As a wise crab once sang, “Darling it’s better down where it’s wetter, under the sea!” Dive in and take your kids to an aquarium this summer, where the AC and learning opportunities are plentiful, and the selfie and photo-ops are prime for Instagram. A day trip to the aquarium is the perfect way to keep kids’ brains stimulated during summer vacation, and to introduce them to awe-inspiring forms of life. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best aquariums in the U.S., where kids can see, meet, and even touch underwater creatures, selecting those with the most kid-friendly, interactive programs and exhibits. See which aquarium is closest to you, or plan a trip somewhere new and explore!
1. New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY
WCS New York Aquarium
Where: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Coney Island is known for its history and quirks, so it’s no surprise that it’s where you can find the oldest operating aquarium in the country. A now-staple on the boardwalk, the aquarium was originally built in 1896 in Battery Park, but was transferred to Coney Island in 1957. Even after taking a beating from Hurricane Sandy, the New York Aquarium is home to some seriously cool underwater viewing tanks, and a state-of-the-art Aquatheater hosting a bevy of beautiful California sea lions. Plus, they are constantly updating and adding to the aquarium. The much-anticipated Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, featuring more than 115 species of aquatic creatures, opens June 30. Families will be invited to explore coral reefs, wander through shipwrecks, and say hi to creatures big and small—from sandbar sharks to loggerhead sea turtles.
Insider tip: Families can catch daily feedings of sea otters, walruses and penguins. Times are subject to change on a daily basis, so call ahead or check at the main entrance of the aquarium for that day’s schedule.
2. National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
National Aquarium
Where: 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD
If your kids want to see (or even touch!) real live creatures from the sea, there’s no better place than the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The attraction is Maryland’s largest paid tourist attraction with more than 51 million guests since its opening and featuring more than 20,000 fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine mammals. Stop in for extraordinary exhibits like Jellies Invasion, Shark Alley and Amazon River Forest. The Aquarium is also in the process of creating North America’s very first dolphin sanctuary, so check back for updates on that incredible project. Thinking of planning a weekend trip? Look into discounted tickets for Half-Price Friday Nights, year-round on Fridays after 5pm.
Insider tip: The National Aquarium offers early access to children on the autism spectrum and their families on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. Ticket sales are made at the member’s entrance to avoid long waits in line.
3. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA
ACVB/Kevin C. Rose
Where: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA
From sharks to penguins, Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States, is full of amazing underwater (and seashore) experiences. View underwater exhibits or take part in an incredible assortment of “hands-on” experiences—we’re fans of diving with whale sharks and interacting with beluga whales. The aquarium offers fun activities and programs for every member of the family: littles will love the Toddler Time program, older kids will enjoy live animal experiences and sleepovers, and Sips Under the Sea cocktail parties are reserved for adults! Adventurous animal-lovers, be sure to check out the aquarium’s state-of-the-art virtual reality ride, which takes you on a 4D dive into prehistoric seas.
Insider tip: Get to the aquarium before lunch, as trainers take several African penguins out on a “Waddle Walk” through the aquarium from 10 to 11am daily, giving families the chance to see the species up close and personal!
4. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
New England Aquarium
Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA
One of Boston’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, from Pacific octopi to leafy seadragons. Explore ocean life on four floors of exhibits including a man-made coral reef, interactive touch tanks and 80 adorable, waddling penguins. The bravest of kids will love the chance to gently touch rays and epaulette sharks in one of the touch tanks—an experience they won’t soon forget. Be sure to head to the IMAX theater to see Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet or Pandas 3D—the aquarium’s two newest shows featured on New England’s largest screen.
Insider tip: Families can visit the seal tank (near the entrance of the museum, along the Harborwalk) for free! The animals are especially active during feeding times.
5. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL
Shedd Aquarium
Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Shedd is home to a number of cute critters like penguins, sea otters, dolphins and whales, and plenty of beautiful fish, jellies and rays. Be sure to stop for their two new exhibits: Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, which displays beautiful artwork and sculptures made from beach trash; and Underwater Beauty, which features 100 creatures with exquisite colors, patterns, and rhythms. Then head to the Polar Play Zone, an area of the aquarium built just for kids—don’t be surprised if they love it the most! With a penguin playscape, mini-submarine, and creatures you can actually touch, it’s bound to be a hit. Read our full guide to visiting here.
