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Local picks in California

Aquariums

A trip to the aquarium is a classic way to spend the day, but it helps to know which spots are truly set up for a smooth visit with kids. It makes the wonder of the exhibits much easier to appreciate.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 1
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 2
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 3
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Small aquarium offers interactive touch tanks with sharks, sea stars, and anemones alongside educational programs about local sea life. Upstairs features underwater simulation and jellyfish tanks, creating an intimate and engaging experience. Setting on a pier provides beautiful waterfront views that complement the exhibits.

Interactive touch tanks let kids get hands-on with sea life, including sharks. A small aquarium offers a fun, educational experience for all ages. Kids can explore sea creatures under microscopes and enjoy the wet deck area.

Many interactive touch tanks let kids handle sea stars, sea urchins, and sharks. The small size suits families, with educational exhibits on local sea life and a laser sand table showing ocean currents.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"This local spot has great displays of local sea life."

"This small aquarium is cute and has fun, interactive exhibits for kids."

Good to know

1

Admission is $14 for adults, but only $3 with WIC or SNAP benefits.

2

The Sea Center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks for hands-on learning.

3

Children aged 3 to 5 will enjoy the numerous touch pools available.

02
Roundhouse Aquarium image 1

Two-story aquarium packs an incredible amount of sea life into a small, free-entry space with interactive touch pools for all ages. Cool, comfortable atmosphere features an Immersion Gallery with vibrant jellyfish tanks and spectacular ocean views from the pier location. Visitors find it a quick, educational stop with well-labeled exhibits and a relaxed ocean vibe.

Kids can touch live sea creatures in a tank, making it a hands-on learning spot. The tide pool offers guided interactive experiences for all ages, and the small size keeps it manageable for young children.

Entry is free with donations encouraged. The aquarium packs an incredible amount of sealife into a small space at the pier's end, featuring sharks and exhibits suitable for all ages.

People are saying

"The aquarium here is free to enter."

"It's a cool little aquarium with nice information and friendly staff."

"It's free to get in, which is great for kids!"

Good to know

1

Admission to the aquarium is free, but donations are encouraged.

2

The aquarium is located at the end of Manhattan Pier.

3

Visitors can enjoy the beach right after visiting the aquarium.

03
Bermuda Aquatics Exotic Fish & Ponds image 1

Aquarium shop with an old school feeling and a family atmosphere creates a peaceful and neat environment. Healthy fish and vibrant plants fill show tanks and sale tanks with a wide variety of fresh and saltwater species. Staff includes a biologist and emphasizes fish health through quarantine and water testing, showing genuine care for aquatic life.

Kids find plenty to enjoy here, especially with the interactive tanks that fascinate them. Staff handle all kids well, including those with special needs, making it a welcoming spot for families.

Helpful advice on setting up saltwater aquariums comes from knowledgeable staff. The store offers a wide selection of exotic fish and support for managing aquarium problems.

People are saying

"The staff here are super knowledgeable and happy to help with fish."

"Dylan and his team were awesome, guiding me through my new aquarium setup."

"It's so Kid Friendly; they're patient and helpful with all your questions."

Good to know

1

They require water samples each time I want to purchase a new fish.

2

All the fish and frogs are super healthy and well cared for.

3

They quarantine their fish to ensure quality and health.

04
Tide Pool and Aquarium image 1

Small space with two rooms and few tanks showcases local marine life and taxidermy. Atmosphere is family-friendly and educational, with kids engaging in hands-on exhibits and exploring marine creatures. Free admission and proximity to the beach make it a casual stop for a brief visit.

Aquarium exhibits captivate children with fish and starfish displays. Kids activities and merchandise add to the fun, making it a spot where children enjoy exploring for up to an hour.

Free admission draws visitors to this small aquarium near the beach. It features a few tanks, taxidermy sea life, and showcases native marine species including local sharks, all within two compact rooms.

People are saying

"The aquarium is small, with only a few tanks and taxidermy."

"It's a fun spot for kids to look at fish and exhibits."

