Heal the Bay Aquarium on Santa Monica Pier celebrates the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale during its Whale of a Weekend, inviting families to enjoy whale-related activities indoors and whale-spotting activities outdoors throughout the weekend. 

Visitors can feel the heft of a whale rib, check out bristly baleen, and try on a layer of (simulated) whale blubber for warmth. Kids of all ages can make whale crafts to take home, and learn about the gentle giants during storytime, scavenger hunts, short film and audio interactives.

Meanwhile, outdoors on both days a wildlife observation station is set up at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier, staffed by Aquarium naturalists. Those who stop by are welcome to spy for whales through binoculars, and field guides are available to identify local birds and other marine life visible from the western end of the Pier.

Admission for children is always free.

Looking for more whale spotting activities?