We sent one of our Kidspeak review families along for a trip to Bournemouth Oceanarium. Here’s what they thought…

I had long thought of the Bournemouth Oceanarium as a small place, but this compact building is filled to overflowing with amazing creatures everywhere you look!

From silent sharks gliding overhead as you walk through the underwater tunnel in Shark Wreck reef, coming face to face with an African dwarf crocodile, watching the daily feeding sessions with the penguins, otters, sharks and stingray, to learning about ocean conservation, there is so much to see and do.

Being directly on the beach at Bournemouth pier makes the ‘all day ticket’ the perfect way to experience all that the Oceanarium has to offer. Head inside during the rain or cold and back out again when the sun returns. Spend a couple of hours exploring the museum before lunch, and pop back in just in time to have a visit with the penguins while they are fed.

There are plenty of places to stop and sit for a while to take in the beautiful tanks full of colourful and fascinating fish, step stools at every main display so the children can observe to their hearts content and even a small play area for younger ones who need to burn off some excitement while they wait for older ones to finish learning important and interesting information about the work that the Oceanarium is directly involved in around the globe. There is definitely something for all ages at this wonderful venue.

If you prefer a more interactive experience, there is an adventure quiz trail which you can collect at the entrance and receive a sticker for completing on your way home. There is also an interactive Global Meltdown area which enables children to discover the potential effects of climate change in a fun and engaging way.

The Cove gift shop has something for all price ranges and there is even a lovely little Café with a terrace to look out over the beach if you’d like to take a moment to sit a while before heading back out into the sun, or perhaps before you go back inside for one last look at the amazing puffer fish or cute otters!

Both my 4- and 11-year-old children had a wonderful time and left full of new information and excitement about all that they had seen. We would definitely return again and urge you to visit as soon as possible!  

The Oceanarium is open daily from 10am throughout the year, except Christmas Day. A family of 4 ticket is £29.95 if you purchase in advance online, and £32.00 on the door.