Nearly every day in the weeks leading up to our overnight sleepover at the aquarium in Newport, she’d ask me how many sleeps until we got to do our behind the scenes stay. Our excitement built until earlier this summer, when we drove to Newport for our aquarium sleepover.

Edie was beyond thrilled with her birthday gift. Before our overnight sleepover was even finished, she asked me, “Can we do this every week?”

We won’t be sleeping with the fishes at the Oregon Coast Aquarium every week, though I will continue to say “sleep with the fishes” until someone makes me stop.

And speaking of things I can’t stop talking about: I gush about our Oregon Coast Aquarium sleepover to anyone who will listen, so it’s past time I wrote about it here! Below, you’ll find our Newport aquarium sleepover review, what’s included in the overnight stay, logistics for the overnight sleepover, tips to make the aquarium sleepover go smoothly, and my bottom line takeaway.

If you’ve ever gone to an aquarium and wondered what happens after the crowds leave, you’ll definitely want to read on.

Oregon Coast Aquarium sleepover review

Newport aquarium sleepover: What to expect on Day 1

Edie and I arrived at the Oregon Coast Aquarium just before 6pm, when the aquarium closes. We saw the final stragglers leaving the aquarium—just as we were getting ready to explore it!

We met up with the rest of the group staying overnight in the aquarium classroom, south of the main entrance. We were 24 adults and kids, plus three aquarium staff. The room felt all buzzy, as if we were waiting for a celebrity to join us. #FishFanGirl

After a quick orientation talk that went over our schedule and the safety rules, we took our overnight gear to the Passages of the Deep. This is my favorite area in the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where you walk along a tunnel surrounded by tanks where fish, rays, eels and sharks swim freely.

After dropping off our things, we went to the aquarium café for dinner, which included pizza, salad and orange slices.. Edie and I had already eaten so we played in the lobby, where a pretend submarine stands. I pretended to be a hungry shark and Edie was a mermaid, naturally; I think the other parents thought I was somewhat nuts.

They’re not that far off.

After dinner, we got to what we were all there for: exploring the aquarium after-hours! The 24 of us had the entire Oregon Coast Aquarium to ourselves. Edie and I spent most of our time by the Touch Pool, where you can touch urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers, anemones and more sea creatures. Edie and the other kids (as well as the adults) giggled in delight as the urchins and anemones “hugged” their fingers with their spines and tentacles. I couldn’t stop laughing when an abalone thought my finger was dinner: The critter pulled my finger halfway into its shiny shell before I was able to (gently) wiggle my hand free.

The aquarium staff also brought out interactive scavenger hunt games to play in the aquarium. (Personally, I prefer my own aquarium scavenger hunt, which is more accessible to pre-readers and kids just learning to read.) Edie soon lost interest in it, leaving us free to explore the exhibits without an agenda.

I’m thrilled that we didn’t spend all our time trying to match the scavenger hunt clues to animals in the tanks because that meant more time for the aquarium’s new exhibit, Seapunk. This addition to the aquarium, which opened May 2019, had Edie flitting from one spot to the next. She was so excited by the strange, industrial, curiosity-sparking features that I could hardly keep track of her as she explored on fast forward!

After about an hour of hanging out in the aquarium, the staff rounded us up to return to the Passages of the Deep. It was time to get ready to sleep with the fishes!

(There I go again. Nope, I’m not over it yet.)

Before we set up for the sleepover, an aquarium security guard led us through a safety routine. The fire marshal requires it so overnight visitors know what to do in case of emergency.

Finally, it was time to get ready for bed. We picked up our sleepover gear and chose which of the three tanks to sleep in—Orford Reef, Halibut Flats or Open Sea. Edie and I picked Orford Reef instead of the shark-filled Open Sea for a few reasons: We wanted to be in the tank where the fish constantly hung out where we could see them, and also there were a few girls who said they were going to have a midnight dance party. Edie and I were both too tired to even entertain the possibility of late-night shenanigans.

Everyone laid out their sleeping bags, changed into pajamas in the bathrooms and set up for bed. Edie was exhausted—by this time, it was after 10pm and way past her usual bedtime. We whispered, smiling at each other from inside our sleeping bags, until lights out at 10:30pm.

With the lights off, I could barely see silhouettes of the rock fish floating all around us. A steady hum from the tank pumps sounded like the white noise machine Edie uses at home. Both of us fell asleep within minutes.

