National Aquarium — Attraction in Baltimore

An Unforgettable Experience at the National Aquarium in Baltimore! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

From the moment I stepped into the National Aquarium in Baltimore, I was absolutely blown away. This is, without a doubt, one of the best aquariums I have ever visited! If you’re an animal lover, a fan of marine life, or even just looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, this place should be at the top of your list.

First off, let’s talk about the exhibits. The moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted by an incredible array of creatures in their beautifully designed exhibits. The highlight for me was the mesmerizing display of colorful, exotic fish. You can see so many species that you don’t typically encounter, from the shimmering schools of tropical fish to the more mysterious deep-sea dwellers that are just fascinating to watch. The variety of species is incredible, and the care they’ve put into creating realistic environments for these animals is evident.

And then, there are the sharks. Wow, just wow! The shark tank is a must-see. You get up close to these majestic creatures, and they’re even more impressive in person. Watching them glide effortlessly through the water is awe-inspiring. I could have easily spent hours just watching the sharks move, but there’s so much more to see, so I had to move on eventually.

Another standout exhibit was the bird section. Who knew an aquarium would have such a vibrant bird display? The aviary is full of bright, colorful birds flitting around, and it’s a joy to see them in their lush, tropical setting. It’s like being transported to a faraway island where these birds are the stars of the show. From playful parrots to graceful flamingos, the bird section was as lively and entertaining as it was beautiful.

But wait – there’s more! One of the most unexpected and heartwarming parts of my visit was the encounter with the sloth. This slow-moving little creature was tucked away in a cozy corner, but the staff were so knowledgeable and kind, offering visitors a chance to learn about sloths and how they thrive in the wild. It was such a rare treat to see one up close. The sloth’s unhurried movements and serene face were simply adorable, and I could have watched it for hours if I had the time.

Now, onto the food – because after exploring all these incredible exhibits, you’ll definitely work up an appetite. I was thrilled to find that the food at the National Aquarium was not just basic concession stand fare. The pizza at the cafe is honestly some of the best I’ve had in a while. The crust was perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of chew, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I opted for the cheese pizza, and let me tell you, it was hot, fresh, and absolutely scrumptious. The cheese was melted to perfection, just the right amount of gooeyness without being greasy. Every bite was delicious.

But that’s not all – I also indulged in a side of tater tots. They were golden, crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. These were the kind of tater tots that you just can’t stop eating – perfectly seasoned and absolutely addictive. I wasn’t expecting to find such a satisfying meal at an aquarium, but the food here really exceeded my expectations.

The entire atmosphere of the National Aquarium is amazing. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share interesting facts about the creatures you're encountering. The exhibits are well-maintained, and the space is clean and easy to navigate. There’s so much to see and do here, from interactive displays to beautiful aquascapes that leave you feeling like you’re walking through an underwater wonderland. You can easily spend a whole day exploring and still feel like there’s more to discover.

I highly recommend visiting the National Aquarium in Baltimore, whether you're a local or just passing through. It’s an experience you won’t forget, with a perfect combination of...

It makes sense that this aquarium shows up in the top aquariums in the united states. It's rather large and has some interesting exhibits.

I purchased tickets through a discount through my employer and received about 10% off - I'd take a look at your employee benefits before purchasing at face value because you never know. If you have will call tickets, you'll pick them up behind the box office. The tickets are given on receipt paper - I don't know if these are BPA free so beware.

When you enter there's a small teaser exhibit before you scan tickets; then you go up 1 floor and find the gift shop (i.e. you'll need to pay to enter the gift shop).

They've done a good job throughout of having lots of the exhibits open air so you're not completely separated from the animals by glass. There's a good number of birds in addition to the aquatic animals.

Notably the dolphin exhibit is a pool that used to be used for dolphin shows which they've discontinued in the name of combatting animal cruelty. They say that they're looking to build a sanctuary to move the dolphins to permanently - I wonder at how they're affording to do that if the dolphins bring in visitors. As it is now, though, the dolphin exhibit is very bare bones with very little that's interesting for them to interact with. I hope they get moved out soon.

There is also a shark enclosure that seems to be a rather (for a shark) shallow ring for them to swim endless loops in. I hope they're not there indefinitely. Near this, though, there is a very interesting open water exhibit with fish, sharks, rays etc. that seems to be quite ethical and stimulating.

There is a large cafe space in between the dolphin and jellyfish exhibits. And a kid's area where you can touch jellyfish/rays complete with a handwashing station. I did find several interesting animals here as well particularly sloths, and blind cave fish. There are periodically some couches as well if you get tired - it's a rather large aquarium.

All in all, good amount of info/things to see for the price (we paid around $50 per person with taxes and fees). And it's right on the harbor so it's nice to be able to see out as well.

Parking is $29 per day at a garage w/i a 5 minute walk; I believe they may validate but...

A Splashing Success: National Aquarium Review

The National Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and educational experience. This well-kept aquarium is a great spot for adults and kids of all ages, offering a fascinating journey through various marine ecosystems.

The aquarium's layout is cleverly designed, starting from the ground floor and taking you on a gradual ascent to the top floor, where the stunning rainforest awaits. The rainforest exhibit is a highlight, featuring sloths lazily lounging in the trees and exotic birds like flamingos and parrots adding a splash of color to the lush surroundings.

One of the standout exhibits is the dolphin area, where you can watch these intelligent creatures swim and play in their spacious enclosure. The jellyfish exhibit is another unique feature, showcasing the mesmerizing beauty of these gelatinous creatures.

Throughout the aquarium, the staff are kind and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and provide insights into the various exhibits. Their enthusiasm adds to the overall experience, making it a great place to visit again and again.

Whether you're a marine life enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the National Aquarium is an excellent choice. With its well-designed exhibits, fascinating marine life, and friendly staff, it's a destination that's sure to leave you impressed and eager to return.

Tips:

Plan your visit to allow enough time to explore each exhibit without feeling rushed. Around 2 hours is a good estimate. Take advantage of the aquarium's interactive experiences, including the ability to touch horseshoe crabs and jellyfish. Don't miss the rainforest exhibit on the top floor – it's a highlight of the aquarium! The dolphin and jellyfish exhibits are not to be missed!

Overall, the National Aquarium is a fantastic destination that's sure to delight visitors...