As the warm embrace of summer in the Northern Hemisphere started to fade, Bournemouth Oceanarium presented a delightful family-friendly outing for us recently, especially for our toddler and her curious mind.
We arrived in Bournemouth on a beautiful sunny Sunday at 8am to a beach with virtually no people on it. Here we played in the sand and splashed in the gentle waves until 10am when the Bournemouth Oceanarium opened, and the beach revelers started to arrive in their hordes with their tents and floating toys. When we walked through the doors of the Oceanarium we were immediately greeted with the sense of wonder an aquarium inspires. The entrance, with its bright marine images, situated just off the main pier, was enough to get our little one excited.
The Highlights
While the entire visit to the Oceanarium was enjoyed by our little family, there are a few things that really stood out as particular highlights:
Amazon Adventure: We began our journey in the heart of the Amazon. Here a vibrant aquatic environment is recreated with lush plants and even a waterfall where you can discover the fascinating creatures that call the Amazon River home. Our little girl was captivated by the colours and movement as we introduced her to the wonders of one of the world’s most extraordinary rainforests.
Underwater Tunnel: The aquarium’s highlight for our toddler has to be the underwater tunnel. Watching fish, turtles, and even sharks glide effortlessly above and around us was an awe-inspiring moment for both parents and our little one. The colorful tropical fish held our toddler’s attention, and the gentle movement of the marine creatures created a calming experience. She excitedly pointed out fish, laughing at the larger ones as they swam up close.
Otter Oasis Talk: A visit to the Otter Oasis is guaranteed to bring joy to your family. As we listened to a short talk about the resident otters, we watched these delightful creatures splash and play in their rocky home. The feeding session provided an exciting chance to see the otters in action as they darted through the water and all around their enclosure with playful energy, eliciting plenty of giggles from our girl.
Toddler-Friendly Break Spot: Halfway through our visit, we took advantage of the family-friendly café on-site. It is centered around a marine-themed indoor jungle gym and surrounded by glowing jellyfish viewed through portholes. Being able to relax while our daughter let off steam while still taking in the view of the aquarium’s tanks made this stop feel like a part of the adventure rather than just a necessary break.
The Abyss: The deep sea holds mysteries yet to be fully uncovered, and at Bournemouth Aquarium’s Abyss exhibit, you can marvel at the strange, otherworldly creatures that thrive in the darkness. The exhibit takes you into a completely black tunnel where you can fully appreciate the bioluminescent glow and alien-like forms of these inhabitants of the deep.
Penguin Feeding: Towards the end of our visit, the aquarium’s penguin enclosure was a joyful way to round out the experience. The waddling penguins and their playful antics had our toddler giggling, and we found the enclosure was just the right size to allow close viewing without being overwhelming. We watched as the penguins enjoyed their afternoon fish snack while the resident Inca Terns flew around our heads.
Practical tips for families
Arrive early: Although the oceanarium wasn’t too busy, arriving just after opening helped us navigate the exhibits at a relaxed pace. This was especially useful for a toddler with a shorter attention span.
Pre-book your tickets: You can book your tickets online to secure the best price for your visit. There are also membership options if you decide you want to return again and again!
Bring a stroller: While you won’t be able to use your stroller inside the oceanarium, there is a secure spot to park the stroller while exploring. You will however be thankful you brought it with when you decide to walk along the promenade and explore the arcades and shops after your visit.
Visit the gift shop: The aquarium’s gift shop is located near the exit and is filled with tempting plush sea creatures. If you’re planning to let your toddler pick a souvenir, be prepared for the excited decision-making process!
We found that the Bournemouth Oceanarium provided a perfect balance of education, adventure, and relaxation for our young family. The tranquil atmosphere, interactive exhibits, and toddler-friendly facilities mad it an unforgettable day out.