Dive into Monterey Bay Aquarium – an underwater wonderland! From playful otters to towering kelp forests, explore the Pacific’s magic at this giant aquarium!
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium: An Adventure Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Welcome to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where the Pacific Ocean comes to life through 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits!
- WOW! The aquarium pumps about 2,000 gallons of seawater from the bay every minute – that’s like filling a bathtub every 30 seconds!
- HOLY COW! The aquarium was once a sardine cannery, and now it’s home to more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species!
- SUPER COOL! The kelp in the Kelp Forest exhibit grows so fast that aquarium staff have to trim it twice a week!
- AMAZING! The aquarium’s sea otters aren’t just cute – they’re part of a rescue program that has helped save and release more than 800 stranded pups!
- UNBELIEVABLE! The aquarium’s wave machine creates waves in the Kelp Forest exhibit that are powered by the actual surf outside!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Monterey Bay Aquarium
Touch Pools Get Ready for the Touch Pools : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Children can safely touch and interact with real tide pool creatures, creating an unforgettable hands-on connection with marine life.
INTERESTING FACT! Sea stars can regrow their arms if they lose one, and they have tiny tube feet underneath that help them move and stick to rocks!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Marine Detective” – Have your child gently touch different creatures and describe how they feel (bumpy, smooth, squishy) while imagining what it would be like to live in a tide pool.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were a tide pool animal, how would you stay safe when the waves crash?
DISCUSS: Tide pool animals are nature’s ultimate survivors! When waves crash, sea stars can grip rocks with thousands of tiny suction cups under their arms.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These amazing creatures face changing conditions every day as the tides move in and out. Some animals, like hermit crabs, tuck into shells for protection. Others, like sea anemones, can pull in their tentacles and become tiny water-filled balloons. Mussels cluster together and use strong threads to stay anchored. Even the smallest creatures have clever ways to stay safe!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some animals feel rough while others feel smooth?
DISCUSS: Different textures help animals in different ways – rough surfaces can protect from predators, while smooth surfaces help animals swim faster!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like how we wear different clothes for different weather, sea creatures have different “outfits” for their ocean home. Some animals have rough, bumpy skin that works like armor to protect them from bigger animals that might want to eat them. Others are smooth and slippery, which helps them glide through the water with less resistance – like wearing a swimsuit instead of regular clothes in the pool!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find a sea star that’s moving and count how many arms it has.
HINT: Look closely at the bottom of the touch pool – sea stars move very slowly!
OBJECTIVE: Spot three different colored animals in the touch pool.
HINT: Look for purple sea urchins, orange sea stars, and brown hermit crabs.
Sea Otter Exhibit Get Ready for the Sea Otter Exhibit : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Watch these playful marine mammals swim, dive, and interact with enrichment toys. Sea otters are incredibly active and entertaining, making them perfect for young attention spans.
INTERESTING FACT! Sea otters have the thickest fur of any animal – about a million hairs per square inch (that’s more than 100 times thicker than the hair on your head!)
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Otter Watch” – Time how long the otters stay underwater and compare it to how long your child can hold their breath (safely, while sitting).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think sea otters stay warm in the cold ocean?
DISCUSS: Sea otters wrap themselves in seaweed like a blanket when they sleep so they don’t float away with the waves!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Unlike whales and seals, sea otters don’t have blubber to keep warm. Instead, they depend on their super-thick fur that traps tiny air bubbles, creating a cozy wetsuit. They spend up to 4 hours every day cleaning their fur to keep it working properly – imagine spending that much time brushing your hair! They also eat about 25% of their body weight daily (that would be like a kid eating 100 hamburgers!) to keep their internal furnace running.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What tools do you see the otters using, and how are they using them?
DISCUSS: Sea otters are one of the few animals that use tools – they crack open shells using rocks as hammers!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like how we use forks and spoons to eat, otters are clever tool users. They store their favorite rocks in loose skin pockets under their arms, like carrying a lunchbox. When they find food like clams or mussels, they float on their backs, place the rock on their belly like a table, and crack open their meal. Some otters even have favorite rocks they keep for years! They learn these skills from their mothers, just like how you learned to use silverware from your parents.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch for an otter using a tool to crack open food.
HINT: Look for otters floating on their backs with something on their bellies.
OBJECTIVE: Try to spot a sleeping otter – they often float while holding paws.
HINT: Sometimes they wrap themselves in seaweed like a blanket.
