Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located in Long Beach, California just 6.84 miles from Carson and features exhibits focusing on the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. You and your children can view interactive displays and touch zebra, epaulette and bamboo sharks in the "Shark Lagoon" exhibit. Hand feed lorikeet birds in the "Lorikeet Forest," featuring a path with trees and a waterfall; the birds will sit on your arms, shoulders, head and hands. Children will enjoy "A Fish Story," an animated film about conservation. "Monsters of the Abyss" is a 3D film with digital animation. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 590-3100
aquariumofpacific.org
California Science Center
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park, which has a beautiful rose garden, two other museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The science center features an IMAX theater and more than 100 displays with many hands-on activities. The Creative World Discovery Room offers young children the opportunity to build structures and gadgets, and a TV studio with puppets and costumes. Kids can climb a rock wall or ride a bicycle on a three-story high cable in the Science Court. The Sketch Foundation Gallery Air and Space Exhibits have models of the Hubble, Chandra and Uhuru telescopes, along with actual Apollo, Gemini and Mercury-Redstone space capsules. Admission to the center's exhibits is free; some activities charge a fee; it's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The center is 12.8 miles from Carson.
California Science Center
700 State Drive
Los Angeles, California 90037
(323) 724-3623
californiasciencecenter.org
Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a replica of a Cape Cod fishing village. It's located on Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor and features shopping, restaurants, an entertainment center and many outdoor activities for the entire family. Various concessionaires offer guided tours of the ocean and boat rides at high speeds, as well as rentals of sailboats, fishing boats and catamarans. You can rent bikes, sport go-carts, surreys and side-by-side tandem bikes. Pelican Pier Pavillion will delight your kids with its carousel, air hockey, skee ball and games. Visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Candy Baron for sweet treats. Have a family portrait sketched by the artist Norm. Shoreline Village is located 7.2 miles from Carson.
Shoreline Village
429 Shoreline Village Dr
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 435-2668
shorelinevillage.com
