When you’re considering two attractions, of course you’ll want to think about what you can see and do at each.
Fer Looking into the Huge Aquarium at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland Ca
Marine Mania at SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE houses over 350 different species, many of which are fish from around the globe. Species on display include:
- Seahorses
- Clownfish
- Sharks
- Octopus
- Stingrays
- Jellyfish
Interactive Experiences
The SEA LIFE Aquarium shares its demographic with nearby LEGOLAND, so many of its exhibits are interactive to appeal to younger kids.
Kids can play and explore at a Reptile Encounter and the touch tanks at the Interactive Rockpool Experience and Tidepool All-Stars. Seaside Storytime has an age-appropriate story and activity for young children.
Educational Opportunities
Aquariums are a great spot to take young kids, as there’s a lot to learn! Both aquariums have informative signage up near the tanks to share information about the habitats and lifestyles of the marine animals inside.
At SEA LIFE, special programs like the Radical Rays live talk and the various topics covered in their Science Demonstrations bring education to the forefront.
Jellyfish at Birch Aquarium
Exploring the Birch Aquarium’s Exhibits
Birch Aquarium’s most unique exhibit is its family of Little Blue Penguins. It’s one of the only spots to see them in Southern California.
Other animals you can see when you visit include:
- Tropical fish and coral reefs
- Leopard sharks
- Giant pacific octopus
- Seahorses
- Sea turtles
- Seadragons
Interactive Experiences
Birch Aquarium also has some hands-on exhibits, like the Expedition at Sea: R/V Sally Ride Gallery, which shows what life is like on a marine research ship. Another is at the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, which has a touch tank with sea urchins, anemones, and sea stars.
Educational Opportunities
Birch Aquarium’s conservation efforts lend themselves well to family-friendly educational programs like the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit and the South Plaza, which features info on rays and sharks.
Its connections to Scripps Institute of Oceanography, one of the country’s largest oceanography graduate schools, ensures that education remains a focus throughout all of its exhibits. There’s a heavy focus on research and the conservation of marine species that you can feel while you walk around.
Leopard Shark at Birch Aquarium
Exceptional Exhibits: Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Not only does the Birch Aquarium have more unique and reclusive species on display, but also the aquarium’s dedication to conservation makes it one of my favorite attractions.