Free aquarium admission attracts first-timers

For one week every December, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers free admission to Central Coast residents. For local families, it’s a holiday treat. For the Aquarium, it is an opportunity to reach underserved populations.

“It means everything to take advantage of this time and take the kids out to see al the wonderful things the aquarium has to offer,” said Salinas resident Jania Woods.

Adults usually pay $50 to get in and a kid’s ticket will run $30, so it’s not exactly cheap.

“Basically give back to our community, and have them come in and learn a little bit more about ocean conservation and get to enjoy the aquarium,” said Mariana Del Valle Prieto Cervantes with the Aquarium.

But the aquarium says it’s also using this week to reach out to the Latino communities in the tri-county area.

“The people in our community that may not have the accessibility to come to the Monterey Bay,” said Cervantes, “especially if they’re living somewhere in Salinas or Santa Cruz or the San Benito County.”

The aquarium says it is constantly working to reach out to the Latino communities all year round with things like bilingual exhibits and feedings.

“Such as our Shelf to Shore Program that has to do with local libraries, we also have Dia Del Nino, that’s basically an opportunity for bigger families with lots of kids, to have the kids come in for free,” said Cervantes.

Free admission to the aquarium lasts through Sunday the 11th.