We visited Heal the Bay on a whim one day, when on our way down to Santa Monica for a different Mommy Poppins adventure. My kids were thrilled when I announced that we were going to an aquarium, and I was thrilled to learn that kids 12 and under are free. With four kiddos under the age of 7, this outing turned out to be very budget-friendly. After paying for my own admission, we moved into the small aquarium, which may be lacking in square footage, but is bursting with marine life. 

The Ocean Friends of Heal the Bay 

Most of the animals in Heal the Bay were found right off the pier. All of them were brought to the aquarium for rehabilitation or protection due to injuries, dangers, or concerns about their ability to thrive in the ocean. My kids loved learning that so many of these sea creatures are found in SoCal waters. 

The Staff Make This Aquarium Stand Out 

We adored the staff at Heal the Bay. A friendly worker explained facts about starfish and sea cucumbers to my boys, and showed them different stages of shark eggs housed in small tanks. He was patient, answering their constant questions and demonstrating how to gently pet the animals in the touch tanks (two fingers, please!).