Kelp Forest Get Ready for the Kelp Forest : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Standing three stories tall, this exhibit showcases one of the tallest aquarium windows in the world, offering a mesmerizing view of a living kelp forest ecosystem.
INTERESTING FACT! Kelp can grow up to 12 inches per day – that’s faster than a kindergartener grows in a whole year!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Forest Explorer” – Stand at different levels (bottom, middle, top) of the exhibit and observe which different animals live at each level, just like animals in a regular forest.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If kelp is a plant that grows in water, how does it stay up without falling over?
DISCUSS: Kelp has special air-filled bubbles called pneumatocysts that work like tiny balloons, helping the kelp float upright in the water!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Think of kelp like an underwater tree – but instead of having strong wood to stand up, it has these clever floating bubbles. The bubbles are arranged along the kelp’s stem, working like a string of party balloons pulling upward. At the bottom, kelp has a special root-like structure called a holdfast that grips onto rocks like a super-strong suction cup. This amazing design lets kelp dance and sway with the waves without breaking. Some kelp forests are so tall they can be seen from space!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many different animals can you spot hiding in the kelp forest?
DISCUSS: The kelp forest is like an underwater apartment building where different sea creatures live on different floors – some near the bottom, others in the middle, and some near the top!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like how different animals live in different parts of a tree (birds in branches, squirrels in trunks, insects under bark), the kelp forest has special residents at each level. Near the bottom, you might spot bright orange garibaldi fish and spiny lobsters hiding in rocky caves. In the middle, look for schools of sardines swimming through the kelp like silver ribbons. Near the top, watch for leopard sharks cruising by. Some fish even change color to match the kelp and hide from predators – it’s like playing hide-and-seek underwater!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different colored fish swimming through the kelp.
HINT: Look for bright orange garibaldi, silver sardines, and blue rockfish.
OBJECTIVE: Spot the air bladders (bubble-like structures) on the kelp.
HINT: They look like small, round bubbles spaced along the kelp’s stem.
Open Sea Exhibit Get Ready for the Open Sea Exhibit : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This massive 90-foot window offers an awe-inspiring view into the open ocean, where graceful sea turtles, swift tuna, and shimmering schools of fish glide by.
INTERESTING FACT! The window is made of acrylic that’s 13 inches thick – that’s as tall as many 4-year-olds are when they sit down!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Ocean Motion” – Have your child mimic how different animals move through the water (gliding like a turtle, darting like a tuna, or floating like a jellyfish).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think all these fish swim together in a big group?
DISCUSS: When fish swim together in a group (called a school), they can create shapes that make them look like one giant fish to scare away predators!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Swimming in schools is like having a bunch of best friends watching out for you on the playground. Each fish follows special rules, like staying close to their neighbors but not too close – like playing follow-the-leader! The fish at the front take turns leading, just like taking turns being line leader at school. When a predator comes near, the whole school can change direction instantly, creating amazing patterns that confuse the bigger fish. It’s like they’re all dancing together underwater!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do sea turtles swim so gracefully through the water?
DISCUSS: Sea turtles’ flippers work like underwater wings, letting them “fly” through the ocean at speeds up to 22 miles per hour!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sea turtles are like the superheroes of the ocean – their shells are like built-in armor, but unlike land turtles, they’ve developed special swimming powers. Their front flippers work like airplane wings, pushing water backward to move forward. Their back flippers act like rudders on a boat, helping them steer. When they’re just cruising along, they can hold their breath for up to 5 hours! That’s like holding your breath through 150 episodes of your favorite cartoon show.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch how many different swimming patterns you can spot.
HINT: Look for fish swimming in circles, straight lines, or zig-zags.
OBJECTIVE: Find the biggest and smallest animals in the exhibit.
HINT: Compare the size of different fish to the sea turtles.
Splash Zone & Penguins Get Ready for the Splash Zone & Penguins : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This interactive area is specially designed for young children, featuring playful penguins and hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging.
INTERESTING FACT! African penguins make a sound that sounds just like a donkey’s bray, which is why they’re nicknamed “jackass penguins”!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Penguin Waddle” – Challenge your child to walk like a penguin, keeping their arms (flippers) at their sides and taking short steps.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do penguins have black and white coloring?
DISCUSS: A penguin’s tuxedo-like colors help them hide from predators – when swimming, their white bellies blend with the bright surface above, and their black backs blend with the dark depths below!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This clever camouflage is called countershading, and it works like a superhero disguise. When seals or whales look up from below, the penguin’s white belly matches the sunlight shining through the water. When flying birds look down from above, the penguin’s black back blends with the dark ocean depths. It’s like wearing the perfect outfit for hide-and-seek in the ocean! Many other sea animals use this same trick, including dolphins, orcas, and even some sharks.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think penguins stay dry even though they swim in water?
