National Aquarium in Baltimore
Kids will be fascinated with life underwater as they walk ‘through’ a coral reef and are surrounded by gliding sharks and rays at the National Aquarium. Be forewarned that strollers are not allowed in the buildings because of space and mobility concerns. You can borrow a backpack or frontpack at the admission area. They’ll store your stroller for you at no charge.
A new program specifically designed for kids aged 2-10 is the Child’s Discovery Gallery. Dolphin Underwater view tank. Walk ‘through’ a coral reef with over 500 exotic, colorful fish. The Shark tank gets you nose-to-nose with sharks and rays gliding by.
But the aquarium is a lot more than fish! The popular Animal Planet Australia gets you to the Outback as you walk through a gorge and see flying foxes hanging from cliff-side trees and kookaburra and lorikeets flying overhead. Ffreshwater crocodile snooze in the water and lizards doze on rocks.
Three-toed sloths, poison dart frogs, piranhas and colorful birds inhabit the world-famous Rain Forest exhibit. Closer to home, Maryland: Mountains to the Sea shows the different habitats in the state and introduces the terrapin, bullfrogs, and other aquatic creatures. There’s even a waterfall that kids can go through.
‘Immersion’ programs go behind-the-scenes for really unusual animal encounters. Two of the most popular are the dolphin and shark sleepovers for kids 8 years and up. There are hands-on activities, talks with the trainers, watching the food preparation (and maybe helping to feed), a tour of the ‘backside’ of the exhibits, dinner, and breakfast. But the real excitement is bedding down next to the tanks where the sharks and dolphins swim. ($115.00 per person. Check website for dates. www.aqua.org/immersiontours)
The Aquarium pays special attention to needs of families with younger kids. Changing tables are in each restroom. There is a “Privacy Room” on Level 1 of Pier 3 with a TV, microwave, and coloring supplies. However, visitors are not allowed to bring food in from the outside. There are several dining areas with full meals, sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks. There are tables outside for picnics.
Basic admission to the aquarium is $34.95 for adults (12-64); $31.95 for seniors (over 60); $21.95 for 3-11. There’s an additional charge for the 4-D theater (3-D with additional effects, like wind and mist) and the Sharks! behind the scenes tour. www.aqua.org
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