Kids go free

The Oceanarium sits right on Bournemouth seafront, which means it has one thing a lot of aquariums don't, the sea views before you've even walked through the door.

It's one of Bournemouth's best-known family attractions and home to everything from sharks and turtles to penguins, otters and crocodiles. The mix of animals helps it feel a bit different to some aquariums that focus almost entirely on fish.

The location is a big part of the appeal. You're right next to Bournemouth Pier, the beach and the town centre, so it's easy to build into a day out rather than making a special trip just for the aquarium itself.

The Oceanarium isn't the biggest aquarium in the UK, but it doesn't really need to be. Most families spend a couple of hours wandering through the exhibits, watching the feeding sessions and seeing the animals up close before heading back out to enjoy everything else Bournemouth has to offer.

If you're visiting Bournemouth with children, there's a good chance the Oceanarium is already on your shortlist.

Things to know

• Kids go free with a paying adult
• Offer availability can vary depending on dates
• Located on Bournemouth seafront
• Home to sharks, turtles, penguins, otters and crocodiles
• Close to Bournemouth Pier and beach
• Most visits last around 2 to 3 hours
• Suitable for all ages

How to claim the deal

Get your free ticket for the kids using the link above.

The offer allows a child to visit free with a paying adult, although availability and terms can vary depending on the date you choose.

Select your tickets, check the offer is available for your chosen visit date and complete your booking online.

As always, terms and conditions apply.

Oceanarium Bournemouth pricing

Like most attractions, booking online is usually cheaper than turning up on the day.

The Oceanarium isn't an all-day attraction, but it works well as part of a day out in Bournemouth. That's particularly true if you're already planning to visit the beach, pier or town centre.

The free kids deal can make a noticeable difference to the cost of a family visit, especially during school holidays when attraction costs have a habit of adding up quickly.

Oceanarium Bournemouth pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent seafront location
• Good mix of marine and land animals
• Great family attraction
• Easy to combine with a Bournemouth day out
• Suitable for all ages

Cons

• Can get busy during peak periods
• Not the largest aquarium in the UK

Our thoughts

The location is a big part of what makes the Oceanarium work so well.

You're not travelling across the country to visit a standalone aquarium. You're visiting Bournemouth, and the Oceanarium slots neatly into everything else the town has to offer.

We also like the variety of animals. Sharks and turtles are always popular, but the penguins and otters tend to steal plenty of attention too.

If you're heading to Bournemouth with children, the Oceanarium is one of those attractions that's easy to recommend, especially when the offer is available.

Visit our deals page for all the best and latest deals.