DISCUSS: Penguins have special waterproof feathers that overlap like tiny shingles on a roof, and they spend hours preening to keep them in perfect condition!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Under their outer feathers, penguins have a layer of fluffy down feathers that trap air to keep them warm – like wearing a puffy winter coat. They spread special oil from a gland near their tail all over their feathers to make them waterproof, just like how we use rain jackets to stay dry. When they swim, tiny air bubbles get trapped in their feathers, creating a silvery appearance underwater. These bubbles also help them swim faster by reducing drag – it’s like they’re wearing a special swimming suit made by nature!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch the penguins and count how many different behaviors you can spot (swimming, preening, waddling, eating).
HINT: Stay in one spot for a few minutes to see different activities.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Monterey Bay Aquarium
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
Dennis the Menace Park: An amazing playground designed with input from Hank Ketcham (creator of Dennis the Menace), featuring a real steam engine, climbing walls, and slides perfect for young children.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: A family-friendly museum with hands-on exhibits about local wildlife, including a butterfly gallery and bird collection.
Cannery Row: The historic street right outside the aquarium offers family-friendly shops, restaurants, and views of the bay where you might spot wild sea lions!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef” by Marianne Berkes – A rhythmic counting book featuring sea creatures
- “Clark the Shark” series by Bruce Hale – Fun stories that help children understand ocean life
- “National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean” – Perfect for pre-readers with lots of pictures
- Download the free Monterey Bay Aquarium app for interactive maps and daily feeding schedules
- Watch the aquarium’s live webcams before your visit to get excited about what you’ll see
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Monterey Bay Aquarium
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium, housed in a former sardine cannery, has been showcasing the wonders of marine life since 1984 and is considered one of the world’s premier aquariums.
- HOLY MOLY! The aquarium pumps 2,000 gallons of seawater per minute from Monterey Bay through more than 100 exhibit tanks.
- SUPER COOL! The aquarium was the first in the world to successfully grow giant kelp in captivity and keep it thriving year-round.
- WOW! The aquarium’s sea otters aren’t just cute – they’re part of a successful surrogate program where resident female otters help raise orphaned pups for release back into the wild.
- AMAZING! The aquarium’s research team helped discover a new species of deep-sea anglerfish in Monterey Canyon that can absorb light with its black skin.
- INCREDIBLE! The aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus can solve puzzles, open jars, and remember individual human faces – they’re as smart as a house cat!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Monterey Bay Aquarium
Open Sea Exhibit Get Ready for the Open Sea Exhibit : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step into an underwater colosseum where massive bluefin tuna glide like torpedoes through crystal-clear waters, and hammerhead sharks patrol the edges of a million-gallon tank with viewing windows larger than a school bus!
INTERESTING FACT! The viewing window is actually 13 inches thick and weighs 78,000 pounds – that’s about the weight of 6 school buses! The acrylic window is specially designed to withstand the enormous pressure of all that water.
COOL ACTIVITY! Time how long it takes a tuna to swim from one end of the exhibit to the other. These speedsters can swim up to 40 mph! Compare this to your fastest running speed.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a fish built for speed, what features would you give it?
DISCUSS: A tuna’s body temperature is actually warmer than the surrounding water, making it one of the few warm-blooded fish in the ocean!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Tuna are like the sports cars of the sea. Their streamlined bodies are perfectly designed for speed, with special grooves where their fins tuck in to reduce drag. They never stop swimming because they need constant water flow over their gills to breathe. Their crescent-shaped tails are powered by massive muscles that make up 60% of their body weight. Even their skin is covered in tiny scales that reduce water resistance, similar to the high-tech swimsuits Olympic athletes wear!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think hammerhead sharks have such unusually shaped heads?
DISCUSS: A hammerhead shark’s head shape gives it 360-degree vertical vision, meaning it can see above and below itself at all times!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The hammer-shaped head, called a cephalofoil, works like a metal detector, helping the shark detect prey hidden in the sand. Their widely-spaced nostrils and electroreceptors can better detect prey’s electrical signals. Scientists have discovered that hammerheads can even use their heads as hydrofoils to help them make sharp turns, similar to how airplane wings work. The wider head also gives them better depth perception and allows them to see potential prey or predators coming from any direction.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count how many different species of sharks are swimming in the Open Sea exhibit.
