A Day at the Seaside Aquarium – Through a Mother’s Eyes
There’s something magical about seeing the world through your little ones eyes—especially when those eyes are wide with wonder, noses pressed against glass, and little fingers pointing excitedly at fish they’ve never seen before. Our trip to the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon, was one of those perfect family days.
We started our adventure the moment the salty air hit our faces on the Seaside Promenade. The kids spotted the aquarium’s colorful sign before I did, tugging at my hand with such enthusiasm.
The Seals – The Star of the Show
The first stop… The seals. Oh, those seals! The aquarium’s resident harbor seals are just as playful as the kids, popping up from the water with curious eyes, splashing, and waving their flippers like they’re old friends. You can even buy little trays of fish to feed them. My oldest took this job very seriously, tossing each fish like a major-league pitcher, while my youngest dissolved into giggles every time a seal slapped the water in thanks.
Feeding the seals in an interactive way draws the kids right in. And for parents? It’s a golden photo opportunity. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so many natural smiles in one sitting.
Hands-On Discovery Inside
Inside, the aquarium is cozy—small enough to explore without feeling rushed, yet full of fascinating exhibits. My personal favorite was the touch tanks. Watching my children gently run their fingers over a starfish’s bumpy skin or giggle at the tickle of an anemone’s tentacles felt like the kind of hands-on learning no textbook could match.
We lingered there, talking about the creatures and imagining what their ocean “homes” must look like. For kids who might be shy about touching marine life, the staff are friendly and patient, explaining everything in kid-friendly language.
A Kaleidoscope of Sea Life
The tanks themselves hold an incredible variety of marine life—from vibrant rockfish and swirling schools of perch to eerie, otherworldly wolf eels. The kids played “find the weirdest fish” while I secretly enjoyed the calm, blue-lit quiet of each display.
One of the coolest parts? The aquarium focuses on local Oregon Coast marine life, so the kids were actually seeing species they might encounter (safely!) on a tidepooling trip. That connection between the exhibits and the real world made the visit feel even more valuable.
Beachside Bonus
As a mom, I loved that the aquarium is right on the beach. When we finished our visit, we stepped outside and let the kids run wild in the sand while I enjoyed a few blissful minutes sipping coffee from a nearby café. The whole experience felt like a two-for-one deal: education and entertainment inside, then the pure joy of the Oregon Coast outside.
Before we left, we stopped at the little gift shop where the kids each picked out a small keepsake—a plush seal for my youngest and a shark tooth necklace for my oldest. Those treasures are still in their rooms, little reminders of a day when the ocean felt close enough to touch.
Mom Tips for Visiting the Seaside Aquarium
- Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings are perfect if you want a quieter experience—especially in the off-season (late September through early May). In summer, aim for opening time before the beach crowds roll in. - Parking:
There’s metered parking nearby along the Promenade, but if you don’t mind a short walk, you can often find free street parking a few blocks away. - Seal Feeding:
Bring a few extra dollars for fish trays—trust me, the kids will want to feed the seals more than once. - Clothing:
Even in summer, the Oregon Coast can be cool and breezy. Bring layers so you can comfortably go from the aquarium’s indoor exhibits to the beach. - Snack Strategy:
The aquarium is right next to several kid-friendly eateries. We love grabbing fish and chips at The Crabby Oyster or a slice of pizza at Fultano’s before or after our visit.
Combine with a Beach Walk:
Plan some extra time to explore the Seaside Promenade or fly a kite on the beach—it turns the aquarium trip into a full morning or afternoon outing.