Newport aquarium sleepover: What to expect on Day 2

The morning of our aquarium sleepover, I woke up around 6am. Everyone else was still snoozing, including my beyond adorable daughter. I couldn’t help but marvel at how big she has gotten. Just six years ago, she was basically a tadpole floating inside me. Now look at her:

I watched the fish swim around us as the tanks gradually lightened. At 6:45, the aquarium staff woke up the adults. We grown-ups used the bathroom and changed before all the kids woke up at 7am.

I expected Edie to be tired and groggy, having gone to bed so late and having slept on the floor. But she woke up as excited as she went to sleep. Mere minutes after she opened her eyes, she spotted an enormous wolf eel swim past her head!

After everyone got dressed and packed up their sleeping gear, we went back to the aquarium café for breakfast. Breakfast included a blueberry muffin cake, hard boiled eggs, cereal and oatmeal. All the adults went straight for the brewed coffee, while I poured hot water over some much-needed black tea. I only wish I’d remembered to bring my own tea, as I don’t love the generic teas the aquarium had on hand.

Once everyone had refueled, we followed the aquarium employees through a staff-only door. We walked up a set of stairs to the level above the Passages of the Deep tanks. We saw a trio of volunteer scuba divers slip into the tanks for routine cleaning and maintenance.

While we were above the tanks—or “behind the scenes,” as Edie kept repeating in an excited whisper—we learned about how the aquarium takes care of the many, many animals there. I got to add a ton of info to the animal trivia file inside my brain. (You should see how stuffed it is. Seriously. And if you ever want to get me to talk a lot, ask me about random animal facts!)

Next, we walked downstairs and went into the aviary. One of the bird experts met us there, where she told us about the puffins, auklets and oystercatchers that live at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Lastly, during the final minutes of having the aquarium all to ourselves, we got to see the octopus and sea mammals. The octopus must have gotten up on the right side of the (sea)bed—it seemed as though it were giving us a special show!

The sea lions and seals were incredibly active, too. They zipped and looped in the tank right before our eyes. I swear I could see their joy. They moved as if they were simply delighted to be alive on such a beautiful, sunny morning. To be honest, I knew exactly how they felt.

The sea lions were my favorite animal sighting at the aquarium sleepover—until I saw the sea otters. Typically at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, it’s nearly impossible to see these charismatic critters because a crowd always gathers around their tank. This morning, though, we were the only ones there! So Edie and I had an unimpeded view of the otters as they groomed themselves, spun somersaults in the water and nipped at each other, beginning the day’s very important play.

Finally, we were ushered into the Oregon Coast Aquarium gift shop. I understood the need to wrap up and get us out of the aquarium—after all, staff needed to get the grounds ready for the day’s visitors—and I respect that sales at the gift shop support the aquarium. But having our last stop be the gift shop put us parents in a very tight spot. All the kids wanted to buy stuffed sharks and jelly fish hats and octopus key chains.

I counted myself lucky to escape having bought only a handful of post cards and a few Melissa & Doug mermaid sticker books.

Aquarium sleepover logistics

The Oregon Coast Aquarium runs sleepover nights on select Fridays and Saturdays all year long, though more often during the summer. The Sleep in the Deep starts at 6pm and ends around 9:15 am the following day. Click on their sleepover schedule page to see if available dates work with your family vacation plans.

Cost of Oregon Coast Aquarium sleepover

The sleepover costs $80 per person, or $75 if you’re a member. This price includes all activities, dinner and breakfast.

Who can do an overnight stay at the aquarium?

Sleepover participants must be at least 6 years old. (Maxine was devastated she wasn’t old enough, but Edie kept reminding her we can come back when she turns 6. What a good big sister!)

Some sleepover nights are reserved for particular groups, like Girl Scouts or homeschool families, but others are open to any families who want to join.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend an aquarium overnight for kids who have nightmares often, who don’t sleep through the night, who wet the bed, or who are afraid of the dark.

