Aquarium of the Pacific Hosts Family Night

Ian and CC "pet" some stingrays at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Sunday night offered some otter excitement, as the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach hosted a special members night to preview its new Molina Animal Care Center and newly renovated BP Sea Otter Habitat.

CC was really excited to catch a glimpse of Maggie the sea otter as well as get all touchy-feely with some sharks and stingrays. Yes, really. But not only were the sea life out in full force, the Aquarium also had fun activities for kids, including facepainting, arts and crafts, and short aquatic-themed films.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is great, in that it gives visitors a true hands-on experience. The outdoor Shark Lagoon invites children and even some nervous adults to plunge their arm into a shallow pool to run their fingers over smooth shark skin. (OK, so the sharks are aren't "Jaws" size, but still.) The Lorikeet Forest aviary gives you a taste of "Mary Poppins," as birds feel free to land on whatever perch is preferable to them -- your shoulder, maybe.

You might want to bring a water-proof jacket for the kiddos, because the outdoor play area sports over-sized fish that squirt water, much to the delight of every nearby child.

While CC enjoyed playing outside, watching Maggie the new sea otter swim here and there, and petting pint-sized sharks, what she loved most about the night were the "Nemos" (above photo). That is, the adorable clown fish that were more than ready for their own close-up.

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-590-3100

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