What is the best day ever? Does it include a theme park? Learning about different sea creatures? One-on-one interaction with dolphins? Look no further – SeaWorld San Diego has it all and much more. My son and I were lucky enough to visit SeaWorld San Diego recently and had a full day of incredible activities planned.

My child loves penguins, they have always been his favorite animal, so it was on the top of our list of things to see. When we found out there was a Penguin Encounter that lets guests get up close and personal with penguins, we knew we had to do it! Included with the Penguin Encounter is one-on-one interaction with a penguin, behind-the-scenes access, and you can actually visit the penguin habitat (bring a jacket).  From the second the penguin walked into the room, my son was on Cloud Nine. He kept saying “this is the best day ever,” he was able to touch the penguin and ask questions. Seeing the look of pure joy on a child’s face is what life is all about.

After we left the penguin habitat we scheduled a Dolphin Encounter and set out to meet our dolphin trainer. The trainer explained what we could do during our encounter. We were able to touch and feed a dolphin and we were able train with them. Being that close to a dolphin and actually interact with it was a truly beautiful experience. There is also a Dolphin Interaction Program where you suit up (wetsuit that is) and you actually get into the water with the dolphins.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Next,we hit up the ride Journey to Atlantis water coaster. Be prepared, you will get WET! It was perfect as the day was warming up and it was nice to have a little cool down. The ride itself is fun, with twists and turns and even a large elevator ride in the middle.

Around lunch time we were able to “Dine with Shamu.” Yes, you read that right, you get to have lunch with the Orcas! The picture above is one who came over to say hi to us. During lunch we were told some about the new presentation for the Orcas and what the new stadium will look like. It is more of a natural habitat for them, it is all about the whales and what SeaWorld can do for them.

And we learned about some upcoming attractions! There will be a couple fun new rides for the whole family to enjoy at SeaWorld this summer. For example, ever wonder what it would be like to be dangling from an jellyfish tentacle? With the all new Tentacle Twirl you can find out. The one ride my son and I can’t wait to try is the Submarine Quest. On Submarine Quest you can embark on an underwater adventure in a submarine that allows children of all ages to participate with onboard navigation along your journey. These rides and more will open Memorial Day weekend so you can experience them this summer!

Spending the day with my son at SeaWorld San Diego may have been one of the best days we have ever had. For more information or to purchase tickets visit SeaWorld’s website here.

This post was created in partnership with WomensForum and SeaWorld San Diego, but all opinions are my own.