At the Aquarium
- Try to let your grandchildren see the aquarium at their own pace, even if this pace turns out to be high-speed. It's pretty normal for younger children to race through any venue that has ramps or exhibit pathways. Do point out interesting marine animals (such as seahorses or otters) that your grandchildren have passed at top velocity. It's okay to backtrack through exhibits at most aquariums I have visited.
- Begin your visit at the restroom so that you won't have to backtrack through the entire aquarium with a grandchild.
- If you visit a touch pool or pet a ray or dolphin, wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer.
- Bring your camera, but remember that the lighting will be very dim in some of the exhibit areas. You may need to take some of your "cute grandchildren" shots outside, in front of the aquarium, where the light is better.
- As always, defer to Mom and Dad when it comes to gift shop issues. Work with them to set a price limit, or agree to skip the gift shop in favor of, say, ice cream on the way home.
Relax and allow yourself to enjoy a day watching your grandchildren discover the wonder of a fragile, delicate seahorse or the cheery playfulness of penguins.
