delights guests with more than 80 birds representing several species of penguins. Interactive elements allow guests to learn more about these enchanting creatures.

Closeup of a sand tiger shark at the New England Aquarium (photo courtesy of S. Cheng)

The Giant Ocean Tank beckons viewers with its four-story Caribbean coral reef exhibit in the middle of the Aquarium’s main exhibit galleries, where more than 600 animals including sea turtles, sand tiger sharks, barracuda, stingrays, moray eels and hundreds of colorful reef fish glide through 200,000 gallons of salt water. Six exhibits in the Amazon Rainforest gallery captivate visitors where piranhas, anacondas, electric eels, stingrays, colorful poison dart frogs and a host of other fascinating animals await. The Seadragons exhibit showcases these intricate marvels of nature that use camouflage to hide from predators.

Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the New England Aquarium (photo courtesy of S. Cheng)

Hands-on exhibits for children and adults include the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank with their graceful  cownose and Atlantic rays, gentle bonnethead sharks and epaulette sharks; the Edge of the Sea touch tank with sea stars, horseshoe and hermit crabs, lobsters, sea urchins and more; and the Curious George Discovery Corner where small children can explore different shapes, colors and textures of the water world.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The aquarium offers many lectures, classes and programs including summer camps, field trips and whale watching excursions. A variety of resources including online games and activities also foster appreciation, respect and education about the marine world. The Simons IMAX Theatre presents films about wildlife and fascinating creatures of the deep. The touch pool exhibits and guided behind-the-scenes tours also offer close encounters with a variety of animals that are sure to create lasting memories.

Location

New England Aquarium is located at Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399 (617) 973-5200.  For more information visit www.neaq.org

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Situated on about 40 acres on the edge of Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is home to approximately 15,000 specimens representing 250 species of seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, invertebrates and plants native to the Oregon coast. In addition to its grand exhibit galleries and outdoor habitats, there are beautiful grounds and gardens for exploring including lush meandering estuary trails with lookout points and informative displays.

Galleries and Exhibits

A colorful touch tank at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits that beautifully replicate the habitats of the animals they showcase. Passages of the Deep connects three indoor galleries with a 200-foot underwater acrylic tunnel. Visitors get the feeling of being immersed in the sea as they view the 3,500 creatures from the wolf eels and rockfish in the shadowy valleys of Orford Reef, to the sturgeon, skate, halibut and flounder swimming along a shipwreck in Halibut Flats, to the Open Sea teeming with huge bat rays, sharks, and schools of fish gliding through the filtered light.

Reptiles at the Oregon Coast Aquarium's Swampland exhibit

Outdoor exhibits include Sea Otters with the largest population of sea otters in the state of Oregon, Seals and Sea Lions, Sea Bird Aviary, the fascinating Giant Pacific Octopus, Swampland – the aquarium’s newest changing exhibit with reptiles, amphibians and fish, Temporary Exhibits and more.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Animal encounters at the Oregon Coast Aquarium are held twice a month during which participants get behind-the-scenes experience in feeding and caring for the animals. There is the Octopus Encounter – with one of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures, Sea Lion Encounter, Sharks and Finned Friends Encounter and Sea Otter Encounter. Interactive elements engage children’s senses to make learning fun. There are also sleepovers, summer camps, behind-the-scenes tours, and curriculum-based education programs with on-site classes, lab and theater programs.

Location

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR (541) 867-3474. For more information visit www.aquarium.org

SeaWorld

With three fantastic locations to choose from (San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas; Orlando, Florida), Seaworld offers visitors the best of an aquarium and amusement park all packaged into one exciting and educational experience for the whole family. There are rides for all ages, stunning exhibits, lively shows, tours and close encounters that “provide an enthusiastic, imaginative, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere to help guests develop a lifelong appreciation, understanding, and stewardship for our environment.”

Rides and Exhibits

Journey to Atlantis thrills guests at Seaworld Orlando. This ride is featured at all three Seaworld parks.

There are plenty of thrill and kids’ rides and exhibits at the three parks. Among their many attractions there is the exciting flume ride/coaster Journey to Atlantis in all three parks, the raft ride Shipwreck Rapids in San Diego, SkyTower with its spectacular views in San Diego and Orlando, the Shamu Express kiddie coaster in San Antonio and Orlando, Rio Loco raft ride in San Antonio, and Paddle Boats in Orlando.