Insider tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time or arrive early. The line often stretches down the stairs and across the Museum Campus plaza, but you can skip right inside if you’ve got tickets waiting at will call.
6. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Where: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Many kids have been to an aquarium at some point in their lives, but none are quite like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, situated within the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary in California. The aquarium features more than 35,000 creatures—think sharks, penguins and jellyfish—in 34 major galleries. Both permanent and changing exhibits are included with admission, and there are many opportunities for the younger set (and even older ones) to touch, listen and interact with displays and live animals. We especially love the touch pond where you can get up close and personal with sea sponges, starfish, anemones and other sea critters! Kids get a rush out of sitting in the tunnel of the wave crash gallery, where 600 gallons of water crash over you every 30 seconds.
Insider tip: Check out the aquarium’s newest exhibit, ¡Viva Baja! Life on the Edge, where you can ogle over creatures from Baja’s deserts, mangrove forests, and coral reefs.
7. Maui Ocean Center, Wailuku, HI
Evan Pascual/Maui Ocean Center
Where: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI
Foamy blue water splashing up on the shore, tanned surfers riding the waves, and snorkelers escaping reality and hanging with the fishies are some of the first images that come to mind when picturing Hawaii. Maui Ocean Center celebrates this stereotype by honoring the oceans—and its inhabitants!—that surround this island nation. This year marks Maui Ocean Center’s second decade of existence, and they invite families to join them to marvel at Hawaii’s unique marine environment (did you know many of Hawaii’s sea animals are found nowhere else in the world?) as well as local culture. Explore one of the world’s largest and rarest Pacific coral reefs, encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, and immerse yourself in an underwater world in the 750,000 gallon, 240 degree-view Open Ocean exhibit.
Insider tip: Scuba-certified guests can dive in the Open Ocean exhibit with aquarium divers for the Shark Dive Maui program.
8. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, OR
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Where: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR
Sitting on 23 acres of land along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the place to be if you want to see swarms of stinging jellies, toothy sharks and even a 500 pound California sea lion. With tons of colorful critters around every corner, there’s so much to explore, and plenty of interactive options. Peek through exciting exhibits like Big Bites, Sandy Shores, and Coastal Waters before exploring how the aquarium takes care of the creatures behind the glass in the Behind the Scenes Tour. Sleep in the Deep family sleepover events and Dive the Aquarium scuba-diving tours are available as well, at an extra cost.
Insider tip: Admission is free on your birthday. Bring proof of your date of birth and let the fish wish you well!
9. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla, CA
Birch Aquarium
Where: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla , CA
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the biggest and best schools researching ocean life, so it’s no surprise that they have an aquarium attached to their name. Birch Aquarium holds more than 5,000 fish in over 60 habitats, and the hilltop site provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean below. Go see a shark feeding or a dive show to explore how and what different creatures eat, then head to the Explore It exhibit for hands-on activities for learners of all ages. You can also teach your kids about global warming in the Feeling the Heat exhibit, where interactive challenges show kids current environmental changes and predictions for the future.
Insider tip: If you think you may have a budding marine biologist on your hands, look into Birch Aquarium’s Summer Learning Adventure Camps, designed for campers aged four to 15.
10. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN
Tennessee Aquarium
Where: 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN
If you’re ever in the Chattanooga area, be sure to stop by the Tennessee Aquarium—more than 12,000 animals call it home! Located on the bank of the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium has been rated the best aquarium in America for overall guest satisfaction, and for good reason. The aquarium boasts 15 stunning exhibits, including Boneless Beauties, Stingray Bay, and Penguins’ Rock; and offers a variety of extraordinary experiences, including an alligator presentation, Creature Close-Up presentation, and a Secret Reef Dive Show. Better yet, these programs and experiences are all free with admission, so take the kids and get closer than ever to the critters of the sea.
Insider tip: Discount ticket packages are available with the Aquarium’s IMAX 3D theater, so bundle up and save on your next trip.
