Unda the sea, unda the sea....anytime there's a chance for me to reference Sebastian from the Little Mermaid, I'm going for it!
It was an evening filled with fishy friends and kiddos with big smiles. Not gonna lie, the fact that there was so many children SO EXCITED to see the exhibits made me happy. I showed up child-less but extremely interested to check out the new aquarium digs at the mall. When I arrived a little before six, there was already a line wrapped around toward Forever 21's entrance. There were two kids behind me jumping up and down in anticipation. Once I got checked in, I was greeted by one of the Sea life employees and then made my donation to Merlin's Wand. The tour of the aquarium began with a photo opp (I declined) and then you were off on your own to 'dive in.'
The amazingly talented Tonya (from Pop Rocks Photography) was going around snapping pics of kids, fish, and families. I witnessed a couple people's first times at a yelp event and they seemed genuinely happy to have someone there documenting the experience for them. The Sea Life employees were on hand to work the various stations and introduce kids to the stingrays, crabs, etc. I have to say, the employees were incredible - kind and extremely friendly.
I've been to a couple of aquariums in my day and I found this aquarium to be particularly geared toward young kids. I was expecting the aquarium to be jam-packed but the layout and pacing really allowed for families to get in multiple phone snaps and have their kids take their time pointing out 'Dora' and make their own fish faces at the fish. There was a mini play area toward the end of the aquarium, also a table for seashell painting area. Seriously, if I was a six year old, I would have lost my mind.
PDQ set up a mini station in the middle of the aquarium with plates of chicken tenders, cole slaw, and an apple slice with peanut butter. The tenders were very good - hot and tasty. Perfect finger food for young ones.
I must say, Nikki executed a wonderful family event!