All three Seaworld parks feature penguins

Some of the popular exhibits in San Diego include Wild Arctic with its extraordinary beluga whales, polar bears and colossal walruses, Rocky Point Preserve with its touchable bottlenose dolphins and playful sea otters, and World of the Sea Aquarium with its colorful warm water tropical fish. Among the many San Antonio exhibits there is Dolphin Cove in a spacious lagoon, alligator Alley, and the Sharks/Coral Reef in a stunning 450,000-gallon habitat. Seaworld Orlando has a Stingray lagoon, Manta Aquarium, Dolphin Cove, Shark Encounter, and much more.

Shows, Programs and Encounters

All three parks feature a fun array of shows, programs and encounters designed to inform, educate and entertain viewers about the many animals and habitats showcased at the parks. There are lots of touch/feed pools such as those for bottlenose dolphins and stingrays, behind-the-scenes tours, different animal encounters such as the penguin encounter, and animal experts touring the park with various creatures.

There are numerous thrilling shows with acrobatic performers, killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Educational programs include day camps filled with intriguing age-appropriate activities that offer hands-on exploration, up-close animal encounters, games and crafts. The parks also offer sleepovers for families, school groups and scouts.

Locations

Seaworld San Diego is located at 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109 (800) 257-4268.

Seaworld San Antonia is located at 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 (800) 700-7786.

Seaworld Orlando is located at 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 (888) 800-5447.

For more information visit www.seaworldparks.com

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium overlooks Chicago's Lake Michigan

A national historic landmark, the John G. Shedd Aquarium has been captivating and educating visitors for over 80 years. It is found on the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois and features about 32,500 animals representing approximately 1,500 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.

Galleries and Exhibits

An eel peeks out from the watery darkness at the Shedd Aquarium

The galleries and exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium recreate numerous habitats in amazing detail. There is the Wild Reef exhibit – representative of the Philippine coral reef – that immerses viewers in an ocean replete with lush coral gardens, a variety of sharks, rays, reef fish and eels. In Waters of the World 80 habitats flourish with hundreds of animals including a giant octopus, moon jellies, sea stars, amphibians, reptiles, turtles and fish from rivers, lakes and the vast sea.

Amazon Rising follows the world’s largest freshwater system in a region that spans many South American countries, bringing guests face-to-face with hundreds of species of animals including piranhas, birds, sloths, insects, snakes, catfish, crocodiles, stingrays and caiman lizards.

The Caribbean Reef’s 90,000-gallon circular habitat gives visitors a 360-degree tour of the animals living here including graceful stingrays, bonnethead sharks, puffer fish, lobsters, moray eels, parrotfish and more. Divers hand-feed the animals and give informative talks five times daily.

Abbott Oceanarium replicates the coastal environment of the Pacific Northwest where Beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea otters and harbor seals frolic. Nature trails take guests through a lush wilderness in this region with streams and tide pools that feature sea stars, fishes and anemones.

For a limited time the temporary Jellies exhibit features these amazing creatures that appear to be exquisite artistic creations. Mysterious and mesmerizing, they pulsate and billow in luminous colors. 10 species of jellies are featured here.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Shedd Aquarium offers programs for children, adults, families and school groups on aquatic and conservation-related subjects that include college-accredited courses, excursions and local field trips, animal encounters, hands-on workshops, sleepovers and more. The Polar Play Zone gives children a place to stretch their imaginations as they explore touch pools, interactive elements and games in an area just for them. The Abbott Oceanarium’s amphitheater features fantastic marine and mammal presentations – such as the exciting dolphin show – with a strong conservation message against a stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. The 4-D Experience in Phelps Auditorium dazzles viewers with 3-D projection, high-tech audio and a mélange of sensory effects like wind, intriguing scents, sounds and more.

Location

The John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 939-2438. For more information visit www.sheddaquarium.org

Tennessee Aquarium

About 10,000 animals swim, fly and crawl in the exquisitely reproduced natural habitats of the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. From freshwater mountain streams and lakes, to the Appalachian Cove Forest and steamy Delta swamp, to the rivers of the world and the deep open ocean, guests can discover the wonderful diversity of the fresh and saltwater creatures and habitats that share our amazing planet.

Delightful penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium (photo courtesy of Todd Stailey)

Galleries and Exhibits

The Tennessee Aquarium showcases a vast assortment of living fresh and saltwater specimens in its two aquarium buildings – the River Journey and the Ocean Journey – each housing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in galleries and interactive exhibits that lead guests on a wonderful adventure of discovery.

The River Journey takes visitors on an exciting voyage where playful river otters, snakes, giant catfish, primitive-looking paddlefish and sturgeon, numerous turtles, alligators, birds, amphibians and a host of other species captivate onlookers in the various exhibits. The galleries and exhibits recreate the natural habitats in remarkable sensory detail, beginning with the ancient woods of the Appalachian Cove Forest, down through the Tennessee River, various lakes, the Mississippi Delta, on through the Gulf of Mexico, and Rivers of the World.

