Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

I lived in the Monterey area between early 2005 and late 2007. The date is long because they wouldn't let me put in an earlier date. Monterey is a cooler temperature area and has a rainy season. We spent a lot of time here with our two small girls. It's a great place to spend a day. It has a lot of interactive, hands on items for children of all ages to do. There is also a slide and some bouncy animals for the toddlers to wear themselves out on.

This place is great for young kids. My son who is 1 and our friends daughter who is 2 had a blast! They loved looking at all of the different colors and swimming fish. They even have an activity center for kids to play in and an intereactive area where they can feel the different types of sea life.

To be honest, i can't say what is different or better about this aquarium and other biggies around (e.g. Long Beach), but it is big and comprehensive and probably a must see for kids if you are spending time anywhere near the Monterey Bay.