What to pack for an aquarium sleepover

To stay comfortable during your overnight stay, bring:

• A sleeping bag and pillow
• A sleeping pad (remember, you’ll be sleeping directly on the ground, so you’ll want some cushion beneath you!)
• Your child’s lovey (anything that helps her sleep—Edie brought Lulu, the doll I made for her two summers ago, who goes everywhere with us)
• Long sleeves or layers (the aquarium got a little chilly, even during the summer, toward the end of the night and in the morning)
• Camera
• Phone charger (I somehow forgot mine and was super bummed because my battery was at 3% by the time we headed for our sleeping bags. A friendly dad let me borrow his, thank goodness!)
• Toiletries
• Pajamas
• A change of clothes
• Any foods you need, if you have dietary restrictions
• Anything you need to wake up in the morning (next time I’ll bring some good tea!)
• Sleep aids like ear plugs and a sleep mask, if they’ll help you sleep better

What not to bring to an aquarium sleepover

You’ll want to leave some things at home to make the most of your overnight at the aquarium. Don’t bring:

• Electronics like video games or tablets (you’ll want your kids to focus on the experience, not on a screen)
• Food (you’re not allowed to snack outside the aquarium café)
• Books, magazines, etc (you won’t have down time in between activities)
• Flash lights (you’re not allowed to use a flash light, or even your phone’s light, after 10:30: apparently even a little bit of light can keep the fish awake!)

The bottom line: Should you stay overnight at the aquarium?

If you haven’t already gathered, Edie and I had an amazing time during our overnight stay at the aquarium. When we left, she and I wrote post cards together to our friends and family, sharing the highlights of the trip. Edie dictated to me what she wanted to stay and drew pictures of her favorite parts. She kept talking about how excited she was to go “behind the scenes!”

Edie and I are already looking forward to our next sleepover.

Tips for a smooth sleepover at the Newport aquarium

1. Park in the wolf eel parking lot. This lot is not the usual place where we park for the main aquarium entrance. Instead, as you drive toward the aquarium, turn right. The third lot is the wolf eel lot. From there, you have about 100 feet to walk to the classroom.
2. Pack light. You’re responsible for carrying all your overnight gear to the opposite end of the aquarium. It’s not that far, but it feels like quite a distance if you’re carrying 100 pounds of stuff.
3. Bring a wagon. One super-smart mom brought a foldable wagon to wheel her family’s gear in. I’m definitely copying her next time!
4. Bring special food you’ll need for dinner or breakfast. If you or your kids can’t eat breakfast foods commonly found in a continental spread, or you have dietary restrictions, BYO meals.
5. Charge your phone or camera before you go. Edie and I wanted to take all the pictures!
6. Decide on a gift shop policy ahead of time. Tell your kids you’ll end in the gift shop—and choose what, if anything, they’re allowed to buy. If you leave the decision until that moment, you’ll be too sleepy to put up a fight.
7. Plan on a nap. You and your kids will probably be more tired than usual the next day. Edie was pooped! If your kid’s a napper (unfortunately, Edie hasn’t napped since before her 2^nd birthday), plan on a longer-than-typical snooze the day after your sleepover.

An unforgettable Sleep in the Deep

The Oregon Coast Aquarium Sleep in the Deep experience was one of the most fun things I’ve done with Edie. What’s more, it was even more memorable because it was a mommy-daughter day: a special trip with just the two of us.

My family has been to the Oregon Coast Aquarium many times before—after all, we’re members—but never like this. I wholeheartedly recommend this unique Oregon experience if you’re looking for things to do that are off the beaten path.

Let me know if you plan, or hope, to go. And if you schedule a sleepover for next summer, we might just see you there! I’m staying true to my promise to Edie: We’ll be back every year.

If you want a free printable aquarium scavenger hunt, click on over—it’s one of my most popular posts!

The post Oregon Coast Aquarium Sleepover: Sleep with the fishes behind the scenes! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Yes, building sand castles and beach combing are amazing Oregon Coast activities. But Newport, Florence, Lincoln City and other coast destinations have so much more to offer on a rainy day, or in any weather.

So when you head to the beach, here’s what to do on a rainy day at the Oregon Coast. You’ll have an amazing time—rain or shine.

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking and buying through affiliate links, I earn a small amount of income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this free resource on family travel!

12 fun activities for a rainy day at the Oregon Coast

1. Oregon Coast Aquarium

Visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is my #1 recommendation for a rainy day at the Oregon Coast with kids. Much of the aquarium is indoors, so kids can explore without getting drenched.

In addition to the displays of fish, jellies and other sea life, the Oregon Coast Aquarium also has interactive activities for kids to expend some energy.

For a full run-down, read my post on visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium with kids.

(And for even more fun, download my free Aquarium Scavenger Hunt printable!)

