Aquariums to Visit with Kids :: Ventura County and Beyond
Did you know we have a handful of small, wonderful aquariums and sea centers in or near Ventura County? Since you may not be able to drive to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach (although it is worth the drive), you can enjoy one of these local aquariums that are sure to delight any ocean-loving child and family!
The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
The visitor center features a bookstore, a display of marine aquatic life, and exhibits featuring the unique character of each park island. Visitors also will enjoy the 25-minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea,” shown throughout the day in the auditorium. Throughout the year on weekends and holidays, rangers offer a free tidepool talks at 11 am at the marine life exhibit in the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura.
The fully accessible visitor center is open 8:30 am until 5 pm daily.
Find more information and tickets on their website.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
211 Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the wonders of ocean life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive regional aquarium offers you close encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel.
Open Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Adult (18-64 years): $19.00
Senior (65+ years): $17.00
Teen (13-17 years): $17.00
Child (2-12 years): $14.00
Child (under 2 years): Free
Find more information and tickets on their website.
Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
With over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities for all ages, and daily educational programs, the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science.
Adults and kids 13+: $10.00
Kids 12 and under: FREE with an Adult
Find more information and tickets on their website.
Newhall Aquarium & Learning Center's Educational Outreach
Newhall, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
While you can not just stop in at the hidden gem, you can call and set up a time to schedule an interactive marine creature educational outreach to your school, special event, or birthday party!
Find more information and tickets on their website.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
This aquarium will require a drive, but believe us, it is so worth it! Discover all the exhibits, including sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs, and more in our Tropical, Northern, and Southern California/Baja Galleries. Our “Mom Tip” suggestion is to purchase a family membership.
Find more information and tickets on their website.
