by Eleanor Blythe

Created on: July 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 25, 2008

On the one-to-ten scale of childhood adventures, SeaWorld ranks high in the scheme of theme parks. Wonder, awe, and amazing giant sea creatures await visitors in the heart of San Antonio. For the cost of admission, food and lodging, your family can experience marine life as only SeaWorld offers it.

This wildly popular attraction offers a different kind of animal adventure. Rather than the furry claws and thrilling fangs found at zoos or the circus, the critters at SeaWorld offer wet and slippery acts starring famous Killer Whales - also known as Orcas - and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. The park acreage is vast and includes rides, performance centers, and exhibits. Children will love the Sea Lion Interaction Center, Penguin Encounter, Shark Underwater Adventure and the Aviary Habitat. The educational experience alone is priceless.

The legendary "Shamu" and other highly trained orcas are famous for splashing extremely salty, 50 degree water onto their delighted audiences. Families, who would otherwise melt in the unrelenting Texas sun, sit on shaded bleachers to watch trainers in wet suits ride the orcas or get tossed dozens of feet into the air. A cheerful and informative tank-side narrator explains each act and prepares audiences for their inevitable dousing.

To the amazement of all, the dolphin act is also a heart-stopper. Dolphins jump to amazing heights, ring bells twenty feet in the air, swim at astounding speeds, and dance on command. They interact with their trainers, make adorable dolphin-talk noises, and are fascinating to view. Children will benefit from an up-close look at these magnificent mammals, although the cement and high-pressured plexiglass environment is obviously geared for performances with no attempt to create a realistic seascape.

The most curmudgeonly grandfather can simply NOT resist the smiling faces of the water-bound beluga whales, and kids of all ages simply love the aquatic hijinks. But there is much more to SeaWorld than the animals. Over a dozen theme park rides await, from the Texas Splashdown, to the Great White, to Pirates 4-D. These attractions are the typical, obligatory, variations of rides found at any theme park. But with a wave pool, Rio Loco and Lil' Gators Lagoon, families should pack swimming suits and towels, as well.

SeaWorld offers season, multi-day or day passes starting at $43.50. Many families spend their summer vacations at SeaWorld. A few honey-mooners have been known to attend, as well. But visits can be expensive, especially if families eat and shop onsite. Be prepared for overpriced food, beverages and souveniers. Parking is plentiful, but brace yourself for a long walk. Strollers for youngsters are a must. The SeaWorld website, www.seaworld.com/sanantonio, should also be scanned for potential specials or exclusive offers. Their excellent website also features directions, an interactive map, and information on neighboring hotels and restaurants.

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