A trip to Southern California can be packed with tons of great activities family travelers can enjoy together, but when there is a member on the autism spectrum, taking time to find the right activities is key to a successful experience for everyone. This month, the award-winning Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach offers an exclusive event March 12 for families with adults or children with autism.
Autism Families Night gives visitors a chance to experience the aquarium in a quieter, less-crowded environment. All of the facility’s exhibits, which include 12,000 marine animals, will be accessible during the event (with the exception of a few areas like the penguin habitat and the Lorikeet Forest, which are currently closed). These nights create the ideal opportunity to experience the serenity and tranquility of life under the sea.
The aquarium, a leader in sustainability and conservation efforts, is known for its educational programming and promotion of science and exploration. The more than 100 exhibits span 19 unique habitats, including the shark lagoon and sea otter habitat. The aquarium’s impressive collection of marine animals ranges from frogs and jellyfish to turtles and sea lions and everything in between.
The event runs after regular aquarium hours, 6–9 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets exclusively reserved for families with either adults or children with autism can be purchased by calling the aquarium at 562 590 3100, ext. 0. While regular aquarium admission costs $36.95 for adults and $26.95 for kids, tickets for this event are only $12 for adults and children 4 and older. Children 3 and under get in for free, as do aquarium members. Parking is available in nearby parking structures for a fee.
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