This week we got out of Eugene and spent the night on the coast in Newport with both kids. The trip’s highlight was definitely a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It had been years since we visited, and our oldest is now at the age where everything is exciting! (And our youngest is at the age where he doesn’t know what we’re doing, but he’s happy to be along for the ride.)

We knew it would be cold with a high of only 40 degrees. So we bundled everyone up and had a wonderful time. There are some real perks to visiting the aquarium in the off season – and here they are:

1. No crowds

Not many people are at the aquarium in the winter! We got there at noon and got a parking spot right near the entrance. We never had to wait in line. The windows into the exhibits were usually free, so we weren’t peeking around other families trying to catch a glimpse of an animal.

At one point, a harbor seal hung out at a window with her belly right next to the window for a very long time. We got such a great look at the pattern of her fur, her flippers, and her whiskers. And since we were the only family around, we didn’t feel pressure to give up our great spot. It was a treat.

2. As far as Covid goes – it’s lower risk

Covid numbers are dropping (yay!), but many of us with young, unvaccinated kids are still cautious. The aquarium is an excellent option for winter because many of the exhibits are outside. The sea lions, seals, otters, sea bird aviary, and octopus cave are all outside. And then once you’re inside, masks are required, and like I said earlier – it’s not too crowded. So it’s easy to make space between yourself and other guests.

The only time we had a hard time with this was in the shark tunnel. Creating six feet of space in an enclosed tunnel surrounded by sharks isn’t easy. So if you’re very concerned, I would either skip it (but it’s really amazing) or just make sure it’s fairly empty when you walk through.

3. Winter is boring – the aquarium is not

A typical winter can be monotonous. Never mind a Covid winter. The aquarium is a really fun way to mix things up. The kids can stretch their legs outside while learning about the natural world. And my four-year-old, who hasn’t napped in years, slept the entire two-hour drive home. And then slept entirely through the night. So the aquarium did its job.

4. Even if the weather isn’t great, you have options

It was pretty cold when we arrived. So we started off with the Sandy Shores, Rocky Shores, and Coastal Water buildings. These are three adjoining indoor galleries filled with animals. (This is also where you can find the juvenile Monkeyface pricklebacks. My favorite species at the aquarium are both because of their name and because their appearance lives up to it.)

Then we ventured out into the cold to spend time with the seals, sea lions, and octopus. Even outside, the faux rock formations that make up the animal enclosures serve as a wind barrier. So that keeps you a little warmer too.

Then we went back inside to walk through the spectacular tunnels. There are actually three – Orford Reef, Halibut Flats, and Open Sea. Once warmed up, we headed back outside to see the sea otters get lunch. (Another favorite of mine.) So basically, you have options to stay as comfortable as possible during your visit.

5. The Animals Don’t Care that it’s Cold!

The Oregon Coast Aquarium only features wildlife native to our coasts. (Which is a pretty cool feature.) Therefore, all the animals are comfortable in these temperatures! If you were to visit a zoo, many of the more charismatic animals might not be out. (Elephants and lions don’t love the cold.)

However, this isn’t an issue for these aquarium animals—even mammals. Sea otters have an extremely high metabolism and extraordinarily dense fur that keeps them warm in chilly water. And seals have a nice layer of blubber that does the trick. The seabirds are also at home in with a stiff windchill! So bundle up and join them!

Heads up

Due to Covid and construction, some favorites are closed. This includes the touch pool, play area, nature trail, and turkey vulture exhibit. There is still plenty to do, but I always find it important to manage expectations of little ones.

The cafe is also closed, food options are limited, and no outside food is allowed. So basically, don’t go hungry.

Tips

– As with any outdoor activity – wear layers. You want to be comfortable both inside and outside.

– The outdoor area isn’t super stroller friendly due to the fine gravel. We ended up ditching ours and taking turns carrying our very large baby.

– The Oregon Coast Aquarium is now a certified Sensory Inclusive facility if anyone in your crew has sensory sensitivities, it’s a great option.