VISIT THE #LLPA AQUARIUM THIS SUMMER #AquariumSummer

I was able to go the amazing Loveland Living Planet Aquarium here in Sandy, UT, with the fam this week as part of the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. This means I received a family pass for 6 to check out the new attractions. You might be thinking a visit doesn't fit in your budget this month, BUT the aquarium has $5 off for Family Night every Monday, where guests can get $5 off regular admission prices after 4:00 p.m. The aquarium is open until 8:00 p.m. so you will have plenty of time during your visit.

There was so much to see!

There are hands-on exhibits for children that help you have fun and learn at the same time.

We were entertained for the longest time trying to spot different colored frogs,

touching sting rays and tiger sharks in the ponds,

watching the penguins waddle and dive, 

walking through the tunnel with sharks,

and enjoying the fish swim in a natural habitat.

As I have mentioned, the aquarium has so much more to offer besides just fish and sea life. In the new Expedition: Asia area, there is a leopard!

The aquarium has party rooms and you can host events or company parties in their banquet rooms.

Guests can participate in animal feeds, meet 'n greets, and story time. Those events are listed on their calendar page at thelivingplanet.com/calendar and are free when you visit.

There is always something exciting happening at the aquarium.
Get ready because in July, they will be celebrating Shark Week.

Visit the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium this summer, and you’ll see and experience the following:

ecosystems, South America, Expedition: Asia, the deep sea, the South Pole, the ocean, and so much more. That's right, you can experience different ecosystems from around the world without even leaving Utah. Say hello to your best ever staycation!

Find out more information about the Living Planet Aquarium by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

#LLPA #AquariumSummer

FREE DAY AT THE AQUARIUM

Today is free aquarium day at The Living Planet Aquarium because it is the last operating day until the new location opens. 

The new Aquarium, which is set to open December 2013, is supposed to take visitors from the Utah deserts and mountains, to rain forest habitats, to the planet's vast oceans.

It was worth the trip to see how far the place has come since it started in the tiny old grocery store building.

It was almost NOT worth the trip thanks to the bossy moms with strollers, big purses, 8 kids, and the idea that they are the only people visiting the place. 

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE...do you not go out in public very often?!

**I went without any kids in hands and I kinda felt like Cam in the Modern Family episode when he said, "I haven't been judged by this many people since I forgot my canvas bags at Whole Foods."

NEWPORT (not sure what happened to oldport)

DESTINATION: Newport, OR

On the way from Seaside to Newport, there are lots of fun stops.

 Like in Tillamook at the cheese factory

 It ain't easy being cheesy.

 Next, we stopped to catch some nature at Otter Rock, but found out the Otters have moved away. Instead we saw this bird working on his CRANE technique

 We were all thirsty, but discovered Devil's Punchbowl isn't a full service rest stop.

 And almost got blown away at Cape Foulweather lookout point 

(obviously appropriately named by according to the photo with hair flying everywhere)

 But the wind and rain stopped for a few minutes and we go this beautiful view

Finally, we reached Newport where we hung out at the Yaquina Lighthouse

and hung out with the seals.

We then headed to the Oregon Coast Aquarium

 This aquarium is super cool because it has indoor and outdoor tanks to check out.

 So it seems more natural for the animals (at least from this human's perspective)

This underwater shark tunnel FREAKS me out (thanks JAWS movies!)

 Our final stop was for some amazing seafood at Local Ocean

 and an enjoyable stroll in town to hear the sea lions on the rocks.

We made it to the SEASIDE

Destination: Seaside, OR

Our home base for the trip is right here at the resort in Seaside, Oregon.

We are staying right on the boardwalk

apparently the end of the Lewis & Clark trail

 This is happiness in a photo for me

My mom showing off her shells!

 The historic Seaside Aquarium was just a short walk from our resort

 Super fun Aquarium for how small it is. We got to feed seals.

It was a super treat.

 The lady taking the photo told us to pose like we were swimming with the shark.

Apparently, I'm the only one who did it.

So we tried again. Fail #2.

The world's fastest and therefore scariest carousel

(I saw several child depart in tears).