HINT: Look for different fin shapes and body patterns. Some sharks might be resting near the bottom!
OBJECTIVE: Watch for the sea turtles and try to identify what species they are by their shell patterns and head shape.
HINT: Green sea turtles have a more rounded head, while loggerheads have a blockier head shape.
Kelp Forest Get Ready for the Kelp Forest : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Stand face-to-face with one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world! This 28-foot-tall underwater forest recreates the actual ecosystem right outside the aquarium’s walls, where kelp can grow up to a foot per day.
INTERESTING FACT! Giant kelp is actually not a plant – it’s an algae that can grow to over 100 feet long in the wild. That’s longer than three school buses parked end to end!
COOL ACTIVITY! Watch the SCUBA divers during feeding time (check daily schedule). They use special hand signals to communicate with the audience – try to decode what they’re saying and learn some basic SCUBA signs yourself.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think animals use the different layers of the kelp forest, from the bottom to the top?
DISCUSS: The kelp forest is like an underwater apartment building, with different sea creatures living on different “floors” – some fish live in the canopy near the surface, while others prefer the middle or forest floor!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like a rainforest, the kelp forest has distinct zones. The canopy layer near the surface is home to bright orange garibaldi fish and playful sea otters. The middle zone hosts schools of rockfish darting between the kelp blades. The bottom zone, called the holdfast, is where you’ll find colorful sea stars, urchins, and leopard sharks resting on the sandy floor. Each zone provides different types of food and shelter, creating a complex ecosystem where over 800 species can thrive!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If kelp doesn’t have roots like plants do, how do you think it stays anchored to the ocean floor?
DISCUSS: Kelp has a remarkable structure called a holdfast that looks like a tangle of roots but actually works more like a super-strong suction cup!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The holdfast is an engineering marvel of nature. It’s made up of finger-like projections called haptera that wrap around rocks like nature’s version of Velcro. These holdfasts are so strong they can withstand powerful ocean currents and waves. Inside the kelp’s stem (called a stipe) are special gas-filled bladders called pneumatocysts that act like tiny balloons, helping the kelp float upright in the water. This amazing structure has inspired engineers to design better underwater cables and anchoring systems for marine equipment!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for the kelp’s air bladders (pneumatocysts) that help it float. Count how many you can see on one strand of kelp.
HINT: They look like small, round bubbles along the kelp’s stem.
OBJECTIVE: Try to spot three different types of fish that swim at different depths in the kelp forest.
HINT: Look for the bright orange garibaldi near the top, striped rockfish in the middle, and leopard sharks near the bottom.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Pay attention to the larger fish versus the smaller ones, and notice their feeding strategies.
Deep Sea Discovery Gallery Get Ready for the Deep Sea Discovery Gallery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Enter a world of bioluminescent creatures and bizarre deep-sea adaptations in this high-tech gallery that explores life in the midnight zone of the ocean, where sunlight never reaches.
INTERESTING FACT! Some deep-sea creatures can create their own light through bioluminescence, and scientists estimate that about 90% of deep-sea marine life can produce this living light!
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the interactive touch screens to create your own deep-sea creature, choosing adaptations that would help it survive in the dark, high-pressure environment of the deep ocean.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you lived in complete darkness under intense pressure, what special features would you need to survive?
DISCUSS: The pressure in the deep ocean is so intense that if you took a styrofoam cup down there, it would shrink to the size of a thimble!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Deep-sea creatures have developed incredible adaptations to survive. Some fish, like the anglerfish, have their own fishing rod with a glowing lure to attract prey. Others have huge jaws that can unhinge to eat prey larger than themselves. Many deep-sea animals have transparent bodies or are bright red – which appears black in the deep ocean – to help them hide. Some have extremely sensitive organs that can detect the tiniest movements in the water or even sense the electrical signals of other animals. These adaptations are like having super-powers that help them thrive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some deep-sea animals have such big eyes while others have no eyes at all?
DISCUSS: Some deep-sea creatures have eyes the size of dinner plates to capture every possible particle of light, while others have completely lost their eyes through evolution!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: In the deep sea, animals have taken different approaches to dealing with darkness. Giant squid have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom – about the size of a basketball – to capture even the faintest light. These massive eyes help them spot the silhouettes of prey against the dim light from above. Other creatures, like the blind cavefish, have lost their eyes completely because they’re unnecessary in the darkness. Instead, they’ve developed enhanced senses of smell and touch, with special organs that can detect changes in water pressure and movement. Some deep-sea shrimp have light sensors on their backs instead of eyes, helping them detect predators swimming above them!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different examples of bioluminescent creatures in the gallery and note where on their bodies they produce light.
