Ocean Expo Park

Jason took leave this week so we could spend some time together with the Girls. Thursday, we took them up to Ocean Expo Park. We took the scenic route up there which makes it a little over 2 hours away. While there we took them to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Tropical Dream Center. The kids have gone to the aquarium with Jason last summer but I had never been. Its amazing! We had such a good time!


As soon as you get inside is the Life in "Inoh" which is the touch pool. It is filled with living seashells, starfish and sea cucumbers. Emerson actually touched a couple of things. Natalie wanted no part of it.


After Life in "Inoh" is the Coral Sea tank and The Sea of tropical fish. The plan for the Coral Sea tank is to raise coral colonies and eventually return them to the sea to thrive. I didn't get any pictures of the coral but here's a little sea urchin.


Next is the Journey to the "Kuroshio" (Black Current) Sea exhibit. Inside there is an array of whale sharks, manta ray and fish.











When you exit the aquarium you are overlooking Emerald Beach. It was chosen as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches of Japan.


















All around the park there are walking trails that go from one exhibit to the next. We did a lot of walking and were able to see some beautiful things.









There are a few parks and play structures on the grounds and they do not disappoint. The one we took the girls to was HUGE! It was three stories high and overlooked the beach. The kids would have been fine just running through there all day!



After the park, we hopped on a little bus to head to the Tropical Dream Center. Emerson was hamming is up for the Japanese man sitting across from her.



The Tropical Dream Center was GORGEOUS! I enjoyed every moment. It was arranged in a trail, inside and outside and took about an hour to follow.




Jackfruit: the largest fruit in the world


"Dancing Lady Orchid"


Cattleya which is more commonly called "Queen of Orchids"



The observatory



Inside the observatory (first floor)



There was an exhibit on carnivorous plants inside the observatory. Venus Flytrap.



Watch out! The carnivorous plants will eat your kids!!


Tropical water Lillies






Emerson could not wait to see the octopus while in the aquarium. When it was finally our turn this pesky little thing was messing with something on top of the tank. Emme was oohing and ahhing over it and suddenly it shot across the tank and stuck itself smack dab in front of Emme's face. She screamed so loud and was shaking like crazy.





And here she is talking about her octopus experience: