Family

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Located at the entrance to Long Beach's legendary Pike, the Aquarium of the Pacific provides a day of fishy fun for all ages.

Go nose-to-nose with ginormous shark (behind the safety of a glass tank, of course), then touch some of its smaller brethren paddling in the touch pools of the Shark Lagoon. Wander among the brilliant lorikeets - birds as bright as a box of Crayolas. Learn about marine life from around the world. (And be sure to check the aquarium's online learning center, which includes more details about the fascinating creatures in its collections.)

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This summer, the Aquarium is celebrating two new exhibits. The BP Sea Otter Habitat recreates the rocky coast of Central California, home to these playful mammals. Watch them cavort under the sea among fish and kelp. The exhibit includes scads of information about these furry fellas.

Also new is the 14,000-square-foot Molino Animal Care Center. It allows visitors to watch surgeries and animal care as it happens. Holding tanks in the facility allow health staff to isolate sick animals and care for them. Kiosks provide more information, including details of the groundbreaking surgical repair to the broken bill of a sawfish.

If all that fish viewing makes you hungry, you're in luck. Café Scuba serves a variety of seafood dishes, including fish tacos and clam chowder, all from sustainable sources. There are other favorites, including burgers, deli sandwiches, vegetarian options, fresh fruit and treats.

Less pretty than the sea critters but vital to Southern California are the nation's two largest container ports. The aquarium debuted "Urban Ocean" cruises in May that offer a glimpse of the ports of Los Angeles and San Pedro.

The aquarium is offering discounted admission of $11.95 per person from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sundays during the summer. A special Father's Day picnic is also planned. Check the website for details.

Where: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

Hours: The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. except Christmas and during the Long Beach Grand Prix in spring. Sunday nights during the summer, the aquarium is open until 10 p.m.

Admission: $23.95 adult: $11.95 children 3 to 11; $20.95 seniors 62 and older. You can order tickets online for the 3-D movies and behind the scenes tours. Check the Website for other ticket packages, including a harbor cruise, dolphin cruise, and Queen Mary tickets. One option includes tickets for both the aquarium and the LA Zoo.

Information: 562-590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org

--Jamie Shoop Bray,

Special to The Press-Enterprise

From fountains to flashy lights, from Disneyland to Legoland, the theme for theme parks in summer 2010 is wet and wild.

Theme parks in full swing | Photos

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
Cavort with sea otters

CASTLE PARK
Long on fun, short drive

FIESTA VILLAGE
Discount makes the grade

LEGOLAND
CALIFORNIA
Assembling a water park

SAN DIEGO ZOO
Meet the creatures of the night

SIX FLAGS
MAGIC MOUNTAIN
Adding a dash of rhythm

BIRCH AQUARIUM
Moonlight magic by the sea

DISNEY RESORTS
A splash of color

KNOTT'S BERRY FARM
Snoopy by starlight

SAN DIEGO
WILD ANIMAL PARK
Go behind the scenes

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO
New show takes to the skies

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
HOLLYWOOD
Think big — King Kong big

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