SEA Lab in Redondo Beach

 

One of my favorite places to visit with my kiddos are aquariums. The kids (and I) always learn something new and we always have a good time. We love learning about our beautiful oceans and the sea life that is found on our shoreline.Rachel had the opportunity to visit Sea Lab in Redondo Beach and shares about this great little place.

My kids love the ocean, so we often make trips to the beach and aquariums. With three kids under the age of four, I sometimes enjoy small, more intimate aquariums the most. One of our favorite places is the SEA Lab in Redondo Beach.  Since we live nearby, we’ve been there many times. We were sad to hear last month that some bleach from a nearby plant had leaked into some tanks, killing leopard sharks and fish at the lab. But fortunately, the SEA Lab was able to get back on its feet quickly. The Cabrillo Aquarium donated three new leopard sharks to replace the two that had been lost. The touch tanks are back up and running. When we headed there one Friday afternoon last month, we found it as enjoyable as ever.

When we visited the SEA Lab, we arrived just in time for the first touch tank tour of the afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Volunteers give guided tours of touch tanks every Tuesday-Sunday. The tours are offered on the hour from 1-3 on weekdays, and 10-3 on weekends. The tour and museum are always free (though there is a recommended donation of $2 per person or $4 per family).Our tour lasted a little over half an hour, and we touched sea stars and anemones, looked at big spiny lobsters, searched for camouflaged halibut, touched shark eggs, and more. Our tour guide was well-informed and was able to answer all of our questions. After the tour, we explored a small one-room museum with a few other creatures in tanks. I especially loved the tanks that showed the life cycle of a jellyfish.

In addition to the tour, you can also feed the sharks if you visit on a Saturday at noon. On a previous visit, we did this. We fed the leopard sharks in a big outdoor tank. We paid $2 for a good-sized container of food (raw fish!) to feed the sharks. When we did this, my kids were too squeamish to touch the raw fish themselves, but they liked watching their daddy throw the fish to the sharks!

The SEA Lab is located near King Harbor at 1021 N. Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach. A metered parking lot is adjacent to the SEA Lab. The parking is $1 an hour, and we usually are able to see everything in the SEA Lab in under an hour. Sometimes after we visit the SEA Lab, we drive down the road and enjoy some time at the pier or the beach.

If you are in the area, I definitely wouldn’t pass up this little gem of a place! For more information on the Redondo Beach SEA Lab, you can visit their website here.

Rachel Hoggan is a former English teacher who is now a full-time mom of three children who are all under the age four. Her number one hobby is her children. When she’s not out daytripping,  she’s at home crafting, reading books, and playing make believe with her children. You can read more from her at Mommy Lessons 101.

“Hop” Review and Giveaway

 

The loot! I wish I could win this. That's one fun easter basket!

Update: Contest is now closed. The winner of the giveaway is Sara Muhammad. Thank you all for entering.
Easter is right around the corner and that means my kiddos will be watching one of their favorite spring time flicks, Hop!  This fun family flick is coming to Blu-Ray/DVD on Friday, March 23rd in a new combo set.
This fun family film is all about the Easter Bunny and is a great movie this time of year. The movie is all about a newly bestowed Easter Bunny, who is not quite ready to take over this tradition and the responsibilities. He goes on an adventure to find himself and well the rest, you will have to see for yourselves. We enjoyed watching it as a family and I think your family will too!
The new set features a digital copy along with bonus features including a new short film, Phil’s Dance Party —An all-new mini-movie starring fan-favorite chicks Phil and Carlos. Phil eats so much candy that he crashes, leaving Carlos to perform a solo of the big dance finale…the Merengue. The set also includes games, out takes and much more.
It’s giveaway time!!!!  I have one Hop Easter Basket to giveaway that is sure to delight your little ones.
Here are the details of what will be included in the basket :
  • HOP DVD/Blu-Ray Combo pack
  • Plush toy
  • HOP candy
  • Kid-sized beret
  • HOP drumsticks
  • HOP silly bands
  • HOP activity sheet/stickers

All you have to do is leave a comment letting us know your favorite Easter Tradition/s. Winner will be chosen at random. Giveaway closes on Friday, March 23rd at 11:59pm. Good luck!

 

A Day of Fun at Adventure City

 

Excited about walking through the gates!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take the kiddos to Adventure City, also known as The Little Theme Park that’s Big on Family Fun. I can tell you that we had to literally drag the kids out of Adventure City. They enjoyed their time at the park from the instant we walked through the gates.

One of their favorite rides!

Adventure City is located in Anaheim and very close to Buena Park and Knott’s Berry Farm. If you have little ones you must make a visit to this hidden gem. The park is home to a variety of rides that are the perfect size for the younger kiddos. In fact, my kids 5 and 6 were able to ride the Giggle Wheel(Ferris Wheel) all by themselves! It was the first time they rode a ride alone and they couldn’t have been prouder!

Riding alone for the first time. I almost couldn't look!

There is an air ballon ride, a drop zone, a roller coaster, train and so much more. The lines were short and my kiddos seemed to enjoy every aspect of the park.

The kids loved the ride!

Adventure City is also home to a petting zoo and a Children’s Theater area, which are also included in the price of admission. I can safely say that I have not seen my kiddos enjoy themselves in a long time. They loved every second of their visit and loved that they could ride every single ride!

My son enjoying himself at the petting zoo.

The kids had a blast and I can’t wait to head back there again. They really had the time of their lives.

My 6 year old on her first big drop. I definitely closed my eyes a few times!

Admission is $14.95 and includes all of the attractions and rides. Parking is always free. We had a few snacks and they were very reasonably priced. Next time we visit we plan on having lunch there. There are also picnic tables directly outside the entrance gate. You can pack a cooler and exit out for a bite to eat.  It is a very reasonably priced little theme park and I can honestly say you would probably spend way more $$ at Chuck E Cheese on a night out. For a little more than a movie ticket you are guaranteed a fantastic time! If you have little ones, I can tell you that they will definitely have a great time!

Hours and days of operation vary, so make sure to check the schedule before you head out. For additional info head here.

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Complimentary tickets were provided to aid in the review.