From whale sharks to kissing seals to Winter the Dolphin, there are many reasons to visit these six amazing aquariums
June is the month for celebrating our beautiful oceans and the wide range of creatures that inhabit it. It’s National Aquarium Month, and June 8 is also World Oceans Day, a day for ocean celebration and action. In honor of these events, we’re going to share with you six of our favorite aquariums.
National Aquarium –Baltimore, MD
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a beautiful aquarium located on the East Coast. With more than 13 exhibits and experiences available to visitors seven days a week, there is a wide variety of activities for you and your children to enjoy. Learn all about sharks in Shark Alley: Atlantic Predators and hang out with the National Aquarium’s eight resident dolphins in theDolphin Discovery exhibit. If you’re feeling adventurous, the National Aquarium also hasAquarium After Dark events during which visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the aquarium in the evening hours, with cultural events, intriguing lectures and dinners featuring renowned chefs.
”Family Travel with Colleen Kelly” visited the National Aquarium in the Baltimore episode.
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, GA
Traveling down south can be hot and humid; to escape the afternoon Atlanta heat, we love going to the Georgia Aquarium. A home to more than 120,000 animals located right by Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium is the perfect stop when taking in the sights of downtown Atlanta. Visit the aquarium’s underwater tunnel and watch as fish of all shapes and sizes swim over your head. The Georgia Aquarium is a leader in Whale Shark research and one of the few aquariums to house them. You won’t forget your close encounter with these unique animals! Also visit the aquarium’s Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone for fun and education-filled challenges that teach all ages about the diverse wildlife in our world’s oceans. Remember to book a Behind the Seas Tour for a look at the most popular exhibits in a way only the tour can give you.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium located in Monterey, California, is another gorgeous aquarium, located on the West Coast. With exhibits featuring a wide array of sea life, including jellyfish, octopi, sharks, otters and penguins, you are bound to find a new favorite animal after visiting. Monterey Bay Aquarium also has a rocky shore for close interactions with the animals that make tide pools their home. With daily feedings, shows andtours, there is always something new and exciting going on!
Learn about our experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the Monterey episode of “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly.”
Clearwater Marine Aquarium –Clearwater, FL
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to Winter, the famous dolphin from the movie“Dolphin Tale!” Meet Winter in person and learn about her inspiring story of rescue and recovery after she received a prosthetic tail. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also home to rescued otters, turtles, pelicans and more, with the mission to eventually release these animals back into the wild.
New England Aquarium –Boston, MA
The New England Aquarium is a perfect destination for a fun and educational day. The aquarium has a strong focus on animal conservation and strives to educate everyone, big and small, about the role we can all play in preserving our oceans. Kids can also participate inBlue Discovery Family Days once a month, with free activities for all ages. You can get up close and personal with the animals of the New England Aquarium through the Animal Encounter Programs.
“Family Travel with Colleen Kelly” experienced one of these exciting encounters and got a kiss from a seal! Read our blog to learn about the time we spent at the New England Aquarium.
Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, IL
This Midwestern aquarium stands out as one of the first inland aquariums and a well-known treasure of Chicago. You can explore the Shedd’s many exhibits featuring aquatic habitats from around the world and meet their resident dolphins, beluga whales and sea otters. In June 2015, the aquarium welcomed a Pacific white-sided dolphin calf, so now is the time to visit. If you want an extra close look at the animals, the Shedd Aquarium offers a variety of private tours, animal encounters, and even the chance to become a dolphin trainer for the day!
We visited the Shedd Aquarium for “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly”. Learn about our experience in our Chicago episode.
If you’re looking to save money and visit more on your vacation the Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, the New England Aquarium, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are all available on the Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and Tampa Bay CityPASS. CityPASS gives you access to these amazing aquariums and other local attractions so you don’t miss a thing!
