Living in California, the Pacific Ocean borders 840 miles of shoreline, and definitely runs the show, as it continuously intrigues us all. Especially our adventurous and curious grandson. So, of course we spent Monday at the Aquarium of the Pacific, in Snoop Dog’s hometown of Long Beach. The seeing part was fabulous, for there are countless, literally, sea creatures and fish and mammals and birds there. From oh so tiny to pretty big, we were entertained from start to finish, but also delighted to know that conservation is a big part of this non-profit, and that, “the Aquarium is conserving species and ecosystems, including sea turtles, abalone, giant sea bass, corals, sharks, penguins, and sea otters. Like aquariums around the world, we are working hard to save species that are being pushed to the brink of extinction by humans.” Our young guy could not have been happier to explore every inch of the place.

Right off the bat he asked to touch every fish that swam by, even the stingrays maneuvering high overhead. By each tank that we encountered, we stopped and said hi, introduced ourselves to those on the other side of the glass, and asked how they were doing. But, he reminded me, he wanted to get closer. He wasn’t there to only look, he insisted.

He even wanted to float around with the jellyfish and their trailing tentacles…

Of course he wanted to get right in with the puffins and penguins but instead scrambled across the rocks in front of the tank, urging those guys to chase him, which they did.

Thankfully, out in the center courtyard, there were odd creatures and even a shark to climb on. This is what I love best about places designed for kids of all ages– they know that ultimately we are looking for tactile experiences and they provide them in droves.

Most of all our guy was so very happy that the aquarium had touch tanks. He was not shy about meeting every moon jelly he could. He touched each one, gently, only on the top, as the staff suggested. We all did actually. A non-stinging jelly is certainly a wonder!

Next came the tropical rays, who seemed as excited to interact as the many kids reaching a hand into the warm water. Our guy found a favorite ray quickly, becoming a fast friend indeed, who kept him in awe and oh so content.

What a fun moment when we discovered that the sea urchins will give your finger a hug when placed within their spines! And all the sea stars he met, nothing but magical.

Nothing really excited him quite like touching a shark. Hands down, this touch tank was the highlight, chockfull of tropical sharks, and certainly where we spent most of our time.

Bringing a 3 year old anywhere new can be an excellent adventure. But bring them somewhere they can interact with such amazing creatures, and you will see little besides joy in their eyes. I guess in ours too.