SEA LIFE Aquarium

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Location: Carlsbad (35 Miles / 40 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: Generally Open 10AM – 5PM during Winter and 9AM – 8PM during Summer (More Details Below)

Cost: Several options starting at $20 ($15 for Kids ages 3-12 and $15 for Seniors 60+). Parking is $5

Features: Aquarium Focused on Children Ages 2 – 12; Underwater World of LEGO models; 35 foot long Underwater Tunnel; Touch Pools

sealife-aquariumSEA LIFE Highlights: SEA LIFE Aquariums have been built around the world for children. SEA LIFE California, built in 2008, is the first one in the United States. It was built directly adjacent to LEGOLAND California and is the first SEA LIFE Aquarium to incorporate LEGO displays throughout its exhibits. The most notable LEGO displays are inside the aquariums where visitors get to watch the sea animals react to them. Like the LEGOLAND theme park, SEA LIFE Aquarium was built to attract kids ages 2 – 12.

What to Expect

  • There are two floors with 36 displays and a theater that plays a short film about sea animals.
  • Themes include a Lake Tahoe fresh water exhibit, Southern California Tide Pools, and the Lost City of Atlantis. See the video and map below for a listing of all themes.
  • You will get to see sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, seahorses, octopuses, and more.
  • Interactive exhibits help keep kids entertained. Examples include touch pools, slides, and an educational quiz trail.
  • Marine life experts are on hand to teach and encourage children to explore and understand sea animals.
  • Food – There is a restaurant inside of Sea Life Aquarium that sells such fare as pasta and sandwiches. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the Aquarium unless you have special dietary needs. You can also request a special dietary meal, which is prepared by the adjacent LEGOLAND, with a couple days notice.
  • Frequently Asked Questions – Visit the FAQ page for answers to many visitor questions. For example, unlike LEGOLAND, you are NOT allowed to bring strollers into the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
  • No Smoking is allowed at SEA LIFE Aquarium. There is a designated smoking area outside of the Park.

SEA LIFE Attractions – Explore the creatures featured at the SEA LIFE Carlsbad aquarium.

Birthday Parties -Make your child’s visit all the more memorable by celebrating their birthday with a party of 10 or more.

Admission Prices: (Costs are Approximate)

  • Parking is $5 (Pay $12 at the entrance but get a $7 refund.) See more details below.
  • Standard Fee is $20; $15 for Kids ages 3-12 and $15 for Seniors 60 and over.
  • Active Duty Military Personnel can receive 10% off with I.D. Additional discounts are available from local bases.
  • Airline employees and Travel Agents can receive up to 50% off two tickets or 20% off six tickets with appropriate I.D.
  • AAA Members can receive 10% off admissions when you present your card at the ticket booth. In certain states you can also access SEALIFE AAA discounts online or from your local AAA office.
  • Multi-Park ticket options are also available. (Multi-Park Tickets allow you to visit the adjacent LEGOLAND California. You can choose between a one-day pass or a multi-day pass that can be used twice within 7 days.)
  • Tickets can be purchased online to avoid lines that occasionally form at the SEA LIFE ticket entrance. However, discounts, other than the online discounts, can not be applied.

Hours – Varies by Season. Generally Open 10AM – 5PM during Winter and 9AM – 8PM during Summer. Additional Extended Hours are offered during standard School Vacations. See schedule for full details.

Directions from Google Maps to 1 Legoland Drive in Carlsbad, CA 92008

Traffic – Getting in and out of the SEA LIFE Aquarium is relatively easy. It is less than one mile from Exit 48 on the I-5 Freeway.

SeaLife Aquarium Parking – Parking is shared with the LEGOLAND California theme park. Parking costs $5 if you are going to the SeaLife Aquarium but $12 if attending LEGOLAND.

Transit – Buses leaving the Carlsbad Village Coaster train station take you to the LEGOLAND / SEA LIFE entrance. However, Coaster train service is very limited on weekends. (See San Diego Transit Information for the train and bus schedules and information for the online Transit Planner. Type in LEGOLAND as your destination in the Transit Planner.)

Grayline bus tours are no longer available as of April 30, 2012 to pick up guests at San Diego hotels near downtown and drop them off at the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

Find More Attractions with Similar Themes or Location: *Top San Diego Attractions*, Aquariums & Zoos, Kids Attractions & Activities, North County Coastal |

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