When you’re looking for that aquarium experience—but without the swarms of strollers and the costly souvenirs—consider a tide pooling trip. Along the rocky intertidal zone, you may come across all sorts of bizarre critters, ranging from mussels and barnacles to seals and sea lions. You may even find an octopus. Or, maybe a bright purple sea star! Since tide pooling is full of possibility and discovery, it’s a great activity for families. If your child wants to learn more about animals, the tide pools are a perfect place to start. Peering into a tide pool is, oftentimes, like peering into a miniature ocean. So, next time you want to engage…