HINT: Look for the anglerfish with its glowing lure, and creatures with light-producing organs along their sides.
OBJECTIVE: Using the interactive displays, design a deep-sea creature that could survive at 3,000 feet below the surface. What adaptations did you choose and why?
HINT: Think about features like large eyes, pressure-resistant bodies, and special sensing organs.
Touch Pools Get Ready for the Touch Pools : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience the ocean through your fingertips! These interactive tide pools let you gently touch and learn about fascinating creatures that live in the rocky shores of Monterey Bay.
INTERESTING FACT! Sea stars can regrow lost arms, and some species can even regenerate an entire new body from just one arm if it includes part of the central disc!
COOL ACTIVITY! Practice the “two-finger gentle touch” method used by marine biologists to safely interact with tide pool animals. Compare the different textures you feel – from the bumpy surface of sea stars to the smooth shell of a chiton.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these animals protect themselves from drying out when the tide goes out?
DISCUSS: Some animals, like sea anemones, cover themselves with bits of shell and rock, and can retain water inside their bodies for hours until the tide returns!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Tide pool animals are masters of survival, dealing with dramatic changes every day. Mussels can close their shells tight and hold water inside, like having their own personal water bottle. Sea stars secrete a mucus layer that helps prevent water loss, similar to how we use lip balm to prevent our lips from drying out. Some snails have a special “trap door” called an operculum that seals their shell like a submarine hatch. During low tide, many animals cluster together in shaded crevices, creating their own mini marine communities that help everyone stay moist until the tide returns.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some sea stars have different textures and colors? How might these differences help them survive?
DISCUSS: The tiny spines on a sea star’s surface aren’t just for protection – they help trap water around their bodies and can even detect light and darkness!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sea stars are like living Swiss Army knives, with multiple adaptations built into their bodies. Their different colors can help them camouflage – purple sea stars blend in with mussel beds, while orange ones match the rocky reef. The bumpy textures aren’t just for defense; they house tiny structures called papulae that help sea stars breathe underwater. Some species have special sensors that can detect chemicals in the water, helping them find food or avoid predators. Their tube feet, which you can feel on their underside, contain thousands of tiny suction cups strong enough to open mussel shells!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different species of sea stars and compare their textures, colors, and number of arms.
HINT: Look for the ochre star, bat star, and sunflower star (if available). Notice how their colors and textures vary.
OBJECTIVE: Locate a sea anemone and carefully touch its tentacles. Time how long it takes for it to react to your touch.
HINT: Use one finger very gently – watch how it pulls its tentacles in for protection.
Sea Otter Exhibit Get Ready for the Sea Otter Exhibit : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Watch these charismatic marine mammals demonstrate their playful intelligence and amazing adaptations. The otters here are rescue animals that help scientists learn more about wild otter populations.
INTERESTING FACT! Sea otters have the densest fur of any animal – up to one million hairs per square inch. That’s more than 1,000 times denser than the hair on your head!
COOL ACTIVITY! During feeding times, observe how otters use tools like rocks to crack open shells. Time how long they can hold their breath underwater (they can stay under for up to 5 minutes!).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do sea otters stay warm in cold water without blubber like whales and seals have?
DISCUSS: Sea otters spend up to 4 hours a day grooming their fur, which traps a layer of air bubbles that acts like a wetsuit!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sea otters are nature’s engineering marvel when it comes to staying warm. Their fur works like a high-tech, multi-layer insulation system. The outer layer of guard hairs locks together like Velcro, protecting the dense underfur that traps air bubbles. These bubbles not only keep them warm but also help them float! They have an extremely high metabolism and eat about 25% of their body weight daily – imagine eating 40 hamburgers every day! Their bodies are so well-insulated that they don’t leave a heat signature in thermal imaging, making them nearly invisible to infrared cameras.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think sea otters often float on their backs, and what are they doing when they pat their chest?
DISCUSS: Sea otters have loose skin pockets under their forearms where they store their favorite rocks for cracking shells and their latest meal!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sea otters are one of the few marine mammals that use tools, showing remarkable intelligence. They’re like underwater mechanics with a tool belt! When floating on their backs, their belly becomes a dining table where they crack open shells using rocks. Each otter has favorite rocks they keep in their armpit pouches – some even have different rocks for different types of shells! They pat their chest to clean their fur and redistribute air bubbles in their coat. Mother otters also use their bodies as a floating cradle for pups, who can’t dive until they develop their adult fur. The pups are so buoyant they can’t sink even if they try!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch for different otter behaviors and create an “otter ethogram” (behavior chart). Try to identify at least 5 different activities.