A cuttlefish on exhibit in the Tennessee Aquarium's Boneless Beauties Gallery at Ocean Journey (photo courtesy of Todd Stailey)

The Ocean Journey features sharks, graceful stingrays, penguins, colorful reef fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, seahorses, jellyfish and much more in the many fantastic exhibits. The galleries and exhibits depict intricate reef systems, tropical rainforests, rocky shorelines, the aquarium’s largest touch station – Shark Island – with harmless sharks and stingrays, and other habitats with vibrant exhibits. Hundreds of butterflies dance in the popular tropical Butterfly Garden, where their gossamer wings shimmer like gems.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Many of the exhibits offer hands-on interactive opportunities to engage visitors with innovative graphic displays and video presentations. The hourly animal encounter programs and touch pools delight viewers of every age. The new popular Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari in River Journey unites kids and nature in a fun and educational close encounter with a Eurasian eagle owl, ground hog, talking parrots, and lots more. The Aquarium also has an IMAX 3D® Theater, Environmental Learning Lab, summer camps for children, behind-the-scenes tours, fully equipped classroom, bird shows and dive shows to “inspire wonder and appreciation for the natural world.”

Location

The Tennessee Aquarium is located at One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402 (800) 262-0695. For more information visit www.tnaqua.org

My little family on our trip to San Diego, CA.

Recently my little family—comprising of my husband, three-year old son, ten-month old daughter, and myself—set out on a 7-hour drive from our home in Southern Utah to San Diego, California.  It was actually closer to an 8 ½ hour drive when considering the number of stops we had to make for bathroom breaks and diaper changes.  Our vacation was rather last minute; we left on a Thursday and I’d made the reservations just three days before.  After a friend told me about a website with some really great last minute deals on San Diego hotels and attractions  (getawaytoday.com), I decided to go online just to check it out and ended up booking our trip!  The website allowed me to select my destination and then put together my own hotel and attraction package.  I first selected the Vacation Packages option, then entered my travel dates.  The site compiled a selection of hotels with a variety of star ratings to choose from and listed the dollar amounts for each option which included both the room and Sea World tickets. 

I picked the Days Hotel, Hotel Circle, a 2 ½ star hotel  (I figured we wouldn’t be in the room much anyway and the price couldn’t be beat), then decided I wanted to add San Diego Zoo tickets to my order as well.  For each set of tickets, I was prompted to choose the ages of the travellers and explained what was included in the admission price. 

The Days Hotel, Hotel Circle San Diego, CA. Photo courtesy of bestcaliforiahotel.com.

While putting together my package, I selected the hotel option I wanted but was told I would need to call a travel agent to complete my reservation.  Apparently the website showed the hotel was booked for some of the dates I’d selected.  I called the listed number and was assisted by a very helpful agent who quickly made a phone call to my hotel of choice to verify that they were actually sold out.  Thankfully, she came back on the line to report that there were still vacancies and quickly booked me a room with my choice of two queen beds.  She made sure to add the Sea World and Zoo tickets and verified the number and ages of travellers for the reservations.  She then asked me which days of our trip we were planning to visit Sea World and the Zoo.  Normally, a reservation is made far enough in advance that the hotel confirmation and ticket vouchers can be mailed with no additional charge and arrive in plenty of time for the trip.  With my travel dates just two days away however, I had the choice of either having that information faxed or choosing to pay an expedited shipping fee to have it overnighted to me.  Needless to say I chose to have it faxed!  The agent assisting me asked which days we would be attending which parks in order to make sure that the vouchers were sent on the right dates and would be ready for our arrival.  At the time we hadn’t actually given much thought to when we’d be doing what, but my agent told me I could call back and let them know up to 24 hours before my park visits and they would have the vouchers waiting there for me.  I called back the next day with that information but couldn’t help but wonder if everything would go as smoothly as they’d assured me it would!

Thursday afternoon when we finally exited the freeway at Hotel Circle, even my three-year old was anxiously looking for our hotel and freedom from the car!  We spotted the Days Hotel quickly and I, as I was the one who had made the reservation, I went in to show my I.D. (as the website required) and check in.  The lobby was clean and neat and offered a million brochures on attractions from Tijuana, Mexico to Disneyland in Anaheim and just about everything in between.  The hotel staff was friendly and helpful and familiar with the website through which I’d made my reservations.  They asked if I had my confirmation voucher with me and when I told them it had been faxed, I waited to see if getawaytoday.com would pass this first test.  Sure enough, the attendant found it had been sent over as promised and I was quickly set up with our room.  I let the woman helping me know that we were travelling with a baby and asked for a room in a quiet location if one was available.  She obliged by putting us in a corner room on the third and highest floor which turned out to be perfect!

