guides

🦏Zoos and Aquariums🐳

A Guide to your Local Family Fun

By C. Magana Macaroni Kid Fontana April 14, 2021

Are you looking for places to take the whole family on a mini vacation or just have some memorable family fun!  Check out the local zoos and aquariums below that you just might want to add to your to do list.

If you plan to visit any of these locations - Please be Respectful of their Health and Safety Measures to help protect you and all of their other guests.

Be sure to check the websites for the most updated information before you visit.


Amy's Farm Ontairo

At Amy's Farm you can shop fresh produce, take a guided tour, or simply explore the farm.  With lots of friendly animals and a petting area, your kids will be sure to have a great time.

For hours and admission, click on the following link.  Hours and admission  

  • Address:  7698 Eucalyptus Avenue Ontario, CA 91762 (approx. 19 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone Number:  (844) 426–9732


Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open! Discover all our exhibits, including sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs, and more in our Tropical, Northern, and Southern California/Baja Galleries.

Advance Reservations are Required.

For hours and admission click on the following links. Hours  Admission

  • Address: 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802  (approx. 64 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number:  (562) 590-3100


Big Bear Alpine Zoo Big Bear

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven; temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own. We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves.

For hours and admission click on the following link.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  747 Clubview Drive Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (approx. 51 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number:  (909) 584-1299


Birch Aquarium La Jolla

Birch Aquarium of UC San Diego is open.  View a stunning variety of colorful marine life featured in more than 60 habitats  fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond — all while enjoying incredible ocean views! Interact with hands-on exhibits that showcase cutting-edge research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science.  Advance Reservations are Required.

For hours and admission click on the following links. Hours  Admission

  • Address:  2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 (approx. 115 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (858) 534-3474


Cabrillo Marine Aquarium San Pedro

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open.  Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a trusted resource that inspires exploration, respect and conservation of Southern California marine life.

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours and Admission

  • Address: 3720 Stephen M. White Drive San Pedro, CA 90731 (approx. 71 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: 310-548-7562


Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary Phelan

Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned exotic animals through rescue, rehabilitation and education. By partnering with our community, we can change animals lives and inspire future generations. Facility may close without notice due to inclement weather. Calling ahead is suggested.

For hours and admission click on the following links. Hours    Admission

  • Address:  8545 Buttemere Rd Phelan CA 92371  (approx. 35 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (760) 868-2755


Heal the Bay Aquarium Santa Monica

Heal the Bay Aquarium is open.  Under the Santa Monica Pier, come see what Heal the Bay’s work is all about: Protecting the people and animals who call the Bay home. With over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities for small frys, and daily educational programs, our award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science without getting wet.

For hours and admission click on the following link. Hours and Admission

  • Address:  1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401 (approx. 68 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number:  (310) 393-6149


Hesperia Zoo Hesperia

The Hesperia Zoo is home to native, rare and endangered species from six continents. Our goal is to provide a fun, unique and exciting experience for the whole family.  Reservations are required. Please email or message for tour schedule. Get up close and personal to some of the most amazing animals from around the world.  Please note that we accept cash or check ONLY.  NO ATM OR CREDIT

For hours and admission, click on the following links.  Admission  Hours (click "book" on the tour or encounter of choice to see available dates and times)

  • Address:  19038 Willow Street Hesperia, CA 92345 (approx. 36 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone Number:  (760) 948-9430


The Living Desert Palm Desert

The Living Dessert is open.  Come visit Cheetahs, Zebras, Rhinos, and more.  You can also feed the giraffes, spend time in the petting zoo, and enjoy some hand's on experiences. Reservations are required.

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours   Admission

  • Address:   47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260 (approx. 83 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number:  (760) 346-5694


Los Angeles Zoo Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Zoo is open.  To serve the community, the Los Angeles Zoo will create an environment for recreation and discovery; inspire an appreciation of wildlife through exhibitry and education; ensure the highest level of animal welfare; and support programs that preserve biodiversity and conserve natural habitat.  Advance online reservations are required for entry for all members and general admission guests.  

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (approx. 50 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (323) 644-4200


Montebello Barnyard Zoo Montebello

The Montebello Barnyard Zoo is open.  Kids need to bring their own bicycle helmets if you choose to purchase tickets for pony rides.

For hours and admission click on the following link.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  600 Rea Drive  Montebello, CA 90640  (approx. 40 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (213) 718-5442


Orange County Zoo Orange

The Orange County Zoo is open. 

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869 (approx. 39 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (714) 973-6847


San Diego Zoo Safari Park Escondido

San Diego Safari Park is open.  Reservations are required.

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours   Admission

  • Address:  15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027 (approx. 97 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (619) 231-1515


San Diego Zoo San Diego

The San Diego Zoo is open!  Member reservations or an advance ticket required.

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours    Admission

  • Address:  2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (approx. 117 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (619) 231-1515


Santa Ana Zoo Santa Ana

The Santa Ana Zoo is currently open. The third Sunday of each month: FREE Santa Ana Residents' Day.  (Proof of Santa Ana residency required.)

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  1801 East Chestnut Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92701 (approx. 52 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (714) 836-4000


Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Carlsbad

With hands on experiences and educational talks, you and your family will learn quite a bit about sea life.  Admission to Sea Life Aquarium can be added to a Legoland admission pass.  Reservations required.

Admission

  • Address:  One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008  (approx. 96 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone Number:  888-690-5346 


Sea World San Diego

Sea World is open including their indoor exhibits.  Reservations are required.

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Calendar   Admission

  • Address:  500 SeaWorld Drive San Diego, CA 92109 (approx. 118 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (619) 222-4732


Underwood Family Farm Moorpark

Underwood Family Farm is open.  

For hours and admission click on the following links.  Hours and Admission

  • Address:  3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA 93021 (approx. 92 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number: (805) 529-3690


Wildhaven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary Lake Arrowhead

Wildhaven is a not-for-profit organization consisting of a wildlife sanctuary, an education and visitation center for endangered and indigenous wild animals for the San Bernardino Mountains.  

For hours and reservations, click on the following link.  Calendar and Reservation Form  Some reservations will need to be made by calling 909 337-1391.

  • Address:  For GPS Systems use: Hook Creek Road and Pineridge Dr, Cedar Glen 92321 then follow the downloadable directions (approx. 34 miles from Fontana 92336)
  • Phone number:  (909) 337-7389


Check out the other guides for more Family Fun! (Amusement parks, water parks, and so much more.)

🐘Know of more local zoos and aquariums?  E-mail me at cynthiam@macaronikid.com so I can add them to the list.🐙