Exploring the Best Aquariums for Kids

Introduction

Aquariums are a great way to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of ocean life. With so many aquariums located across the country, it can be hard to find the best aquariums for kids. This blog post explores the best aquariums for kids, complete with details about the attractions, interactive activities, and educational programs available. Whether it’s your first visit to an aquarium or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find something to enjoy at these top-notch aquariums.

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland is one of the most popular aquariums in the United States. It features over 17,000 specimens of more than 750 species of plants and animals from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The aquarium’s main attractions are its four-story Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit, its two-story Amazon River Forest, and its Marine Mammal Pavilion, which is home to seven species of dolphins, fur seals, sea otters, and harbor seals. Kids will love the touch pools, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, all designed to teach children about the importance of conserving our oceans.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California is a top-notch aquarium that features more than 35,000 specimens of over 500 species of plants and animals from the Pacific Ocean. Its three-story Kelp Forest exhibit offers a stunning view of the Monterey Bay, while its Open Sea exhibit features sharks, jellyfish, and other deep-sea creatures. The aquarium also has a large aviary and a special area for kids to learn about ocean conservation.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia is the world’s largest aquarium, boasting more than 10 million gallons of water and more than 100,000 marine animals. Its Ocean Voyager exhibit is a must-see, featuring an enormous underwater tunnel with a walk-through glass tunnel and a 8.5 million gallon tank filled with whale sharks, manta rays, and other exotic sea creatures. The aquarium also features a unique 4D theater, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts is a great option for families. It features more than 20,000 specimens of over 600 species of plants and animals from the Atlantic Ocean. Its Giant Ocean Tank is the main attraction, a four-story Caribbean coral reef exhibit complete with sharks, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois is one of the oldest and most popular aquariums in the country. It features more than 32,000 specimens of over 1,500 species of plants and animals from around the world. Its main attractions are its four-story Caribbean Reef exhibit and its Oceanarium, home to dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida is a great choice for families looking for a fun, educational experience. It features more than 6,000 specimens of over 500 species of plants and animals from the Caribbean, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico. Its main attractions are its three-story Coral Reef exhibit and its Wetlands exhibit, where kids can explore the Florida Everglades. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

Adventure Aquarium

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey is one of the most unique aquariums in the country. It features more than 8,500 specimens of over 250 species of plants and animals from around the world. Its main attractions are its three-story Shark Realm exhibit, featuring sharks, stingrays, and other ocean predators, and its Hippo Haven exhibit, home to two massive hippopotamuses. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon is a great choice for families looking for an educational and fun experience. It features more than 8,000 specimens of over 200 species of plants and animals from the Pacific Northwest. Its main attraction is its Passages of the Deep exhibit, an underwater tunnel with a walk-through glass tunnel and a 10,000-gallon tank filled with sea lions, seals, and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, New York is a must-see for families visiting the Big Apple. It features more than 8,000 specimens of over 400 species of plants and animals from the Atlantic Ocean. Its main attractions are its four-story Ocean Wonders exhibit, featuring sharks, sea turtles, and other ocean predators, and its Sea Cliffs exhibit, home to walruses, sea lions, and penguins. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the country. It features more than 12,000 specimens of over 500 species of plants and animals from the Pacific Ocean. Its main attractions are its four-story Great Hall of the Pacific exhibit, featuring sharks, sea turtles, and other ocean predators, and its Shark Lagoon exhibit, home to gentle nurse sharks and other sharks. The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and educational programs.

Summary

Aquariums are a great way to introduce children to the wonders of ocean life. From the National Aquarium in Baltimore to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, there are plenty of great aquariums that offer interactive activities, educational programs, and stunning displays of marine life. Whether you’re looking for the perfect aquarium for your family’s next vacation or just an exciting day trip, these top aquariums are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.