Visiting Ocean World Aquarium with Kids in Crescent City, CA
If you’re in Crescent City more than likely you’ve driven by the giant Sea Lion statues guarding the entrance to Ocean World aquarium. Chances are your kids have spotted it and are asking to go. So what is this place, and is it worth the time and money to stop and check it out?
Our family decided to see what it was all about. Once you park there are a couple other photo ops besides those sea lions. There’s a massive shark overhead greeting you at the entrance. There’s also a surf board and jet ski to hop on top of and grab a pic in front of one of their many gorgeous murals. From there head into the gift shop to get your tour tickets. Pro tip: mention they have a 10% off coupon on their website so you can save some cash on the tickets. Tours begin maybe every 15-20 minutes when we visited. You’ll have time to peruse the large gift shop or take photos out front while you wait. FYI their shop had reasonable gift shop prices and had a lot of kid stuff in the $3, $5, and $10 price points. They also have a big selection of Redwood apparel if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Once your tour begins, you’ll enter their courtyard where there are a couple other photo ops and visit their touch tank. This is a great way to experience what you’ll find in tide pools here. You’re allowed to gently touch sea stars and anemones.
Next you’ll move inside their ship to view the aquariums. This requires walking down a steep flight of stairs. Once you’re down stairs, there is a lot to see. Rockfish, sharks, rays, and seals and sea lions! After everyone’s finished you’ll return upstairs to visit a shark touch tank where you can pet a shark!! There are some really great photo ops up there too.
Once everyone’s had a chance to pet the shark and get their photos, you’ll move outside to learn more about sea lions and seals. A trainer comes out and has them demonstrate their skills and tells you about them. They end with a Q &A.
I think the entire experience is under an hour long. We enjoyed it, and it looked like all the other families - even those with teens seemed to have a good time too. We’ll be back again!