SEA LIFE Aquarium

The SEA LIFE Aquarium—26,000 square feet of underwater adventure await you! Including more than 30 display tanks featuring some 5,000 sea creatures, the aquarium was designed with children in mind; there are many play zones and interactive activities to enjoy while visiting.

Major focuses of the aquarium are to education the community and promote awareness of resource conservation and other environmental issues while fostering an appreciation for sea life. Throughout the year, the aquarium hosts many community events including the World Oceans Day celebration, the Trash to Treasure Saturdays and more.

There’s a lot to see and do at SEA LIFE Aquarium starting with Shark Talk—an interactive puppet talk show and Shark and Ray’s Adventure—assist a shark biologist by observing the sharks and stingrays in the Ray Lagoon. Then, roll up your sleeves and head over to the Rock Pool to feed sea star or watch the giant Pacific octopus learn, eat and play. There are many opportunities throughout the day to watch and help feed the creatures that life at the aquarium including the stingrays, lobsters, seahorse, shark pups and more. While participating, a staff member will explain the many diet and behavior differences between fish.

For an even closer encounter, visit the Southern California Tide Pool exhibit and the Discovery Zone Touch Pool—meet, touch and play with some of the aquariums animal friends. Finally, head over the theater and enjoy a 15-minute film about planet Earth.

Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the aquarium with a fun-filled theme party! The aquarium offers two party packages. Bring your eye patches and wooden legs for the ultimate pirate party package, which includes admission, decorated private party room, a scavenger hunt, face painting, goodie bags, a family style meal, birthday cake and more ($30 per person). Or, try the ocean journey pizza party for a cheesy good time ($20 per person). Reserve your party and find more information on packages available on line.

Having fun can work up a hungry, so be sure to visit the Ocean Journey Cafe is a located within the SEA LIFE Aquarium and offers a market style dining experience featuring a variety of fresh and flavorful food made from locally supplied ingredients. Then, head over to the aquarium store to pick up a special underwater themed souvenir to remember your visit—choose from books, cloths, stuffed toys, games and more.

Tickets to the SEA LIFE Aquarium and special park-hopper deals with LEGOLAND can be purchased on line. LEGOLAND is located across the street from the aquarium in Carlsbad. For more information on upcoming events, activities and project that you can get involved with at the SEA LIFE Aquarium follow on Facebook and Twitter.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.