2. Hatfield Marine Science Center

Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center is a research station in Newport mere blocks from the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Like an aquarium, it features exhibits of sea creatures, where kids can get a closer look at fish and an octopus. It also has a tide pool touch tank, where you can gently touch starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers and more.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is quite a bit smaller than the Oregon Coast Aquarium but is free.

3. Pick out saltwater taffy

Saltwater taffy is a delicious tradition on the Oregon Coast. From Florence to Astoria, you’ll easily find this sugary treat at any ice cream shop!

My favorite way to eat them is a game I made up when I was a kid:

Pick one or two pieces of saltwater taffy in each flavor you like. Then after you’ve paid for your candy, take turns closing your eyes and eating a piece. Try to guess what the flavor is without looking at the color!

4. Go antiquing

What is it about beach towns and their antique stores? I have no idea, but the Oregon Coast is full of ’em!

So on a rainy day at the Oregon Coast, pop into one of them to explore. Antique stores are kind of like museums to kids, but ones where they can touch (some of) the stuff.

Play this game my family made up when I was growing up: Give a set amount of money to each family member—say, $5. Then roam through the antique store and find the oddest, quirkiest thing you can get for that amount. The person who buys the weirdest antique wins!

5. Ride the carousel in Seaside

Any trip that includes a carousel is a win in my kids’ book. So if it’s raining on the Oregon Coast, ride the carousel in Seaside! The carousel is in the middle of a shopping center full of souvenirs (so be prepared to tell your kids that no, they can’t get the lifesize seal stuffie/sand dollar shell with glued-on googly eyes/blown-glass jellyfish replica).

Your kids can choose to ride a horse, of course, as well as a rabbit, bear, giraffe or even an ostrich!

Seaside Oregon carousel from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

6. Play on the beach—yep, in the rain!

We Oregonians don’t let a little drizzle stop our fun. So if it’s raining on the Oregon Coast, do like we locals do and play on the beach anyway!

My friend Emilee is the queen of playing outside with her kids in any weather. She introduced me to the Muddy Buddy, a full-body waterproof suit for kids. Wearing these, her two boys build sand castles all day long even if it’s raining on the Oregon Coast.

Go ahead—a little rain won’t hurt you. Proof: My kids are still talking about this stormy day we spent near Lincoln City. It was one of the highlights of the year!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Family Travel Expert Catherine (@toandfrofam)

7. Check out Sea Lion Caves

The largest sea cave in the United States is just north of Florence, Oregon, and it’s home to a huge colony of sea lions. At Sea Lion Caves, you can ride an elevator down into this cavern, where the animals’ barking overpowers even the sound of the ocean.

At 12 stories deep, the cave is enormous—and loud! (And stinky; sea lions aren’t known for smelling great.)

To visit Sea Lion Caves, you’ll park in a dedicated lot on the east side of Highway 101. Visiting the caves doesn’t take a long time; you definitely won’t need more than an hour.

Level 10 travel tip: If your kids are sensitive to sensory input, like my older daughter is, you’ll want to either skip this Oregon Coast activity or bring noise-canceling headphones. These are the noise-canceling headphones we use and love.

For more recommendations in this stretch of the Oregon Coast, see my 24-hour itinerary for Florence, OR.

8. Try cheese curds at Tillamook County Creamery

In Tillamook, it’s near-impossible to miss the Tillamook County Creamery’s visitor center. It’s the rancher-owned dairy where the region’s milk goes to be turned into delicious cheese, yogurt and, of course, ice cream!

The Tillamook County Creamery has a fun visitor center. The highlight is watching each step of the dairy’s process turning milk into yummy foods—you can look out over the floor from giant windows above. At the end, sample all the different varieties of cheeses Tillamook makes.

On a rainy day at the Oregon Coast, kids will also have fun playing in the farm exhibit. Here, they can pretend to feed or milk life-sized cows, and interactive displays teach kids about the different varieties of cows.

You’ll also want to eat, of course. The creamery’s grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect combination of toasty and gooey, and their hand-scooped ice cream comes in a million flavors—though my girls always order their go-to: chocolate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Family Travel Expert Catherine (@toandfrofam)

9. Watch the glass blowers at Icefire Glassworks

The Oregon Coast is also full of blown glass studios, and you can often catch some of them in action at Icefire Glassworks in Cannon Beach, OR. Checking out their impressive skill is a quick rainy day activity at the Oregon Coast.

