My two year old girl was in HEAVEN at this place. I can see where it might not be as exciting for older kids (although there were quite a few 6-10 year olds on our tour and they seemed to love it. We went to Monterey Bay Aquarium last week and it was a little much for her, but this place was JUST RIGHT! She got a lot of personal attention from the tour guide who let her hold a baby starfish and touch a crab. She loved taking pictures with all the sharks and other props and the seal show at the end was great. I also think that they did a great job answering questions and educating the kids along the way. We really enjoyed the tour and the smaller aquarium with her!

I guess I kind of left my review in the description part. This hotel is great though. It is outside of the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz but close enough to make the trip quick and easy to the Boardwalk. The downtown Capitola area and beach are beautiful (although a little crowded on the weekends) and very family friendly. The drive to Monterey (which we made yesterday) is quick (about 45 minutes) and beautiful and goes through farmland (with great roadside stands), Moss Landing, and many beach areas. The hotel itself is beautiful - brand new with sea-themed decor, a really nice outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a unique bocce ball court, an exercise center and a nice outdoor patio for eating. In three weeks they will be opening a lounge with a small bar in the evenings for guests. They also have a business center. The rooms are large, with a divider between the sleeping area and living area and two large TVs, a small fridge, a microwave and a spacious bathroom. They serve a free breakfast in the mornings that includes make-your-own waffles, fresh oatmeal, cereal, fruit, pastries and muffins and good coffee. You can eat outside on the terrace and enjoy the ocean air!

The only drawback I see is the lack of an on-site restaurant or room service, but they are within walking distance of a few family-friendly eating places and a short drive from a ton of them. We got pizza delivered from the local Round Table last night and it was hot and delish!

About the only drawback I see

We actually visited here during our honeymoon in Seattle! But, we have talked many times about going back and now that our daughter is an animal loving two year old, I can't wait to return! I really liked the way the tram tour allows you to see animals, but they aren't in cages or confined. And even the areas that were more zoo-like (I am thinking of the wolf exhibit, which may have been temporary then) had very dense plant growth and was beautiful and safe for the animals. I loved it! We saw a moose right off the side of the road during the tram ride! I can't even remember all the other animals we saw, but it was pretty impressive!

One of the things I loved about Chico when I went to school here as an undergraduate was the Thursday night market. I often was disappointed by other cities' Farmers Markets or summer sales because I would compare them to Chico Thursday night markets. Now that I am back in Chico and have a family, I find the Thursday night market to be just as enjoyable as I remember. I think this speaks to its universal appeal!
The market is based around the Farmer's Market aspect and certainly has its share of fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs, and flowers. But, in addition to the expected Farmer's Market fare, the Thursday night market offers a variety of performers, from bands to yo-yo experts to jugglers to soloists, all of whom are family friendly. You can also enjoy some of the best-tasting food in town. Our favorites include the "pie lady" as we like to call her - AKA Sweet Cottage Pies, The Cupcake Crusader, Kinder's BBQ, and the great Tamales. As if that isn't enough, there is a bounce house, a huge slide for the kids, balloon artists, and always a bevy of local artisans selling their wares.
I wait all winter long for the opening of the Thursday Market. Its a sign that Spring has sprung and summer is close behind!

I must admit that Bidwell Park is one of the best things about living in Chico. We used to live only a block away, but now we've moved to the other side of town and I miss being able to walk there. But, it is well worth the drive across town to be able to walk in the park.
The park offers something for everyone. Lower Bidwell, which is located close to downtown Chico, has a great old fashioned swimming hole that is open during the Summer months (as well as the polar bear swim on January 1), a beautiful park setting in which to picnic, numerous walking paths that wind through a beautiful tree-lined setting, baseball fields, multiple parks, including one (Caper Acres) designed specifically for those under 5 years old! In upper park, there is a lake where those 13 and under can fish without a license, hiking trails that go around the lake, up into the buttes above the park, a golf course, an indoor shooting range, an observatory and numerous swimming holes.
I can't really say enough about the beauty and wonder of Bidwell. Even after being her for three years and going to school here for three years of undergraduate studies, I feel like there is always something new to experience!