Our room at the Days Hotel San Diego, CA.

The hotel is built in two long wings facing each other across the parking lot and has open-air hallways.  The higher floors can be reached either by stairs or by a very small elevator.  We quickly unloaded our car and headed upstairs to check out our room.  We were pleasantly surprised by what we found.  All of the rooms are non-smoking which was important for us, and we found ours to be clean and ready for us.  In addition to the standard two queen beds, table and chairs, television, and bathroom, the room also came with a mini refrigerator and a microwave.  Both came in very handy during our four-night stay. 

The restaurant at the Days Hotel San Diego, CA.

After dropping off our bags, we decided not to get back in the car to drive to a restaurant and instead dined downstairs at the hotel’s “Pam Pam Café and Grill”.  It was fairly small and the menu was very basic, but the food was decent and its on-site location made it perfect.  The Pam Pam Café proved to be very convenient during our stay.  We were so tired when we returned from the zoo that we phoned in our dinner order using the in-room menu and although the hotel doesn’t offer true room service, the café did call us to let us know our dinner was ready for pick-up about 15 minutes later.

The hotel offered a free continental breakfast each morning which was enough to tie everyone over until we could get something more to eat a little later on.  The breakfast consisted of mini bagels, mini muffins, mini croissants, apples, bananas, and juice or coffee.  I have to admit, our son loved the mini blueberry muffins! 

The jacuzzi and pool at the Days Hotel San Diego, CA. Photo courtesy of dayshotelhc.com.

Our son thoroughly enjoyed the hotel pool.  After our day at Sea World, he couldn’t wait to play “Shamu” in the water!  The pool is at the very back of the hotel property. I liked this very much because it was in a more private setting.  Tables and chairs provided plenty of places to sit or lounge and although it was usually crowded, everything was still clean and pleasant.

Overall we found our stay at the Days Hotel, Hotel Circle to be very comfortable.  On our first night there, our ten-month old daughter decided she did not want to share a bed with mommy, and at 9:30 at night we called and asked for a crib to be delivered.  We expected a long wait at that hour, so it was a pleasant surprise when the crib was delivered and set up just ten minutes later.  We found that to be the norm rather than the exception when it came to their customer service; they were always friendly and accommodating and helped make our trip very enjoyable!  Although it didn’t offer all the amenities of a higher star hotel, the Days Hotel was still perfect for our family’s trip to San Diego and I would gladly recommend it!  I would also happily recommend the website we used to book our hotel and trip—getawaytoday.com.  They lived up to their guarantee in every way!

First of all, we were accommodating children ranging from toddler to twenty; second, we wanted to see flowers, smell the sea, relax, and not cook, more or less in that order. We planned our first escape stop at Quail Botanical Gardens.

Over thirty five acres of beautifully laid out plants and trails awaited us here, just about twenty miles from San Diego proper. The walk ways are paved, easy on little feet, but offering enough variety and beauty to entertain older kids and adults. We spent a lot of time enjoying the waterfall and streams, admiring the cacti, tropical plants and flowers, and fruit trees. Shady, spacious, and well laid out, this garden is a gem. We spotted some rabbits grazing in the herb garden. Sneaking up on them, or at least attempting to do so, was a lot of fun. We also spotted a quail, and the littler children were mesmerized by the many koi fish darting between blossoming water lillies in one pleasant pond. According to the brochure, the garden also contains the largest collection of bamboo plants in the U.S.

Ocean view in San Diego

We brought a picnic lunch from home to the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, our next stop. A less manicured haven of natural beauty, we were closing in our coveted ocean breeze. This reserve is a well known spot for varied bird watching – we spotted egrets, herons, ospreys, and finches. Along with the multitude of feathered friends, there are many gentle walks through the coastal grasses. There’s a lot more ground to cover here than at Quail Gardens with more than six miles of trails. The lagoon itself is the largest coastal marsh area in San Diego County. We didn’t see all the species of fish, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants it is said to contain – nearly three hundred birds have been spotted in the Reserve – but we had a wonderful time wandering the trails, eating our peanut butter sandwiches as we strolled. A sense of peace was coming on as the sun lowered in the sky, but the sea air and the long walks were also bringing on a longing for something more substantial than our pb and j from home.

