National Aquarium in Baltimore
add photosGet your fill of the entire marine biome with amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals populating the land and waters of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, including a universal favorite: dolphins!
46 Reviews for National Aquarium in Baltimore
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'12, '130 families found this helpful
"We love this place"
So much to see all in one place, my boys have a great time every time we visit the National Aquarium in Blatimore. Some of our favorite things are the dolphin show (get in the amphitheater early if you want to sit in the splash zone), the rainforest area (it's an open walk-through section of the aquarium that is not to be missed), and the jellyfish exhibit. Our favorite attraction by far is the 4D Immersion Theater. The experience includes sight, sound, touch, and even smell as you learn about the animals you can see on display right there in the aquarium. My boys LOVE this part of the aquarium and it is totally worth the extra $5 admittance fee. If you have any flexibility go during the week because the weekends are often so crowded it can be difficult to get a look in the tanks without waiting a long time. Also, you can't take a stroller in the aquarium. You have to check them when you enter to if you have a baby that can't walk take a carrier of some sort to save your arms. Looking for an in-depth experience? The aquarium offers a number of behind-the-scenes immersion tours for those looking for something more.
*My family and I recieved complimentary tickets to facilitate our review.
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0 families found this helpful
"Aquarium"
This museum was ok. The best part was the dolphin show. My kids loved it. its a bit smaller then other dolphin shows but still great. The aquarium is over all small. The movies with Dora were pretty cool. But you have to pay a seperate fee. The museum cost was a bit high. All in all, I wouldn't go again except for the dolphin show.
0 families found this helpful
"So much to look at!"
The inner harbor already has so much to offer but we love the aquarium. Our toddler would spend all day oohh-ing and ahh-ing at all the animals in here! It does get busy quick though so getting there early or buying your timed entry ticket online is your best bet!
1 family found this helpful
"Amazing Aquarium for Family Splurge"
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the premier aquariums in the country. Although it's not exactly inexpensive ($29.95 per adult, $20.95 per child 3-11), it's definitely worth the cost of admission if you spend most of the day (My family became members, because if you live locally, you make your membership cost effective on only the second visit) visiting the various exhibits.
There's everything from exhibits about Australia's native animals to a dolphin show and 4D movies to experience, as well as the fascinating multi-level aquarium itself.
The kids love the regular educational talks, and the movies are always a hit (they're extra too, but we save money by bringing a picnic lunch which we eat on the waterfront) too. The National Aquarium is also a perfect place to visit with out-of-town guests, because it's far superior to most cities' aquariums.
Whether you go just to look at the fish or take in all the extras like the dolphin shows and movies, the National Aquarium is one of the DC-Baltimore area's most family friendly destinations!
1 family found this helpful
"Cool! Great Dolphin show!"
We stayed in Baltimore over Spring Break this year. I had heard that Baltimore schools had spring break the previous week so I was hoping the aquarium would be less crowded. I was completly WRONG! It was a Wednesday in April. We did not get there first thing in the morning which was probaley poor planning on my part. When we arrived the line was really long and they had an announcement that once you purchased your tickets you would have to wait 1hour and a half to enter the aquarium. We decided to go out for lunch while we waited to enter. Once it was our time to enter it was still super crowded in there. I had an 18 month at the time and as others have said there is a no stroller policy. We checked the stroller and opted not to take the complimentary backpack carrier. But all that being said. It is an awesome aquarium. Yes, we would of been able to spend more time and enjoyed it alot more had it not been so crowded. We loved the esculators. What a great concept. If you are visiting the aquarium the dolphin show is a MUST! It was the best part of the experience in my opinion. The kids (18 months & 11) both loved it. Sit in the front row if you would like to get wet! It is pretty expensive but worth it!
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing Aquarium, Worth The Price!"
This aquarium is outstanding! Even though it is pricey, you definitely get your money's worth. Our almost four year old daughter absolutely loved it! Seeing the volunteer scuba divers feed the rays was definitely the highlight! The way the aquarium is set up leads you through many different areas and allows you to see MANY different life forms. Incredible! Allow several hours to thoroughly enjoy your experience. Definitely worth adding to a trip to Baltimore!
1 family found this helpful
"Fun-But can be pricy!"
