If you’re looking for fun things to do in Boston MA with kids, the New England Aquarium is a must. It’s on the moderate size of aquariums. The layout is different from any of the aquariums we have visited. It is very user friendly and easy to get to all of the attractions.
The New England Aquarium in Boston MA
The aquarium has a few key attractions to see. I will highlight each of them so you can make sure you stop by all of them on your visit. The flow of the aquarium is very easy and user friendly. There is a walkway that wraps around the central feature of the aquarium taking you all the way to the top of building. All along the way are fun and different tanks full of fish and other marine life. I have written the list below for you in the order you will find each exhibit in the aquarium.
- The Penguins- When you first enter the aquarium you will find yourself in front of the penguin exhibits. They are located on the bottom floor and you can see them everywhere you walk. They feed the penguins a few times a day right in front of you. This is a fun thing to see because they check off every penguin as he/she gets fed. My kids loved watching these fun creatures get their lunch and swim off in the water. As you walk up the ramp to the other features you can look down and see the penguins the whole way.
- Atlantic Harbor Seals– Also located on the first floor. These fun mammals are located outside (in a covered area) with benches around to watch them play. We didn’t stay out there long because the day we went was super cold. It was still fun to watch them play with toys and lounge oh the rocks.
- Edge of the Sea, Touch Tank– My kids love touch tanks. You will find starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs, and mussels in the tank. The staff is very friendly and will answer any questions your kiddos have or help them touch the sea life.
- Aquariums- As you make your way up the walkway surrounding the big tank you will find fish tanks at every floor and level. Each of them with different fish and sea life of every kind. you will find numerous different fish, octopus, sea horses, sea urchins, crabs, lobsters, and many other species of marine life. Each tank has an explanation of the contents and they are decorated with brightly colored coral.
- Sea Jellies– When you have almost reached the top of the aquarium you will find yourself engulfed in the tank of jelly fish. These creatures are pretty amazing to watch and they have a big selection of them. They also have baby ones in a separate tank.
- Giant Ocean Tank– The center attraction of the aquarium is the giant ocean tank. You can see the tank the whole way up the walkway. The kids loved finding all the different creatures along the way. Once you reach the top of the aquarium you can look down over the water. It’s a little like being on a boat in the ocean and looking over into the beautiful water and seeing all the creatures swimming around. One of the big features of this tank is the Sea Turtle Myrtle. He has lived at this aquarium since 1970. This tank is fairly large measuring 40 feet wide. The aquarium was actually built around this feature.
- Shark and Ray Touch Tank– Children can reach into the water and gently touch Atlantic Rays and watch the sharks swim by. My kids love touching sting rays and they seem to love human contact.
- Learning Stations- Another great thing about the aquarium is they have games and fun learning facts all along the way. My kids loved stopping at every station…. learning new things and playing fun factual games.
I hope you find this information helpful. Visiting the aquarium while in Boston should be on your list of activities. We found it a good escape from the cold in the winter as well. It’s helps you feel like you’ve gone to a little tropical getaway. If you have any more fun tips or fun facts about the aquarium please comment below.
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