Jump into the Splash Zone
A Family-Friendly Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s
Newly Remodeled Kids’ Zone
By Jane Haworth.
Things have been quiet at the Monterey Bay Aquarium recently. With the recent reopening of the Splash Zone for kids twelve and under, things are definitely back to normal. Where else can you find colorful sea-slugs, a pot-bellied sea-horse and the ever active black footed penguins? A four million dollar
makeover has seen the Splash Zone double in size. Now kids
can
play, explore, get wet and learn whilst parents get a chance to rest.One of the biggest changes is the Enchanted Kelp Forest Gallery. As you walk through a giant archway of kelp, which opens onto the upper storey of the kelp forest exhibit, you get the feeling of being under the ocean. Do you know what the hold fast is? Kids get to explore and even climb through it as they find hidden models of fish eggs, sea bugs and a live red octopus. The ‘hold fast’ is the root or anchor of the kelp used to attach itself to the ocean floor. It is not used for food as kelp receive its’ nutrients and food through its fronds. I learnt this at the adjacent touch tanks, which are set out in a range of heights, suitable for the youngest of visitors. Knowledgeable docents are on hand to answer questions, impart marine biology information and make sure the resident sea creatures are carefully handled. Unlike the bright orange sea-star I saw a toddler hanging onto as he was put back into his stroller, as if it was his own plastic toy!
All active kids love to burn off energy which they can do at Coral Reef Kingdom where many of the new exhibits are built as playgrounds. Like the cleverly constructed Coral Cave where kids can crawl below the fish tanks and become part of the exhibit themselves. Or Coral Play that incorporates slides, rides, and dress-up into a playground of marine fun. For babies and toddlers Coral Cove is a safe place to play with many of the water attractions, or bouncing on a water-bed trampoline. Plenty of benches are provided for parents to take a break; even mothers can feed and rest babies in this comfortable cove.
Hands-on activities are a fun break for kids who maybe tired of viewing exhibits and marine creatures. The Rugged Rocky Shores is a water exhibit for all ages but there are no guarantees kids won’t get wet!
Here kids are able to explore and play with tide pools complete with
the ebbing tide, i.e. running water, waves, plastic boats and toy sea
creatures, crabs, fish, sea-stars etc. Plastic aprons are
provided just I case! Education is important at Monterey Bay Aquarium for both adults and children. In the various galleries opportunities are given to acquire knowledge through hands-on models, easy to read bilingual notices and of course touch pools. A relatively new exhibit is Wild about Otters. You can learn the difference between the infamous sea otters of Monterey Bay and freshwater river otters from around the world. Did you know most river otters are smaller than ocean dwelling ones? In three exhibits you meet freshwater otters from Africa and Asia as they show off their boundless energy playing in and out of the water in their large, realistic habitats.
We were staying at the Best Western Victorian Inn located a couple of streets off Cannery Row and a few blocks down from the aquarium. The location of this family friendly hotel made it an ideal place to stay during our spring mini-break. The conveniences of staying close by meant we could walk to the aquarium, nearby restaurants or the scenic coastal path, and get a break from journeying in the car. Also the hotels complimentary breakfast and afternoon cheese and wine were an added bonus for our budget vacation.
The Victorian Inn is a small, unassuming 68-room hotel that combines the elegance of its 1907 Victorian town house with all the modern amenities, luxurious furnishings and family friendly atmosphere for a
relaxing and memorable stay. The original residence now holds
the
hotels reception area and the elegant and tasteful parlor where a
complimentary breakfast and afternoon reception are held. The
hotel offers a variety of accommodations suitable for couples and
families from the beautifully decorated king suites, family rooms for
up to five, to rooms with secluded balconies or patios overlooking the
peaceful courtyard and concierge-level rooms with an additional level
of comfort.My family and I spent just a couple of days in Monterey but by purchasing the ‘2 days for price of 1’ aquarium ticket we were able to visit the aquarium on consecutive days. Many of Monterey’s hotels participate in this scheme so don’t forget to ask at your hotel’s concierge desk. A family visit to Monterey isn’t complete without a visit to the M.B.A. and with the new Splash Zone there’s an abundance of things to see and do, at the finest aquarium in the nation.
More Information:
http://www.innsofmonterey.com
Best Western Victorian Inn
487 Foam St.
Monterey
831 373 8000
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey
831 648 4800
photos courtsey Jane Haworth
©
Jane Haworth 2008