The best way to explore and experience the wonders of the oceans is an underwater dive. If you can’t, then the best alternative is visiting an aquarium.

I wish someday I too will dive because the world inside the ocean is mysterious and unique. I got a glimpse of that world when a submarine took me down 106 ft below the surface of the sea in Hawaii.

The charm was so enthralling that I keep going to aquariums. Recently I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the top things to do in Monterey, and loved watching another world in slow motion through glasses.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
At Monterey Bay Aquarium with my daughter Chirantana!

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The best way to explore and experience the wonders of the oceans is an underwater dive. If you can't, then the best alternative is visiting an aquarium. #Monterey #California Share on X

Monterey Bay Aquarium at a Glance (2026)

  • Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, at the west end of historic Cannery Row.
  • Tickets: Adults (18–69) $65, youth (5–17) $50, seniors (70+) $50. Kids 4 and under are free.
  • Where to buy: Only on the official aquarium website. The aquarium says it has no third-party ticket partners.
  • Changes: Tickets are non-refundable, but you can exchange them for another date until 4 p.m. on the day of your visit.
  • Hours: They vary by season, and last entry is one hour before closing. Check the daily schedule before you go.
  • Parking: There is no public parking on site. Try the Cannery Row Parking Garage (601 Foam St.), Cannery Row Lot 7 (160 Irving St.), or metered parking on Foam St. and Wave St.
  • Time needed: Plan at least three to four hours.
  • Re-entry: Stamp your hand at the exit, and you can come back the same day.
  • Free entry: SNAP/CalFresh EBT cardholders get in free with up to three guests.

What’s New at Monterey Bay Aquarium in 2026

The biggest news this year is for families with little ones!

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the aquarium opens Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar, a new bilingual gallery that replaces the much-loved Splash Zone.

It has a much bigger African penguin habitat, a 20-foot coral reef with its own wave machine, big-belly seahorses and leaping blennies. There are new play areas too, designed for children ages 2 to 6.

The idea behind it is lovely. Kids waddle like penguins and hop like blennies, and through that movement, they learn to care for ocean animals.

Ticket prices have gone up as well. An adult ticket is now $65, so buy online in advance for a smooth entry.

Monterey Bay Aquarium – A window to another world!

It was delightful and interesting to note my daughter, Chirantana’s surprises, fear, and imaginations while looking at the different exhibits of the Monterey Bay Aquarium..

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
What a beautiful and apt quote!

Monterey Bay Aquarium – Through my daughter’s eyes

I heard her giggle when she saw a turtle swim in front of her. Her eyes sparkled when she saw the group of Pacific sardines moving together everywhere!

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Sardines set the water sparkling

I saw her scary wide eyes when she saw a big grey fish called giant sea bass. It is a slow-moving fish. In another 70 years, it could weigh more than 500 pounds. It swallows its prey in one big gulp.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
The beautiful eye in this photograph is priceless. I love this capture of mine.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
I wish her eyes were open!

In wildness is the preservation of the world. ~ Henry David Thoreau

I saw how she was lost in her thoughts while seeing the exhibits of the beautiful jellyfishes. Those exhibits are living art galleries. The beautiful and intricate jellyfishes fascinated me too. We all loved watching the brilliant jellies pulse through the water.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Beauty can be so varied, isn’t it!

Jellyfish The sea offers up flowers of glass like thick light. They are transparent landscapes ~ Raquel Jodorowsky

Jellyfish – the sea offers up flowers of glass like thick light. They are transparent landscapes. ~ Raquel Jodorowsky #Travel #Monterey #California Share on X

I saw wonder in her eyes when she saw the African Penguins. We were lucky to be present during the feeding time and loved hearing the valuable information given to us.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
From the day I watched the documentary “March of the Penguins”, I am in love with them. Their perseverance and endurance inspire me.

Wilderness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from                                                                                                        ~ Terry Tempest Williams

I saw glitter in her eyes when she saw the colorful world of coral reefs. She surprised me and Siddhartha when she folded a paper and pointed us to it.

She held it in such a way that it resembled the shape of a fish! It was abstract, imaginative, artistic and of course surprising!

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
After folding a paper, the shape in the middle resembles a fish! I was surprised when my daughter pointed that to me.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
How colorful is this world; how enchanting!

If there is magic on this planet,                                                                        it is contained in water   ~ Loren Eiseley

Unique exhibits of the Monterey Bay Aquarium

I loved exploring the unique exhibits in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Every installation is done with care and a lot of thought has gone into it. Not for a single moment did I feel monotonous.