HINT: Look for behaviors like grooming, playing, eating, diving, and resting. Note how much time they spend on each activity.
OBJECTIVE: During feeding time, try to identify different types of food the otters are given and which tools they use to eat them.
HINT: Watch for special frozen treats, shellfish, and how they handle different foods.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Monterey Bay Aquarium
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
Dennis the Menace Park: An amazing playground designed with input from Hank Ketcham (creator of Dennis the Menace), featuring a real steam engine, climbing walls, and suspension bridge.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: A fascinating museum just minutes away that showcases local wildlife, monarch butterflies, and hands-on science exhibits.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Called the “Crown Jewel” of California’s state parks, offering spectacular hiking trails, tide pooling, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk by Sy Montgomery
- The Magic School Bus Takes a Dive: A Book About Coral Reefs by Joanna Cole
- Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK Publishing
- Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem by Patricia Newman
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Monterey Bay Aquarium
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium transformed a former sardine cannery into a world-class marine science center:
- HOLY MOLY! The aquarium pumps 2,000 gallons of seawater per minute directly from Monterey Bay, filtering it for exhibits while returning it to the ocean cleaner than when it came in.
- MIND-BLOWING! The aquarium’s giant kelp forest was the first successful recreation of this ecosystem in captivity, and it’s still the largest such exhibit in the world.
- INCREDIBLE! Scientists at the aquarium have successfully bred endangered sea horses, sharing their techniques with other institutions worldwide.
- WOW! The aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has influenced over 85% of North American seafood purchases to be more sustainable.
- AMAZING! The aquarium’s sea otter surrogacy program has successfully raised and released over 50 orphaned pups, contributing significantly to wild population recovery.
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Monterey Bay Aquarium
OPEN SEA EXHIBIT Get Ready for the OPEN SEA EXHIBIT : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This massive exhibit showcases the dynamic ecosystem of the open ocean, featuring fast-swimming tuna, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles in a million-gallon tank that mimics the endless blue waters of the Pacific.
INTERESTING FACT! The viewing window is actually 13 inches thick and weighs 78,000 pounds. It’s made of acrylic panels that were carefully engineered to withstand the pressure of all that water while providing crystal-clear views.
COOL ACTIVITY! Time the speed of different species as they swim past the window. Using the exhibit’s scale markers, calculate their speed in miles per hour and compare it to your running speed or a car’s velocity.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these massive animals navigate in the open ocean without GPS?
DISCUSS: Tuna have specialized cells containing magnetite that act like an internal compass, allowing them to detect Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The open ocean’s navigation systems are incredibly sophisticated. Sea turtles imprint on the magnetic signature of their birth beach and use this information to return decades later. Sharks possess electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini that detect tiny electrical fields generated by prey and Earth’s magnetic field. Some fish use polarized light patterns in the sky, while others rely on ocean currents and chemical trails.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some fish here are silvery while others are dark on top and light on bottom?
DISCUSS: The silvery scales of sardines and mackerel act like mirrors, reflecting whatever light is around them, making them nearly invisible from any angle.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This adaptation, called countershading, is a sophisticated form of camouflage. When predators look down, the dark top blends with the deep water below. When looking up, the light belly matches the bright surface waters. The silvery scales contain guanine crystals that reflect light like microscopic mirrors. This same principle is now being studied for developing better camouflage technology and even invisible cars!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and identify three different swimming patterns among the species in the tank.
HINT: Watch how tuna swim differently from sharks, and how sea turtles move compared to both.
OBJECTIVE: Locate evidence of symbiotic relationships between species.
HINT: Look for smaller fish swimming near larger ones, particularly around the mouths of sea turtles.
KELP FOREST Get Ready for the KELP FOREST : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Standing 28 feet tall, this exhibit is one of the tallest aquarium tanks in the world, replicating the actual kelp forest ecosystem right outside the aquarium’s walls. It’s a living demonstration of vertical zonation in marine ecosystems.
INTERESTING FACT! Kelp can grow up to two feet per day, making it one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth. The aquarium’s staff actually has to trim the kelp regularly to prevent it from growing out of the tank!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a food web diagram using the species you observe. Start with the kelp and identify at least three trophic levels, noting how energy flows through the ecosystem.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think climate change affects kelp forests, and what might that mean for coastal communities?
