Like everything in life, this place seems huge at first… then after a few visits you get to know it better and it becomes a part of you. The first time we went we tried to look at everything, rushing from one place to another because we feared missing out. Subsequent times we let Erin do most of the leading and these are her recommendations.
- The play area– lots of friends, coloring, and action. I loved it because I got to feed birds, use crayons, climb in and out of bird eggs, and my parent’s loved it because there was plenty of room for them to sit and watch me. The restrooms are close by too and the play area has a beautiful view of the bay.
Once in a while, there is a kids who isn’t very good at minding their manners but that’s why parent’s should always keep an eye out for their own. Overall most kids are sweet, fun, and playful. - Jelly Fish area– everything is dark but the jelly fish light up the room
- Sardine village and anchovies, it’s amazing to look up and see schools of fish swimming about. Hundreds and hundreds of fishes
- The kelp forest because I never realized how big some fishes are and little ones can get very close to the action because we can come right up to the tank
- Sea Birds exhibit because it was so fun looking at them on top of water and below water as they swam. It looked like they were flying underwater.
Going to the aquarium regularly is a bit of a trip for some but believe me, it is so worth it. Especially because my brain is growing and seeing things in real life helps me build my understanding of the world. Tuna in a book is quite different than seeing Tuna in real life.
May your journey be beautiful and your children experience joys.
Below are some of our mom community’s favorite products that make travelling with little ones more enjoyable. We hope these recommendation help your family enjoy travels as well!.
- For children who are older than 1 years old, a travel tray is the best invention according to my mom friend Shannon. She regularly drives her 3 children (sometimes by herself) to Utah from California. Shannon loves these tables because during her 8 hour plus rides, the kids have access to their snacks, activities, or a movie. The kids get excited when she pulls them out. Our favorite is this Gray Travel Tray by Kenley Kids, which has a lifetime warranty and is neutral, so both boys and girls can use it.
- This may be controversial for some screen-free moms but there is no denying having a screen does help tremendously when trying to get from point A to point B. Our favorite is this tablet because it is lightweight and can entertain the children for hours with minimal effort. If your family plans on travelling a lot or even infrequently having a tablet is helpful. My only advice would be to closely monitor what the children are watching and interact with them by asking questions, observing what they find fascinating, and using the tablet as a teaching tool.
- For all the moms who are horrified at offering screens to their children, we love Montessori-inspired busy boards. Children have fun fastening and unfastening buttons but our favorite is this flip-able light-weight busy board. It doesn’t have lose parts that end up getting lost, it has the alphabet with animals, counting beads, a set of gears, and 4 types of buckles that help kids practice their motor skills. In addition other fun travel toys are these magnetic ones:
- What kind of mother would I be without mentioning the all so important snack? Everyone is aware of goldfishes, pretzels, and pirate booty but what my mom secret is protein bars or cookies cut up into little bite sizes. I lure my children in by promising them a treat if they behave. My favorite kid friendly ones that have been tasted and approved by my 2 and 5 year old are: plant based, sugar free, and gluten free Aloha Bars in assorted flavors, gluten-free Naked Protein Cookies in chocolate chip (they make oatmeal raisin too but my kids like the chocolate chip variety), and Nut Harvest Mini Protein Cookies for their size and convenience (we buy a 12 count box and only allow the kids to eat them on road trips or if they are helpful around the house as a reward).
- WATER. There are many water bottles out there but having a well insulated one is worth the investment. My husband has a gigantic water bottle that I affectionately refer to as THE TANK, it’s nice because it has a handle, has a straw top, and is perfect to refill the smaller bottles. My water bottle is more manageable, with wide-mouth to fit ice, and straw top to drink easily. My children’s water bottles are the best because water stays cold, we can fill it with ice (no water) when going through airport security, and it fits nicely into the car/stroller cup holder. They also collect stickers in our travels and have fun putting it on the water bottle. Best of all, it helps reduce waste.