"It's a neat little museum with local species, both living and taxidermied."

Good to know

1

The aquarium is free to enter, making it an attractive visit.

2

Expect a short visit of about five minutes to walk through the small aquarium.

3

The aquarium is located at the entrance to Doheny State Beach.

05
Aquatic Pets and Reptiles image 1

Aquarium shop showcases large selection of saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, and aquatic plants in a clean, colorful setting. The atmosphere feels cool and well-maintained, with gorgeous aquascaping creating an underwater world. Self-serve RODI and pre-mixed salt water options add convenience for aquatic care.

Staff spend time helping kids set up tanks and care for pets like beta fish, corn snakes, and red-eared slider turtles. They offer patient support and even allow kids to take fish home before paying.

A large selection of aquarium plants and tanks, including 60-gallon aquariums, stands out here. Staff like Denis, Brett, and Connor offer knowledgeable and patient help with fish, reptiles, and aquarium setups.

People are saying

"The staff's knowledge about fish and aquariums is really helpful."

"Roy was so patient and informative with the kids."

"The staff here are so knowledgeable and helpful with my aquarium."

Good to know

1

The store has a large selection of saltwater and freshwater fish.

2

They offer a variety of tanks and supplies for aquatic pets.

3

The staff is knowledgeable about aquatic life and can provide advice.

06
SEA LIFE Aquarium image 1

Aquarium features a linear two-floor design with Lego sculptures integrated into exhibits, creating an immersive underwater experience. The atmosphere stays quiet and calm, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Interactive elements like a touch pool and a scavenger hunt keep children engaged throughout the visit.

Interactive exhibits keep kids engaged and curious about sea life. Staff members share knowledge that helps children learn in a fun, slow-paced environment suitable for ages 2 to 12.

Exhibits feature a great variety of species and unique sea life not seen in other aquariums. The space is very well designed to feel like walking through the sea and keeps kids engaged with highly educational displays.

People are saying

"The aquarium's touch tank was a huge hit with the kids."

"It's amazing seeing so many different interesting sea creatures here."

"It's really Kid Friendly with fun exhibits about sea life."

Good to know

1

Admission is $25 for adults, with kids under 2 free.

2

Parking costs $35, which is higher than the ticket price.

3

Strollers are not allowed inside the aquarium.

07
Steinhart Aquarium image 1

Aquarium features colorful sea creatures and immersive water tunnels showcasing diverse ecosystems from deep ocean to swamps. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful to busy and humid with many children present. Exhibits include a butterfly dome and tropical rainforest, offering a blend of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

The aquarium offers lots of exhibits that keep kids interested and smiling. Families often visit with strollers full of kids, making it a spot that works well for all ages.

Exhibits showcase sea life from all corners of the world, including deep ocean fish and swamps. Visitors can watch a dance of jellyfish in a multicolored tank and walk through tunnels surrounded by water.

People are saying

"I found the Aquarium to be really beautiful and peaceful."

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"I saw fish from all corners of the world here."

Good to know

1

The admission cost is around $50 per person.

2

Parking is not available, neither paid nor free.

3

The aquarium is wheelchair friendly and can lend you a wheelchair if needed.

08
Aqua Lab Aquaria image 1
Aquarium shop

Serious aquarium shop with wide selection of freshwater and saltwater fish, live plants, and hardscapes. Displays include small filtered tanks for Bettas and a variety of aquariums and stands. Prices are reasonable and products show higher quality and durability than chain stores.

Staff show patience with kids and answer all questions. Activities like aquascaping engage children and spark excitement about setting up new tanks.

A wide selection of aquariums and hardscapes fills the shelves, alongside a variety of goods for aquascaping and aquarium hobby. Staff members show deep knowledge and help customers find exactly what they need.

People are saying

"Kent was so patient and informative helping with my aquarium."

"Kent was so patient and knowledgeable, it's really Kid Friendly."

"The fish tanks used to be stunning, like living museum art."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish.

2

They have a good selection of aquascaping supplies and live plants.

3

Fish purchased here are healthier compared to chain stores.

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