DISCUSS: Kelp forests can absorb carbon dioxide up to 20 times more efficiently than land-based forests, making them crucial in fighting climate change.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Kelp forests are experiencing significant threats from marine heatwaves, which can raise water temperatures beyond what kelp can tolerate. When kelp forests disappear, it triggers a cascade effect: sea urchin populations explode without predator control, creating “urchin barrens” that prevent kelp regrowth. This affects everything from local fisheries to coastal erosion protection. Scientists are now experimenting with “super kelp” strains that can withstand warmer waters and restoration projects using sea otter populations to control urchins.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What engineering principles do you think kelp uses to stay upright without a rigid structure like trees have?
DISCUSS: Kelp has air-filled bladders called pneumatocysts that act like biological buoys, each precisely calibrated to provide just enough lift to keep the kelp upright without tearing it from the seafloor.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The engineering of kelp has inspired numerous human innovations. Its flexible yet strong structure has influenced the design of underwater cables and offshore wind farms. The holdfast, which anchors kelp to rocks, has inspired new types of adhesives that work underwater. Scientists are even studying kelp’s ability to absorb wave energy to design better coastal protection systems. The chemical compounds in kelp are used in everything from ice cream to dental molds, showing how marine biology connects to various fields of science and engineering.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different adaptations that allow fish to maneuver through the kelp forest without getting tangled.
HINT: Look at body shapes, fin positions, and swimming patterns.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the three distinct zones in a kelp forest: canopy, midwater, and bottom.
HINT: Notice how different species occupy specific height ranges within the tank, just like in nature.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Watch how the kelp moves with the artificially generated currents, and how fish use these movements to their advantage.
DEEP SEA GALLERY Get Ready for the DEEP SEA GALLERY : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This otherworldly exhibit showcases creatures from the midnight zone, where bioluminescence rules and bizarre adaptations help organisms survive in extreme conditions.
INTERESTING FACT! Some deep-sea creatures can create light through chemical reactions that’s 90% efficient – far more efficient than a standard LED bulb at 40%.
COOL ACTIVITY! Using your phone’s light meter app, measure the different light levels throughout the gallery and calculate the depth each level would represent in the ocean (light decreases by 90% every 75 meters).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How might the extreme pressure at depth influence the evolution of deep-sea creatures’ bodies?
DISCUSS: At the ocean’s deepest points, the pressure is equivalent to having 50 jumbo jets stacked on top of you.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Deep-sea organisms have evolved remarkable adaptations to handle pressure. Many have water-soluble proteins that work better under pressure, while others lack air spaces that would collapse. Some fish have special pressure-resistant osmolytes in their cells, and certain deep-sea proteins are being studied for developing pressure-resistant materials. These adaptations are now inspiring everything from pressure-resistant submarines to new food preservation techniques.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think so many deep-sea creatures are red when there’s no red light at depth?
DISCUSS: Red appears black in the deep ocean because blue light (the only color that penetrates deep) can’t reflect off red surfaces, creating perfect camouflage.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This phenomenon has led to fascinating evolutionary strategies. Many predators have developed blue-sensitive eyes only, while prey species have evolved red coloration. Scientists are using this principle to develop new types of camouflage technology. The military is particularly interested in these deep-sea adaptations for developing stealth technology, and marine biologists are using red-light headlamps to observe deep-sea creatures without disturbing them.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different types of bioluminescence and their purposes (communication, hunting, defense).
HINT: Look for patterns in when and how different species light up.
OBJECTIVE: Find examples of transparent creatures and explain their survival advantage.
HINT: Consider how being transparent might help in an environment with bioluminescent predators.
CONSERVATION & SCIENCE LAB Get Ready for the CONSERVATION & SCIENCE LAB : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This interactive space connects visitors with real-time research, showing how marine scientists study ocean health and develop conservation solutions.
INTERESTING FACT! The lab processes over 4,000 water samples annually to monitor ocean acidification in Monterey Bay, contributing to the world’s longest continuous pH monitoring program.
COOL ACTIVITY! Participate in ongoing citizen science projects by helping to analyze underwater footage or contributing to microplastic surveys.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think scientists track individual animals in the vast ocean?
