Exploring Summer of Wonder at the Aquarium of the Pacific

This summer is all about spending time at some of our favorite places close to home. Getting outside and exploring to find new things is not only fun, but a great way to spend time together as a family. Last week Dylan and I spent the day in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific. We love living so close to one of the top aquariums in the United States. Each time we visit there is something new to see and of course old friends to see too. Like our penguin pals Avery and Kate - they are parents now! Congratulations guys!

The Aquarium of the Pacific always has wonderful exhibits to explore year round, but this visit was to celebrate the newest experience, Summer of Wonder.

Summer of Wonder gives kids of all ages (even parents) a chance to get a closer look then ever before at some animals with more interactive experiences and special behind-the-scenes look at animals feedings.

Visiting the new bonnethead shark and cownose ray touch pool in Shark Lagoon was Dylan's favorite part of the day. We learned all about target feeding during a training session and then had the opportunity to touch the sharks and rays.

Over in the Molina Animal Care Center we touched Atlantic horseshoe crabs. These guys are super unique because their blood turns blue when exposed to air due to the presence of a copper containing molecule called hemocyanin. Pretty cool if you ask me.

There is also a new exhibit at the very back (past Shark Lagoon) where you can learn all about the Southern California Steelhead fish. These endangered fish are fascinating and I will be sharing their story soon.

After seeing the outside exhibits of the aquarium we headed upstairs to see the penguins and start exploring the inside exhibits.



No matter how many times we visit Aquarium of the Pacific, the tanks never cease to amaze me.

I could sit and watch the marine life all day - especially the jellies!

Out of all the memories made this day, I think Dylan buying this squid hat topped them all. He wore it all day and got so many compliments too!

To learn more about Summer of Wonder and for general aquarium information visit aquariumofpacific.org