How To Make The Most Of Your Next Trip To The Aquarium

Looking for an easy summer day trip? I’ve got just the thing for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or have a family, a trip to the aquarium is one of the best day trips out there. I’ll give you some tips on how to make the most of your next trip to the aquarium. If you plan, you will have an enjoyable day trip to learn about the magnificent creatures of the deep. 

Plan Ahead

If you plan to go to an aquarium this summer you have to plan. It can be a week in advance or a month, but doing your research before you plan an outing can make or break your trip. If you’re all about staying local and taking day trips you may consider visiting other cities’ aquariums to make it feel like an actual trip. Grab a sheet of paper and your calendar and write down the top three days for your trip. 

Check Aquarium Website For Great Deals

When planning a trip to an aquarium, the first place that you should head is the aquarium website for great deals and local tips. Suppose you are looking for an adventure. Check out private tours, boat adventures, animal encounters, or opportunities to feed the animals. There are also special events like food and wine nights, late-night events, and lectures. This could be especially fun for a surprise date night for an animal lover. If you have a love for the ocean and conservation, a whale watching tour could be the event that could bring you joy and expand your love for wildlife. 

If you’re planning to spend the night at a local hotel, make sure to check out the website of your aquarium for fantastic hotel packages, shopping, and dining. You’ll also get basic information on hours, ticket prices, and parking. Some aquariums have an app that you can download to make your visit even easier. 

Make sure to also check out Groupon. A lot of times you can get great packages on tickets, hotels & dining!

Plan Out Exhibits Ahead Of Time

While you’re studying the aquarium website, locate all the must-see exhibits and create a plan of attack. If a new exhibit just opened, make sure that you plan to hit that area when the aquarium opens. Aquariums are popular for summer camp field trips, so make sure to call ahead and ask if there are days during the week with fewer visitors. Planning can make the difference between an amazing trip or a day filled with frustration and disappointment. 

Bring Snacks With You

Suppose you are on a budget, make sure to back a cooler full of snacks and drinks and bring them with you. Food and drinks can be overpriced, so save some money and bring fruits, sliced veggies, trail mix, cheese, and meat snacks to get you by. Also, make sure to bring a clear, reusable water bottle to refill through your visit so you can stay hydrated.

Some aquariums allow you to bring food inside, but others have picnic tables located outside for guests to have a picnic lunch. Make sure to scout out these areas before your visit.

Be The First In Line

Whether you’re going to an aquarium or an amusement park, it’s always best to set the alarm and hit the freeway early. You’ll avoid heavy traffic, find premier parking, and make fast entry into the aquarium. Getting an early start also gives you time to talk to guest services to get suggestions on activities to do in town after you leave or updates about your favorite animals. 

Another bonus to being the first person in line is that you’ll have a good view of the exhibits you want to visit and take all the time you want to admire the sea creatures.

Private Tour

Check out the aquarium website for information and pricing for behind-the-scenes tours. These VIP tours give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the work that the aquarium staff and researchers do daily to keep the animals healthy and educate the public on each species. 

VIP pricing for tours varies, so make sure to contact the aquarium directly. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a hands-on experience and don’t mind paying extra for a memorable experience, then a behind-the-scenes tour is just for you. Make sure to schedule your tour at least a week before your trip. 

Set A Budget

Creating a budget with enough wiggle room for souvenirs and snacks will take the stress of worrying about spending too much. You can bring cash or use a prepaid card, or move money to a separate checking account with your daily budget. Don’t forget to check out the pricing for special tours that you may want to do on your visit. The plan is to enjoy the day and have fun without breaking the bank.

Hit The Gift Shop Last

The last stop of the day should be the gift shop. I always like to get one small souvenir for myself, like a t-shirt, keychain, or postcard. Another way to make your trip have a lasting impact is to donate money or become an aquarium member. Your donation will help to support ocean and marine research and conservation. If you sign up for a membership, you’ll receive member benefits such as discounts at the gift shop, dining, and invitations to special events and lectures.

There you have it! You’re ready for an amazing trip to the aquarium that won’t break the bank! If you enjoyed this blog check out my latest – Must Eat Restaurant In Oceanside 333 Pacific.