The Top 10 Family-Friendly Aquariums in the Country

Overview: Located in beautiful Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium boasts nearly 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the habitats of the Bay Area. The aquarium's four main exhibits are the Open Sea, Kelp Forest, Monterey Bay Habitats, and Sea Otters Along the Rocky Coast.

Go For: Kiddie favorite Splash Zone caters to everyone from infants through older children. Features like the Waterbed Play Area, which mimics the ocean's gentle waves, and a Touch Pool are great for even the littlest of visitors. Bigger kids will love the Kelp Forest Canopy Walk-Through, and the Water Play Area.

Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium/Randy Wilder