Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Ocean in Motion" Opens November 7

A new experience is arriving at the Monterey Bay Aquarium this month, and it’s designed to get its youngest visitors moving. Opening to the public on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar is a new bilingual gallery that invites children to explore marine life through movement, play and hands-on discovery. Created with children ages two to six in mind, the gallery welcomes visitors of all ages. Its central idea is simple - children can build a connection with ocean animals by moving like them, exploring their habitats and seeing the world from their perspective. For families on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s another reason to plan a day along Cannery Row.

A New Gallery Focused on Movement and Discovery

The new gallery reimagines the Aquarium’s family experience with interactive spaces inspired by the way marine animals move. Rather than simply observing from behind the glass, children are encouraged to participate - hopping, waddling, reaching and exploring as they learn about the animals that call the ocean home. The exhibition uses storytelling and playful interpretation to make the experience accessible to young visitors. Labels are written in the style of a children’s book, with animals as the main characters, giving parents and caregivers an opportunity to read and explore alongside their children. Here are a few highlights visitors can look forward to:

Big-belly seahorses. Oversized seagrass structures invite children to hold on and twist like seahorses. Nearby, a live exhibit features dozens of seahorses wrapping their tails around bright-green seagrass.

Leaping blennies. Children can hop from rock to rock along a floor path inspired by these remarkable fish. The experience leads to an open-top habitat where visitors can watch blennies leap and move across wet rocks.

A colorful coral community. One of the gallery’s largest features is a 20-foot coral reef exhibit, complete with bluespotted ribbontail rays, clownfish, colorful corals and a custom wave effect. A nearby coral-themed play area lets children move through the space like creatures living on a tropical reef.

African penguins. An expanded penguin habitat serves as the centerpiece of the gallery. Visitors can watch penguins swim, dive, waddle and rest along a rocky beach. Interactive projections encourage children to imitate their movements while learning about the challenges facing this critically endangered species.

The gallery also features flamboyant cuttlefish and other colorful marine animals, bringing together a collection of species chosen for their distinctive movements and personalities. The Aquarium designed the experience to encourage curiosity and empathy for ocean life, while helping visitors understand why protecting marine animals and their habitats matters.

When Does Ocean in Motion Open?

The gallery officially opens to the public this Saturday, November 7, 2026. The Aquarium held special previews for donors and members in late October and early November, ahead of the public opening. For families planning a visit, the Aquarium recommends purchasing admission tickets in advance. Visitors can check the Aquarium’s website for current operating hours, daily programming, and ticket availability.

What Does Admission Cost?

The Aquarium’s general admission prices for tickets on sale through December 31, 2026, are:

• Children ages 4 and under: Free
• Youth ages 5–17: $50
• Adults ages 18–69: $65
• Seniors ages 70 and over: $50

Admission includes access to the Aquarium’s exhibits, including the new Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar gallery. Families who plan to visit more than once may want to compare individual admission with an Aquarium membership. Membership includes free admission for one year, exclusive member hours and events, and discounts on tours, dining, and merchandise.

The Aquarium also participates in Museums for All, offering free admission for up to four people for visitors with a valid SNAP EBT or California CalFresh/EBT card. Check the Aquarium’s website for eligibility and entry requirements.

For current prices and ticket information, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium’s admission page.

Make a Day of It on Old Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’re planning to visit Monterey on opening weekend, there’s another local activity worth adding to the calendar.

On Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, Old Fisherman’s Wharf will host a free Wharf Walk led by Monterey Bay fisheries historian and author Tim Thomas. The November theme, “Giants of the Deep: Whaling Stories of Monterey Bay,” explores the region’s whaling history and its transformation into one of the country’s best-known whale-watching destinations. The two-hour walk meets at the entrance to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, near the pink Harbor House store at #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up and is limited to 15 participants. Advance registration is required and can be made through Monterey Public Library’s event calendar or by calling (831) 646-3933.

Enjoying the Monterey Peninsula Lifestyle

One of the many things that makes living on the Monterey Peninsula special is having experiences like these so close to home. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row to the waterfront, beaches and coastal trails, the area offers something to discover in every season. For those considering a move to the Monterey Peninsula, proximity to local attractions, recreation and everyday conveniences can be an important part of finding the right home and neighborhood. For families with younger children, the Aquarium’s new gallery is a natural highlight. Older children and adults interested in Monterey’s maritime history may enjoy the Wharf Walk. Either way, the waterfront offers plenty of opportunities to continue exploring, from local restaurants and shops to whale-watching excursions.

At Canning Properties Group, we know the communities and lifestyle that make this area so special. Whether you’re considering buying, selling or simply exploring your options, we would love to help you. Feel free to reach out to any of us directly or visit Canning Properties Group to learn more.