Summer time is here and I am thrilled! I have our water bottles and sunscreen packed because there are so many exciting things to do and so many fun places to explore! I put together a list of some of the places that have my family returning every year! This list includes some of our favorite zoos, aquariums, and museums in the area!
Aquarium of the bay: It is a small aquarium in San Francisco. The best part is going through the tunnel which is worth the trip all on its own! Plus, you get a little road trip with your children!
Seymour center is a small aquarium that is all geared towards children. Growing up in Santa Cruz, I volunteered at this center all throughout high school and I loved every second of it. The staff are very engaged with the children by educating the children on the small creatures inside the small touch tank. They also set up different activities for the children to stay hands on. Last year my kids played the scavenger hunt and won some sea creature toys.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is huge! It’s a long drive so it’s either a whole day trip or you can make it a weekend trip. There is so much to experience inside and outside of the Aquarium. Monterey is a beautiful place to visit!
Happy Hollow is local zoo with great toddler rides. Definitely for the younger ones though. My 11 year old was a little bored when I took him. My younger ones loved it!
Palo Alto Children’s Museum and zoo is FREE but I always bring a donation to help support the animal care. This museum and zoo is partially indoors and outdoors. It also has a great park right next to it with some nice picnic tables under some shade where the kids and I have lunch.
The Oakland Zoo...Make sure you put on your walking shoes! Everyone will be ready for a nap after this trip! Haha. The giraffes, tigers, lions, and baboons were my kids favorite animals. The train and the gondola was also pretty fun.
Stay tuned for my next blog, focusing on our favorite beaches and more!