This is a great place for the entire family. We usually go as an entire family-ages 3-55. We have also taken many other people there, and never heard a complaint! The activities can be divided up to an appropriate level for any age. For example, they have a kids interactive area that is a good break from the 'look but don't touch' idea in the rest of the building. There is no shortness of things to look at, so you really will never get bored!
One great piece of advice: If you live close, or think you could end up going a few times a year, a membership is a great way to save some money, while supporting a great cause. Some of your membership fee can even be tax deductible!
0 families found this helpful
"enjoyable trip"
We took a bus trip to the national aquarium in baltimore. We only had an hour to see all of the pavilions. We didn't get the coupon in the entertainment book which sucks because it cause me 44.90 for me and my daughter. It was $24.95 for an adults and 19.95 for a child. To see the entire aquarium it takes two hours. once you purchase your ticket it will have the time that you are able to go into the aquarium. We wasn't able to see the glass pavilion due to lack of time but we were able to see the rest of the pavilions. Level three has five levels. The first level is where you see stingrays called wings in the water. We were there around feeding time so we saw divers in the water. The second level is fresh water fish called Maryland: Mountains to the sea. The third level is surviving through adaptation where the underwater creatures have some most strangest and most interesting adaptations. The fourth level called sea cliffs, kelp forest pacific coral reef amazon river forest. and the fifth level is where the tropical rain forest is which is amazing to see all the tropical birds and monkey and other animals and creatures live. There was a dolphin show which we didn't see but was able to see the dolphin playing under water which was really cute to see. We went to see the jellies invasion which I learned that there a different species of jelly fish. I would love for us to go back and take this tour again with time restrictions.
0 families found this helpful
"Great location"
National aquarium in baltimore is a fun place to go and is at great location.Kids would love varieties of colorfull fishes .Its not very big and great.They even have shows like dolphin show-these are really very entertaining and we enjoyed a lot.One can buy a combo ticket ie,aquarium+4D immersion theater+dolphin show for around$ 30/adult and $25/child(ages 3-11).This aquarium is located near the river,so after your aquarium visit and dolphin show you can take a cool river walk or even go for boating.You will sometimes have live music near the river to make ur evening special!.We love the location:-).
0 families found this helpful
"AMAZING"
Amazing is really all that can be said. Be prepared to be there for hours, for there is plenty to see and do. We loved walking under the tanks and the there are loads of rooms to observe the sharks and other creatures. There is also a tropical room with bird and such, so it goes beyond aquariums. There is so much water in that building, it feels like you are right there with all the fish. It is truly unforgettable.
0 families found this helpful
"Awesome!"
The Baltimore Aquarium is really awesome! There are fish/sea creatures surrounding you on all sides. The only thing is, is it's very expensive for a large family! So, unfortunatly for us, it was a one time see. The other down side is, you can't take strollers.
0 families found this helpful
"Good times under the Sea"
I went on a Sunday after last February and it the lines to buy tickets were long, but they moved fast. If you have to wait for a show, it is ok because there is lots to walk around and see in the area. I would recommend buying the TOTAL EXPERIENCE PACKAGE. With that package, you get admission to the aquarium, fun 4D immersion theater (sounds and effects pop out to surprise you), and the super fun dolphin show.
I loved everything about this aquarium! There are lots of gift shops and penny squishing souvenir machines if you are into those (I am).
There are escalators and moving walkways so they recommend leaving strollers at home. You can check them at the door if you need. There are bike racks and parking on the street is available (if you find a lucky spot).
They are open every day of the week starting at 10am and close at 4 on weekdays, 5 on Saturday & Sunday, and 8pm on Fridays. The ticket is a little pricy at $29.50 for adults, $28.95 for seniors, and $24.95 for children, but well worth it at least once! (This price is for the total experience package. Admission for just the aquarium is only $5 less so I say splurge and upgrade...you won't be sorry you did.) Great for ALL ages.
MUST VISIT spot!
1 family found this helpful
"Only take what you can carry into the aquarium."
We took our 2 year old daughter on a Sunday afternoon. Crazy you may say, and you would be correct. Fort a 2 year old she is pretty into fish. Once we got to an area of the aquarium where the "tanks" were more eye level with her, she really enjoyed it.
