Monterey Bay Aquarium and Micke Grove Zoo

A few weeks ago we had the good fortune of going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with an old friend of mine who lives in the area and got us in for free. I HIGHLY recommend it for children Keenan's age...especially if you can get in for free. They had multiple little play areas and discovery places that captured Keenan's interest. He did not get bored, did not get cranky, and LOVED the aquarium with all the giant fish. They have really geared things for toddler/preschool/young children and he really had a great time.


Another great place for this age group is Micke Grove Zoo. Here's what I love about it. First, it's cheap. It's 2 bucks for adults and free for 2 and under (I think, maybe 3 and under). Second, it's small. Your little one won't get exhausted going from display to display. Third, it's NEVER crowded. That means that you don't have to freak out that your little one will get lost in a large crowd of people with other children. Fourth, it has a cute little kiddieland next to it with little rides for cheap and on the grounds are park play structures. It's a great place to spend the day, have a picnic and see some animals. They have a great little enclosed duck area that Keenan just LOVES and can actually sit and watch the birds in for quite a long time before he wants to move on.