10. Eat a warm meal

Everyone recommends Mo’s for clam chowder, and it certainly is an Oregon Coast landmark—but tbh, it’s not the best food on the coast. (It does have great views, though; the Mo’s in Florence is also built on a pier where sea lions take very noisy rests.)

Whenever friends ask where to eat on the Oregon Coast, I send them to Local Ocean Seafood in Newport. Downstairs, you’ll find a fish counter where you can pick out the cut or the fish you want prepared; upstairs is a sit-down restaurant for a slightly less casual meal. This unassuming restaurant is an absolute gem among overpriced, touristy seafood restaurants on the Oregon Coast.

If you’re looking for a ridiculously kid-friendly place to grab a bite, head to Ruby’s in Seaside, OR. My notoriously picky eaters chowed on the burgers, fries, grilled cheese and PB&J. Plus, they offered soft-serve ice cream for dessert. My kids couldn’t have been happier. (They also have a menu for dogs!)

11. Watch the storm from inside

We went to the Oregon Coast as often as we could when I was a kid. We often rented a beach house near Yachats, OR even more often when my mom got sick with cancer. (She’s more than 20 years in remission now!)

We went even when the weather called for rain and storms, and I have wonderful memories listening to the rain falling on the roof, the wind lashing the trees and the surf pounding the shore. I always felt so safe and cozy inside.

So don’t cancel your Oregon Coast trip just because the weather’s bad. Staying inside and watching the storm is one of my favorite rainy day activities on the Oregon Coast.

12. Go beach combing

The absolute time to go beach combing is right after a storm: The extra-big waves wash more than usual onto shore, making it the perfect time to hunt for treasures—or just really long pieces of kelp.

If it’s still a bit rainy, just go for a short beach combing adventure. Your kids will have such a blast searching for treasure!

Level 10 travel tip: Look in particular behind logs—stuff gets trapped there, pulled by outgoing waves.

A perfect, rainy day at the Oregon Coast

Oregonians know how to make the most out of a rainy day at the Oregon Coast—or anywhere, for that matter. When you visit Oregon with kids, do like the locals do: Make the most of our beautiful state no matter what the weather has in store.

Do you have more suggestions for rainy day activities at the Oregon Coast? Share them in the comments!

The post What to do on a rainy day at the Oregon Coast: Oregon winter travel appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My girls were already excited to visit the aquarium, but this aquarium scavenger hunt pushed their enthusiasm over the top. They literally ran through the front doors of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR: They couldn’t wait to find the sea creatures on their aquarium scavenger hunt!

You’ll see this free aquarium scavenger hunt printable is good for readers and pre-readers alike. Even my 3-year-old could independently search for creatures that matched the descriptions on her worksheet.

If you’re heading to an aquarium on an upcoming family vacation, you’ll definitely want to download this free aquarium scavenger hunt printable. You can print one for each child or do the hunt together as a family activity.

Enjoy, and say hi to the fish for me!

A fun aquarium scavenger hunt for kids

The thing you’ll notice first when you print this aquarium scavenger hunt is that I didn’t make kids search for certain kinds of sea life. You won’t see a box hunting for an octopus or leopard shark.

Instead, each box is filled with a characteristic of a sea creature, like shiny, red, funny or pinchers. So for the square of many legs, your kids might cross it off when they see an octopus or crab or sea star.

This open-ended kid-friendly activity allows kids more flexibility and creativity as they explore the aquarium. That way, too, they’ll have a better chance of completing the aquarium scavenger hunt, even if you don’t find a certain animal or have to leave before you see all the exhibits. (If your kid has a meltdown in front of the sea lion tank, know you’re not alone. We have so been there.)

How to use this aquarium scavenger hunt

The aquarium scavenger hunt is pretty straightforward: Simply download and print the documents in color. Each PDF has two pages, so you can have your kids complete different ones (or even do both on the same trip!).

Then give your kids a pen, pencil or even self-inking stamp to mark off the scavenger hunt as you explore. Using your dad’s back as a hard surface to write on is optional.

We recently became members at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, so we’ll be going back again soon to see our fave animals—and of course complete another aquarium scavenger hunt.

Have you or your kids ever done a scavenger hunt on a family vacation?

The post Free aquarium scavenger hunt printable for family fun appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

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

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!

The post Insider’s guide to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.