DISCUSS: Modern tracking tags can record an animal’s location, depth, speed, and even body temperature, transmitting data via satellite when the animal surfaces.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Marine tracking has revolutionized our understanding of ocean life. Scientists have discovered that great white sharks make annual migrations to an area dubbed the “White Shark Café” in the Pacific, though they don’t know exactly why. Tracking has revealed that bluefin tuna can maintain body temperatures up to 20°F warmer than the surrounding water, and that elephant seals can dive for up to two hours on a single breath. This data is crucial for establishing marine protected areas and understanding how climate change affects migration patterns.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What role do you think AI and machine learning play in marine research?
DISCUSS: AI can now identify individual whales from their fluke patterns with 96% accuracy, revolutionizing population studies.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Artificial intelligence is transforming marine science. Machine learning algorithms can process thousands of hours of underwater footage to track species movements, predict harmful algal blooms, and even detect illegal fishing activities from satellite imagery. Scientists are using AI to decode whale songs, predict coral bleaching events, and model ocean current changes. These technologies are creating new career opportunities at the intersection of computer science and marine biology.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and document three different research tools used by marine scientists.
HINT: Look for both traditional tools like microscopes and modern technology like ROVs.
OBJECTIVE: Find a current research project that interests you and identify its potential impact on ocean conservation.
HINT: Check the digital displays showing real-time data from ongoing studies.
SEA OTTERS EXHIBIT Get Ready for the SEA OTTERS EXHIBIT : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Beyond their charismatic appeal, this exhibit demonstrates one of conservation’s greatest success stories and showcases the crucial role of keystone species in ecosystem health.
INTERESTING FACT! Sea otters use tools, and individuals develop unique tool preferences that they pass on to their pups – a rare example of culture in marine mammals.
COOL ACTIVITY! Time how long otters can hold their breath during dives and compare it to their feeding, grooming, and playing behaviors. Record the data in a field journal format.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do sea otters maintain their body temperature without blubber like other marine mammals?
DISCUSS: Sea otters have up to one million hairs per square inch – the densest fur of any animal on Earth, compared to humans’ mere 100,000 hairs on our entire head.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sea otters’ thermal regulation is a masterpiece of evolution. Their fur traps air bubbles that provide insulation and buoyancy. They maintain this fur through constant grooming, spending up to 6 hours daily cleaning it. Their extremely high metabolism requires them to eat 25-30% of their body weight daily. Scientists are studying their unique fur structure to develop better wetsuit materials and water-repellent fabrics. Their metabolic adaptations are also helping researchers understand how to treat hypothermia in humans.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why are sea otters considered a keystone species, and what would happen to kelp forests without them?
DISCUSS: One sea otter can consume nearly 1,000 sea urchins per day, preventing these kelp-eating invertebrates from destroying entire kelp forest ecosystems.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The sea otter-kelp forest relationship demonstrates ecological interconnectedness perfectly. When sea otters were hunted to near extinction, sea urchin populations exploded, creating barren areas devoid of kelp. This affected everything from fish populations to carbon sequestration. The return of sea otters has revitalized entire ecosystems, increasing biodiversity and helping combat climate change. This cascade effect has taught scientists valuable lessons about ecosystem management and the importance of protecting predator species.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify and record three different tools being used by the otters.
HINT: Watch how they handle food items and look for their preferred tools near their feeding areas.
OBJECTIVE: Document the different behaviors in the otters’ daily routine and their ecological significance.
HINT: Pay attention to how much time they spend on different activities and why each might be important for survival.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Monterey Bay Aquarium
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Known as the “Crown Jewel” of California’s state parks, offering spectacular hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and some of the best SCUBA diving in the country.
Cannery Row: Historic waterfront district featuring unique shops and restaurants in preserved sardine cannery buildings, immortalized by John Steinbeck’s novel.
Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area: Amazing tide pooling opportunities and coastal walks where you can see wild marine life in their natural habitat.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival by Stephen Palumbi – Perfect for understanding the area’s environmental history
- Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols – Explores the science behind water’s positive effects on the mind
- Download the Seafood Watch App to learn about sustainable seafood choices
- Watch Big Blue Live PBS series featuring the Monterey Bay ecosystem
- Review the aquarium’s YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes videos and marine science content
- Check out the aquarium’s live webcams before your visit to preview exhibits
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine diving into an underwater wonderland where giant kelp forests sway like skyscrapers made of seaweed, and playful sea otters perform aquatic acrobatics right before your eyes! The Monterey Bay Aquarium isn’t just any aquarium – it’s a magical window into the Pacific Ocean, where every turn brings a new discovery. What secrets will you uncover as you explore one of the world’s most spectacular aquariums, built right on the edge of the ocean?
MORE INFORMATION
Official Website