Marine Life Center — Attraction in Bellingham

Look, for what it is, it's well cared for maintained and generally and nice free place to go check out so my review may seem a little harsh.

However, my review is for families with children under 3.

We added it onto our itinerary thinking it was something it was not, so let me expand... my actual review would be 3.5 (if they would let me.) It is not just that it's only one room, it is also that it is a pretty tiny room. There is a bucket of sand an a couple puzzles for kids under 3. Over the age of 3 they might start to appreciate more of the fish and sponges in tanks.

The main reason I rated it three stars instead of four is their stroller policy. Parents, you should know that only one stroller can go in at a time, and that is ONLY IF it's not crowded otherwise. So if you have little ones under 3, I would skip it until kids are older. I do think it's cool for adults and totally worth a 15 minute stop for older kids though. It's a nice offering for the area, just wish there were a few other things for the younger kids, or at least it was...

The MLC is one of our favorite places to take the kids, since they were small. We always try to go on a day that Casey (the one who runs the place!) is there. She's full of amazing marine life information and engages with the visitors with such ease. She'll interact with the ocean life whenever she can, so everyone can observe their activity. They've done so many cool things to the facility and it is such a treat and privilege that we get to see such amazing sea life, thanks to everyone at The MLC.

In direct response to the ridiculous review left about things being closed -- you don't need to touch the sea life to appreciate and enjoy it (neither do your kids). The Octopus is young and new to the tank and needs you to be quiet and respectful around him. Your kids will appreciate you teaching them kindness toward all life, including being ok with not touching and not being noisy.

Thank you, MLC, for creating such an amazing environment...

This place used to be fun for the kids and their adults. Last time we went there, about 4 months ago we were really disappointed. Literally handwritten signs everywhere, no touching this, don't breathe on that..seemed really restricted. Touch tank was closed, so all the kids could do is quietly look around. Also, I can understand aquatic life is sensitive to environmental factors but the Woman who seemed in charge here (had a octopus tattoo) was extremely rude and condescending when we asked her questions. The other student/volunteer was pleasant and seemed uncomfortable about her supervisors behavior. It was such a bad and uncomfortable visit, we will not be back. We had been coming here for years, sad another place in...