Earlier this week I decided to pull Mason out of daycare to play ‘hooky’ and spend the day with me. I figured it would be fun to check out some of the kids activities when they weren’t so busy.
Unfortunately I left it to the last minute to figure out what we were going to do. I thought maybe Science World but we just visited the Edmonton location last month and then maybe the Aquarium but it’s so expensive! And that is a concern as I just lost my job on Monday (hence having the day off!). So I figured I’d take advantage of some time off to spend with Mason.
I thought we might go to Jump Gymnastics but their drop in classes were tool ate for us,w e wanted to do something in the AM so we could have lunch afterweards and Mason could go down for his nap.
In the end we decided on ‘seeing the fishies’
This is Mason's 3rd trip!
First trip - June 2008 - 4 months old!
Second visit - Oct 2010 - 1 and a half years old!
Third Visit - Sept 2011 - 2 and a half years old!
First I went online to find a coupon.
FOUND! http://vancouveraquariumcoupon.ca/wp-content/uploads/Vancouver-Aquarium-Coupon1.png
We drove to Stanley Park and found parking. The meters take both credit card and coins. I tried to pay by phone but I think the number that I use was different because it didn’t work. So I used my credit card and it charged me $6.00 for 2 hours. Ouch.
The lot I parked in is different from where I usually am we got a bit lost trying to locate the entrance.
Finally we found the aquarium through the gorgeous walking grounds and had a squirrel cross our paths and said hello to a racoon!
Mason checked out the fountain and then we headed inside to a smallish line up. What I first noticed was that there were a ton of Customer Service Agents? Directing people to the cashier (very nice!). The cashier took my coupon (yay) and charged me $21+tax less then $1 coupon. Ouch. Because Mason is under 3, he’s free.
I let Mason run wild and he had a blast checking out the different fish, reptiles and butterfly garden.
Moon Jellies, Mason trying on a shark costume (poor shot), checking the set otter with a stethoscope (playing Dr. Harbour)
And this was absolutely beautiful. It was a butterfly just hanging outside of the atrium on the outside of a display. I was inches away from it.
A few things to note:
- While this is Mason’s 3rd time (infant, 1 year and 2 year) I think 2+ is the best age and will benefit most kids however all ages attend
- Don't wear a heavy jacket. It’s very warm inside the aquarium and I guarantee you’ll be carrying it. You will need something warm when outside to watch the beluga show and to travel to the other parts of the aqurium
- Bring a backpack as your arms will get tired of carrying a purse, camera, toddler gear etc
- Bring cash for the gift shop and cafe
- While there are a ton of water fountains, pack water bottles
- If you pay by phone you can extended your parking time if you get side tracked. If you pay by cc/cash you cannot
If You Go:
Hours of operation are 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission to the Vancouver Aquarium is $21 for adults, $16 for seniors, youths ages 13-18, an students. $13 for kids ages 4-12. Kids 3 and under get in free. Taxes not included
*According to a website, these prices have dropped!
There are reduced rates for people who hold an Annual Membership Pass
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
(604) 659-3474