So we left this peaceful enclave and headed over to Bull Tacos, a hole in the wall eatery famous for its tacos. The meat eaters in our group raved over the carne asada; the bean and cheese burrito more than satisfied those of us who are vegetarian. The ceviche is fresh, fragrant with cilantro, and worth a trip itself. Best of all the prices are exceedingly low – which fit into our limited budget for this short get away perfectly. And, our dining experience offered an incredible view – a bench with a fabulous view of the rolling sea below.

Dusk was falling and we headed to our hotel near the blue calm waters of Mission Bay, not far from Balboa Park and the closest hotel to Sea World. While this convenience would suit us well if we were making a visit to the famous water park, our budget for this trip precluded it. We chose the location instead for the view and the last minute bargain we’d secured. We’ll come back for Sea World, and to go boating on Mission Bay; but this stay we were happy enough with the balmy pools for an early evening swim. Watching the stars come out, we took our last stroll of the day around the tropical gardens of the resort. Our room was large and appealing decorated in pastel colors; but best of all was the balcony, facing the Bay. We had the pleasure of watching the moon rise and sipping some wine – the kids had organic sodas brought from home – before splurging on a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, the Firefly. The kids meals were beautifully presented, pasta being the big hit.

Beautiful flowers in the Quail Botanical Gardens

In the morning we took a walk on Mission Beach, watching the boats in the harbor and sprawling out on the flat white sand for a rest. After check out, we headed off for one last stroll at Point Loma, from the pinnacle of which you can view down town San Diego. The more adventurous members of our party scrambled down to some pretty magnificent tide pools, rich with sea stars and tiny, scurrying crabs; be careful to carry the smallest members of your party as the trails down hill are steep.

On our way home, we swung away from the coast to make a special road-food stop at Sonic Drive In. This family owned chain is all over the southwest and south, but hard to come by in California, so to Anaheim we went. Crisp fries – healthily cut from real potatoes and available for ordering without salt – and the best soda fountain drinks, many sporting fresh fruit in the mix – make Sonic our favorite fast food stop. The soft serve kids size hot fudge sundaes are pretty awesome too. And if you reach the restaurant in the late afternoon, “happy hour” offers those fountain beverages at half off regular prices. The kids love watching the wait staff zoom out to the car on roller skates, too.

Although we wished we’d had more time and capital to invest in our get away – it was a great stay, full of flowers, ocean views, and tasty treats that no one had to cook.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Entrance

Located about a 50 minute drive from Carlsbad, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (previously called the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park) is a family favorite. The park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027 (www.sandiegozoo.org/park).  With so many wild animals to see in a preserved replica of their own natural habitat, this park offers a fascinating view of the wild life there, including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds and insects. We even went walking with a cheetah – just a few feet behind him and his keepers – as they took him for his daily stroll and exercise. How graceful and majestic he seemed! The children were absolutely riveted. 

Port Lympne Safari Park San Diego

We rode in a hot air balloon – high up above the park – and got a bird’s eye view of all the animals, including the large nests in the tree tops gracing the sprawling preserve. Although I am very much afraid of heights, I found the hot air balloon ride thrilling as my white-knuckled hands gripped the railing tightly. It was also reassuring to know that the balloon was secured at all times by massive ropes which keep it from floating away. After about 15 minutes of breathtaking sightseeing, the balloon descends safely back to the ground below.

Feeding the Birds

My children loved feeding the lorikeet birds with special nectar that we purchased at the aviary entrance.  This was a very up close and personal experience with those colorful birds, as they landed on our arms and hands to sip at the nectar.  These orange-beaked parrots are native to the rain forests of Australia and New Guinea.

Blue Parrot

The Lion Camp gives one a taste of what it would be like to see these noble creatures in the African safari.  The exhibit is an open grassy plane with rocks and boulders on one side for the animals to lounge.  Thick large glass panels allow for close up viewing of these majestic beasts.

Rhinoceros

We took the Africa Tram Safari guided tour where we learned a great deal about the environment and behavior of the animals at the park including rhinos, wildebeest, giraffes, gazelles, antelope, cape buffalo, ostriches, goliath herons, and other animals native to North and East Africa. The landscape offers some of the most beautiful views of the park, complete with a large waterhole that provides breeding sites for animals there.

Elephants

Dino Mountain was a big hit with our children who have studied dinosaurs growing up.  The various exhibits displayed life like robotic creatures that made you swear you were looking at the real thing!  Even without the help of the posted signs, my daughter was able to name a surprisingly large number of the dinosaurs.  The experience was educational besides being entertaining and awe inspiring.

Dino Mountain San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Condors at the Safari Park

Pink and Orange Flamingos