Watching her press her face up against the glass sort of made my skin crawl, but I guess she felt the need to get really close. They have a neat step thingy for kids to stand on so they can see a bit better, great for the kids but I kept tripping over them.
You are not allowed to take a stroller in, but you can check yours for free and they have back packs you can use if needed. We did not opt to take one, and both my husband's and my backs were killing us, because she decided she didn't want to walk anymore about halfway through the aquarium. But I digress.
The dolphins were really amazing, we were too late for one show, and too early for the next so if that is something you have your heart set on be sure to know in advance what time they "perform" and there is an additional fee for the dolphin show on top of the general admission price.
We all had a great time, and my biggest recommendation is to wear comfy shoes and carry as little child care products as you possibly can.
0 families found this helpful
"National Aquarium in Baltimore"
This is a fun place to visit. Not quite as big as Sea World, but still very enjoyable for families! I would recommend getting their early because it does seem to get quite busy. Our favorite exhibits are the sharks and stingrays. The sharks swim throughout different levels and you continue to watch them while walking down multiple flights of stairs. There are also fun activities to do outside the aquarium, such as paddle boats in the bay.
0 families found this helpful
"overpriced, overrated"
We recently took our 5 year old and our 2 year old to the aquarium. It was not little kid friendly at all. First off, it is not stroller friendly so don't even bother bringing one. Second, many of the exhibits are too high for the kids to see (even with the steps they have) so you have to keep lifting them up. This gets a bit tiresome.
The dolphin show however is worth the money. If you are going, add this in. Very enjoyable.
Overall, I think the price was very high for not that great of an exhibit.
1 family found this helpful
"National Aquarium in Baltimore"
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is amazing! AMAZING! My family had a blast at the aquarium. The aquarium offers a large selection of fish and other water creatures. The Aquarium also offers reptile, bird and frog exhibits. The aquarium displays were extremely clean. The aquarium was a bit crowded, but it was managible.
If you plan on visiting the aquarium in the near future you must go to the 4-D immersion theater. The theater is really awesome and well worth the money! My family and I will definitely be going back to the aquarium.
0 families found this helpful
"A Baltimore favorite"
As a Baltimore native, I've been going to the National Aquarium since I was a child, and now I take my own daughter there. The tanks are impressive with a variety of sea life. The dolphin show is always a crowd pleaser, so don't miss it! The 4D IMAX videos are worth the extra money. I was disappointed to learn that the price for admission went up to over $30 for adult admission. I think that's a bit steep, especially for families. I also am not a fan of the "no stroller" policy (strollers must be checked and are not allowed in the museum). So plan accordingly. Avoid on the weekends, during busy hours. During certain times of the year, the Aquarium offers Friday's after 5pm reduced admission---a great deal!
0 families found this helpful
"Get your ticket before you go (weekends)"
The best advice I can give is to buy your tickets online before you go to the Aquarium. We had to wait for over an hour just to get a ticket to tell us to come back in three hours. Once we got in, it was pretty awesome. There was too much to see in the time we had left in the afternoon.
0 families found this helpful
"Great activity for cold weather"
The National Aquarium has some awesome exhibits that will interest all members of the family. I have 3 and 1 year-old boys and they LOVED our adventure. There are no stroller allowed, but the aquarium will "check" your stroller for you and provide you with a complimentary child-carrier backpack. My little guy loved riding up high and being able to see everything. My 3 year old loved the moving sidewalks and the escalators. The dolphin show was excellent. I would recommend letting the kids run around the the adjacent child play area for a few minutes before the show, it lasts about 20 minutes...which is the perfect amount of time. I would recommend this place to anyone!
0 families found this helpful
"So much to do here! Aquarium rocks"
This place always takes your breath away. The kids love going to the shark tanks and watching them swim around you. It's a little scary at first but definitely worth it. There are so many kinds of fish and the dolphin shows are always top of the line entertainment. The kids always have fun and go on for days about all of the fish that they got to see while visiting.
Perfect place to go if you're at the inner harbor. If you have younger kids that use strollers, be prepared for him/her to walk or having to carry him/her around. One drawback about this place but overall it is great!! Awesome on a rainy day.
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