Skip to content
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

ExploreMonterey, South Bay4.8/5

About This Place

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

Info

Age Range

All Ages

Venue Type

Indoor

Price Level

$$$

Best Time

Weekdays, arrive at opening. Otter feeding times are posted daily.

Parking

Cannery Row parking garages and lots nearby. Expect higher rates on busy days.

Tips

Buy tickets online in advance - sells out on weekends. Combine with a walk along Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On SiteReservation Needed

Tags

aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class
Official Website

For Farm & Wildlife Visits

Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America, Second Edition

National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America, Second Edition

View on Amazon

Scotamalone Kids Binoculars Shock Proof Toy Binoculars Set for Age 3-12 Years Old Boys Girls Bird Watching Educational Learning Hunting Hiking Birthday Presents

Scotamalone Kids Binoculars Shock Proof Toy Binoculars Set for Age 3-12 Years Old Boys Girls Bird Watching Educational Learning Hunting Hiking Birthday Presents

View on Amazon

#1 M-jump 3 Pack Colored Telescopic Butterfly Nets - Great for Catching Insects Bugs Fishing - Outdoor Toy for Kids Playing - Extendable from 6.8" to 34"…

#1 M-jump 3 Pack Colored Telescopic Butterfly Nets - Great for Catching Insects Bugs Fishing - Outdoor Toy for Kids Playing - Extendable from 6.8" to 34"…

View on Amazon

Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer, 2 Fl Oz (Pack of 6), Less Drying Moisturizing Gel with Vitamin E, No Rinse Formula, Display Pack, Mini Travel Size for On-The-Go

Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer, 2 Fl Oz (Pack of 6), Less Drying Moisturizing Gel with Vitamin E, No Rinse Formula, Display Pack, Mini Travel Size for On-The-Go

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, kidsbayarea.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown are as of the last update and may change.

Location

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940(831) 648-4800Get Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
field-tripboat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature
Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal
Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park

explore
Mill Valley4.8

The Bay Area's most iconic mountain with panoramic views from the 2,571-foot summit. The paved 0.7-mile Verna Dunshee Trail circles the peak and is stroller-friendly. East Peak Visitor Center has a gift shop and seasonal snack bar. Over 50 miles of trails from gentle walks to challenging hikes. Family camping at Pantoll.

0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
mountainpanoramic-viewshikingstroller-friendlycamping