Zoos & Aquariums
3 zoos, aquariums, and animal encounters rated and reviewed by families.
🐠 AquariumThis working marine research facility at UC Santa Cruz offers a perfect blend of hands-on learning and ocean discovery. Kids can get up close with sea stars and anemones in touch pools, marvel at the massive 87-foot blue whale skeleton, and explore aquariums showcasing local marine life,all while learning from real marine scientists.
🐠 AquariumThe Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is one of California's premier marine attractions, featuring over 12,000 animals across massive indoor and outdoor exhibits. Kids will be mesmerized by the three-story Blue Cavern tank, playful sea otters, jellyfish galleries, and hands-on touch pools where they can safely interact with sharks, rays, and tide pool creatures.
🦁 ZooHappy Hollow Park & Zoo is a delightful combination zoo and amusement park perfectly sized for young families in San Jose. Kids can get up close with lemurs, meerkats, and other animals, then cool off in the splash pad before hopping on kid-friendly rides like the carousel and mini roller coaster,all in one affordable, walkable location.