Best Events At LA Zoos And Aquariums

It's time to tame your animal instincts in a whole new way by getting up close and personal with the places where fish and fowl and all sorts of other critters hang out. But this time put a spin on it. Los Angeles zoos and aquariums aren't just places to learn about animals. They're places in which to gather where you can get to know the inhabitants as well as your neighbors in all kinds of activities ranging from a competitive race to a place for merriment to everything in between. Take a gander at five fantastic events taking place in the months ahead.

Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7562
www.cabrillomarinemuseum.org
Date: July 2, 2016 from 8am to 10am

All marine debris doesn't take care of itself simply by vanishing, so the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium takes a morning this July to gather concerned members of the community who are ready to take action by cleaning up the place. However, that doesn't mean all work and no fun. In fact, participants make lasting friendships while learning a lot about the plant and animal life in this part of Southern California. Your less-informed friends might just want to get in on this socially-oriented conservation effort the next time these folks get together to do some more good for the San Pedro and surrounding community.

Zoopendous Nights
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4211
www.lazoo.org
Dates: Ongoing

Have a hoot, literally, by partaking of the Zoopendous Nights - evenings especially designed for families wanting to get to know residents of the Los Angeles Zoo up close and personal in the middle of the night. If you've ever wondered what goes on after the gates close at the zoo, this is your chance. Enjoy food, hands-on animal activities, and fall asleep to the sound of great bedtime tales. Wake up in the morning to the sounds of animals and interact with the zoo's keepers for a great time. For dates and time, visit www.lazoo.org.

Brew At The LA Zoo
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4211
www.lazoo.org
Date: August 5, 2016 from 7pm to 11pm

Spend a terrific evening sampling beer from more than 50 Local craft and microbreweries as they invade the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a night to remember. On hand will be live music, DJ's, pop-up keeper talks, and close up animal visits. Located in the lush and often untamed Griffith Park, your standard admission will include 5 ounce beer samples from your choice of breweries which you can then pair with pub food (for purchase).

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Aquarium of the Pacific 5K Run/Walk
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 951-1630
www.aquariumofpacific.org/events
Date: October 8, 2016 at 7am

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will be hosting their special 5K Run/Walk again this year. The scenic course, a coastal loop around the Rainbow Harbor, leads runners and walkers around the Aquarium and along the surrounding shore. Not only does the registration fee get you into the race, but also into the aquarium once you've paid your dues on the track. Pre-registration can be found on their website and participants are privy to all kinds of bounty just for taking part in this community race. So, ready, set, go and try to medal in the second annual Aquarium of the Pacific 5K Run/Walk.

Job Shadow: Marine Biologist
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 951-1630
www.aquariumofpacific.org/events
Dates: July 2, & 17 2016 from 9am to 12pm; November 5 & 20, 2016 from 9am to 12pm

There is something very fishy about the educational program for middle and high school students at the Aquarium of the Pacific called Job Shadow: Marine Biologist. This is a terrific way to explore options for those intrigued by this particular career calling. Three-hour programs give eager girls and boys the opportunity to listen to an aquarist talk about his or her job, visit where that professional and his or her colleagues work, feed various sea creatures including the 350,000-gallon tropical reef habitat and the rays and watch with awe as the experts feed the giant Pacific octopus living on the premises. And those are just some of the amazing adventures to be absorbed while shadowing a certified marine biologist in his or her very own place of business.

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