I also loved reading the beautiful and appropriate quotes scattered on the walls of the aquarium. I tried to add all those quotes to this article. While going from one exhibit to another I caught a glimpse of the blue Pacific ocean – the endless wonder.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Deep inside that ocean, lives a beautiful world

Kelp forest exhibit – One of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world

I have visited many aquariums in different parts of the world but the kelp forest exhibit in the Monterey Bay aquarium is unique.

The 28 feet kelp forest is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Kelp forest inside the aquarium

Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems formed in shallow water by the dense growth of several different species known as kelps. Though they look very much like plants, kelps are actually extremely large brown algae.

They are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on earth.

Tip: Don’t miss the Kelp Forest feeding, when a diver plunges into the exhibit with food in hand. At the time of writing, it was scheduled for 12:30 p.m., but times change, so check the daily schedule.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Kelp forest – one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on earth.

 In one drop of water are found the secrets of all the endless oceans                                                                                                    ~ Kahlil Gibran

Open Sea exhibit

The Open Sea exhibit is the aquarium’s largest exhibit. I loved watching the turtle, a group of sardines and sharks among other creatures through a 90-foot wide window.

Tip: Time your visit for the Open Sea feeding to watch sardines, tuna and hammerhead sharks at mealtime. At the time of writing, it was scheduled for 11 a.m.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
An enchanting world on both sides. On one side, the digital world has found its way and on another side, a self-sufficient world in constant motion.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
I stole some father-daughter moments through my lens.

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous ~ Aristotle

Food Area

Apart from the food I loved the views from the dining area. I sat with a tuna sandwich while watching the boats passing by, white swans and beautiful birds.

I saw a lady gracefully looking at the ocean for quite some time and could not resist myself from freezing the moment through my lens.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
All of us are sailing our own boat!

Play Area

The aquarium has several play areas for children of various ages. I loved watching my girl play with other children and enjoyed an area where I felt I was under a sea wave.

It was fun! Not only the children but the adults too were enjoying the splash without getting wet!

Update for 2026: The aquarium’s Splash Zone family gallery is being replaced by Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar, opening November 7, 2026. Expect new play areas, a 20-foot coral reef and a much bigger penguin habitat!

Tip: If your kids still have energy after the aquarium, then walk a few minutes down Cannery Row to Treasure Hunt: The Ride. This indoor pirate ride is spooky fun for the whole family!

READ MORE: Treasure Hunt: The Ride, Monterey: Tickets, Height Rules and Is It Worth It (2026)

Monterrey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
Let’s smile at the brevity of human life and celebrate our time here on earth.

Where to stay near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Best Western Park Crest Inn – It is located 2 mi from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and provides guests with a daily continental breakfast. Book your stay at Best Western Park Crest Inn

Tip: If you want to walk straight to the aquarium, then book InterContinental The Clement Monterey. It sits at 750 Cannery Row, right next door, so you can park once and explore Cannery Row on foot!

Tips for Visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium with Kids

  • Buy tickets online in advance, and only from the official aquarium website.
  • Many guests arrive right at opening. The aquarium says entry is often quicker later in the day.
  • Check the daily schedule for feedings and auditorium programs. They are free with admission!
  • Strollers are allowed almost everywhere, except the aviary, the Sea Otters mezzanine and the Auditorium.
  • There are no lockers, so pack light.
  • Members get express entry and 10% off in the cafe and the Aquarium Store.
  • Bring a light jacket. Monterey is often cool and windy, even in summer.

READ MORE: Discovering Monterey, California: 50 Ideas for Your Itinerary

Travel Realizations

I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium once before as well. Two pictures from the same spot inside this aquarium is an uncanny reminder that our children grow fast.

Let’s always strive to add a bit of art and a smidge of science in their childhood.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - a window to another world!, Travel Realizations
My daughter at 18 months and at 30 months. Time flies!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with kids. You may also enjoy these other travel guides:

Disclosure:  I received two press tickets for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Chirasree Banerjee

Hello. My name is Chirasree. I have been traveling for 17 years to places all over the world. I enter into a separate reality during my travels and enjoy the allure of escape from the mundane. I seek beauty through nature and human-made creations. Because beauty is powerful. I seek knowledge. I observe, absorb, and write about the places I visit and the profound realizations and inspirations that each place has to offer.