Growing up in Oregon, my family and I often made the trek to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. We—and approximately everyone else in the world—went back even more often when Keiko, aka Free Willy, moved to this small town’s aquarium. Even though Keiko was long since released into the wild, going to this Newport, Oregon aquarium with kids is a must-do activity when visiting the Oregon Central Coast.

There’s nothing like getting up close and personal with sea creatures (and the experts who research them). Going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids is something I recommend to everyone taking a trip to Newport, Lincoln City or the other towns nearby.

From a touch pool where kids can see what a starfish feels like to a long tank where you can actually walk under a bat ray or sturgeon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is home to unforgettable experiences for families.

Want to learn more to help plan your trip? Read on for all the details you need to visit this Newport, Oregon aquarium with kids.

Your best trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids

Kid-friendly features of the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Feeding times

You and your kids will see animals at their most active when you visit during feeding times. What’s more, you’ll learn a ton as aquarium staff share about the animals as they feed, examine and exercise them.

Level 10 travel tip: Arrive at least 10 minutes before the posted feeding time. You’ll not only get a spot where you can see; you’ll also see the animals extra-active as they anticipate getting fed!

Tidal touch pool

This is my kids’ favorite part of the Oregon Coast Aquarium. At the center of the building, you’ll find a big, shallow pool filled with sea cucumbers, starfish, urchins and more. People are welcome to gently touch the animals inside.

My girls were amazed at how sticky the sea anemone felt and how the sea urchin “hugged” their finger!

Level 10 travel tip: Ask the volunteers at the touch pool questions! They’re always happy to share their wisdom, and you’ll learn more from them than simply reading informational signs.

Outdoor playground

I’m pretty sure you agree that kids are much more fun to be around when they’re allowed to run around like the silly goobers they are. Luckily, the Newport Oregon aquarium has a small outdoor playground just perfect for this.

It’s tucked out of the way—you likely won’t come across it unless you seek it out. From the restaurant, step out the doors on the opposite side of the room as the lobby. From Passages of the Deep, head straight instead of bearing left on the path.

Family activities at the Newport, Oregon aquarium

Aquarium scavenger hunt

When you head to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids, make sure you print out this free aquarium scavenger hunt. I designed it so it can be used at any aquarium, and my girls loved hunting for things that were striped, funny, feathered and scary. I’m sure your littles will love it, too!

Geocaching at the aquarium

Just about no one knows there are two geocaches hidden within the Oregon Coast Aquarium! You don’t need any fancy equipment to find them; simply enter the coordinates into your smartphone to find them. (When you pay for admission, ask the front desk for a flyer that includes the geocaching coordinates.) I hear there are goodies inside; you can take something and leave something for the next people to find.

We actually haven’t done this yet—I didn’t learn about it until we were ready to leave—but you better believe we’ll be geocaching the next time we head to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids.

Aquatots preschool program

On the second Wednesday of every month, a preschool program highlights one theme (such as crustaceans, birds or sharks). Kids ages 3-5 will do crafts, listen to stories and even have “creature encounters.”

The Aquatots program is included in the price of admission.

Exhibits you don’t want to miss

Passages of the Deep

This is my favorite section of the Newport, Oregon aquarium. I’m fascinated by the undersea world, and these tunnels that take you underwater make you feel like you’re getting a secret peek into fish’s lives.

Level 10 travel tip: Pick up a handout that shows photos of every species that lives in this exhibit. Your kids will have fun trying to match what they see to the sheet, and you’ll learn the names of fish, rays and sharks.

Harbor seals and sea lions

These magnificent animals are wonderful to watch. On-land, they are giant and awkward, but underwater they glide like dancers.

Big Bites

This exhibit features a game where kids try to get from one room to the other without getting “eaten” by a predator. It’s a great opportunity to take a break from the busier rooms and just let kids goof off.

Octopus cave

This amazing mollusc is often hiding, which makes it a fun challenge to find among the rocks. But you might get lucky—as we did on a recent visit—and see it stretch out and swim!

Sea otters

I’m always surprised at how huge sea otters are. I’m not surprised by how cute they are—they definitely live up to their cuddly, adorable reputation!

Clear walls of the tank at kid-level allows small fry to watch sea otters swim by. Watch long enough and you’ll likely see them do flips and other underwater acrobatics!

SeaPunk

[update summer 2019] The Newport, Oregon aquarium’s newest exhibit is edgy, cool and totally surprising. The aquarium has blended steam punk with marine science in SeaPunk!

The exhibit is based on a fictional story about scientists living undersea. Throughout SeaPunk, you’ll imagine the scientist’s living quarters and try your own hand working in his laboratory. It’s a tiny bit creepy, a lot bit odd, and 100% awesome.

Must-know details to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids

Free wifi

When you visit the aquarium, use the public wifi. Log in to AquariumGuest so you don’t eat up your data.

Animal encounters

I’ve never done an animal encounter, but these family-friendly events are a chance to “meet” creatures such as the octopus or sea jelly. Note, though, that they are for children ages 6 and up or 8 and up, depending on the one you book. There is also an additional fee for animal encounters.

Breastfeeding spots

I haven’t ever seen a breastfeeding room within the Oregon Coast Aquarium, but there are plenty of benches to rest and feed your little. My favorite spot for breastfeeding: the bench in front of the enormous tank within the Coastal Waters exhibit. You can zen out while nursing your baby and watch the fish lazily swimming by. Ahhhhhhhhh.

Aquarium cafe

A cafe serving coffee, tea and snacks is in the lobby, right where you enter the aquarium. If you’re hungry while visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids, a restaurant/snack bar serves meals, including kid-friendly food such as corn dogs and PBJs. The food isn’t phenomenal, but it is a step up from typical snack bar fare.

Level 10 travel tip: You can also bring in your own food. Eat a little meal at one of the picnic tables next to the outdoor play area.

Does it pay to become members at the aquarium?

If you visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids (or without them, even) more than twice a year, it’s more economical to buy an annual membership. You’ll spend less in admission (and get extra perks) when you become a member.

That’s what we did: We became members over the winter break, and we went twice in that one trip alone. I like being a member of the aquarium not only because the money supports animal care and rescue, but also because it takes the pressure off to see and do everything in one go.

Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast Aquarium? Is there another aquarium you love? Leave your recommendations in the comments—I’d love to know which aquarium we should visit next!