Best aquariums in US for families
With summer on the horizon, families are no doubt already deep in their vacation planning modes.
While theme parks, water parks, national parks and beaches are top draws, why not consider adding in an aquarium visit?
Aquariums are great for families as they offer a unique blend of education, entertainment and opportunities for bonding. On a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it wasn't only the five-year-olds that were fascinated. Aquariums hold multigenerational appeal, teaching about marine life, ecosystems and conservation in a way that any age can understand and appreciate.
Here are some of the best aquariums in the U.S., renowned for their impressive exhibits, educational programs and family-friendly experiences. Look for one close to home or one to include in your summer travels. And be sure to set aside ample time for exploration.
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
As the largest aquarium in the U.S. and one of the world's most spectacular, Georgia Aquarium boasts over 11 million gallons of water across seven major galleries.
The aquarium is home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters and African penguins. Its focus is on marine animals from icy, cold environments. But there's so much to see here, we recommend not rushing through this impressive aquarium.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, Calif.
Located in the idyllic seaside town of Monterey on Cannery Row, this has always been one of my favorites and happens to be one of the most celebrated aquariums in the world due to its groundbreaking exhibits, dedicated marine conservation works and stunning oceanfront setting.
On a recent visit however, I was more than impressed by the added exhibits and upgrades offering guests a front-row seat to life above and below the abundantly blessed waters of the Pacific.
Visitors will see unforgettable sea life - which includes the deep, dark undersea cavernous environment where exotic life exists - along with celebrating local creatures from the Monterey Bay environs.
National Aquarium, Baltimore
Transport yourself to the underwater wonders of the world.
No visit to the Baltimore Harbor is complete without exploring the National Aquarium, featuring thousands of animals representing many parts of the globe, including the Amazon Rain Forest, an Australian river gorge and Indo-Pacific coral reefs.
Though all these displays are impressive, don't miss the local love, a 10,000 square-foot floating wetland that mimics the Chesapeake Bay's original tidal marsh habitat. Afterward, enjoy exploring the vibrant waterfront.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans
Situated on the Mississippi River waterfront of downtown New Orleans, the aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, many endangered and ranging from penguins and sea otters to jellyfish and seahorses.
Though many visitors don't think about visiting an aquarium while in New Orleans, you should. When it reopened in June 2023 after a massive renovation, the aquarium became the only facility in the world to house both an aquarium and an insectarium under one roof.
Newport Aquarium, Newport, Ky.
Who would think that Kentucky would have one of the country's best aquariums?
Located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, the aquarium houses thousands of the world's most exotic aquatic creatures. The all-new Coral Reef Tunnel is stunning, a new jellyfish exhibit has opened, and a favorite attraction is the Shark Bridge, a suspended rope bridge over a shark tank, allowing visitors to walk only inches away from sharks, rays and fish.
Mermaids Cove has returned as an interactive event where guests can meet performers dressed as mermaids and touch a stingray. Mermaids will also be at Coral Reef Tunnel and a meet and greet at the Shark Ray Bay Theater.
New England Aquarium, Boston
Situated on Boston's Central Wharf, this renowned marine science center and aquarium has been captivating visitors since 1969.
The Giant Ocean Tank lies at the heart of the aquarium, a cylindrical 200,000-gallon exhibit simulating a colorful Caribbean coral reef. The four-story tank is home to Myrtle, a beloved green sea turtle who has been a resident since 1970, along with other sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. The tank also features a spiral walkway with 67 windows, allowing visitors to view the marine life from multiple angles. Other exhibits include a shark and ray touch tank, coral reef, penguin colony and the Amazon Rainforest, housing poison dart frogs, piranhas and anacondas.
Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii
This award-winning aquarium connects visitors with Hawaii's marine life, where you can journey through a 54-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, visit Turtle Lagoon with its majestic honu (sea turtles) and venture below the water's surface with life-sized koholā (humpback whales) in the mesmerizing "Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi" 3D Sphere Experience.
Guests can take a ukulele lesson, discover the art of fishnet weaving and learn how to prepare traditional Hawaiian foods. Of utmost importance, the aquarium, along with the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center helps restore coral reefs along with rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
One of the most popular Chicago attractions and one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, Shedd opened in 1930 and houses over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species across five million gallons of water.
Some of its most popular highlights include Amazon Rising, an 8,600-square-foot walkthrough re-creating the flooded forests of the Amazon River; Wild Reef, an impressive simulation of a Philippine coral reef and home to sharks, rays and other vibrant sea life; and the Abbott Oceanarium, the largest indoor mammal facility in the world.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego
Though it's not a large aquarium, it's quite impressive. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium serves as the public outreach for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.
Our grandchildren loved the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit, the pint-sized penguins, the shark and ray viewing area of Blue Beach and the impressive interactive tide pool filled with sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, abalone and more.
Opening on May 22, 2025, Living Seas will take guests on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of our ocean planet - from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Coastal California to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
When an aquarium celebrates its local marine ecosystems, that's a good sign. Offering immersive experiences representing the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium spans 23 acres along Yaquina Bay and is home to over 64,000 animals across 375 species.
Visitors can step back to prehistoric times in Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, watch sea lions and harbor seals play in the Pacific waters or search for a glimpse of the elusive giant Pacific octopus. One of the top features of the venue is the Seabird Aviary, housing exotic tufted puffins, common murres and rhinoceros auklets.
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Well-known for its dedication to wildlife preservation, this aquarium located in downtown Tampa's Channel District offers a fascinating look into the world's aquatic and terrestrial animals.
The Mosaic Exhibit Hall features rotating sea life exhibits, while the Wetlands Trail provides an immersive journey through Florida's ecosystems, which include a mangrove forest, cypress swamp and freshwater swamp, home to alligators, otters, turtles and a free-flight aviary.
Odysea Aquarium, Scottsdale, Ariz.
The desert meets the ocean at Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, boasting the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The state-of-the-art facility features an impressive array of sea life including sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sloths and more.
As one of the most fascinating and immersive aquatic experiences, the OdySea Voyager features a 20-minute rotating journey through four major exhibits aboard a stadium-seating "submarine" with 46-foot viewing windows. Those looking for even more adventure can don a wetsuit and helmet and head eight feet underwater on the SeaTREK Helmet Diving encounter.
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