Family Travel: The National Aquarium

A few months ago we visited the National Aquarium for the 2nd time. We first visited a few years ago when Maggie and Alex were 4 and 2. They absolutely loved it. Maggie has been asking to go back ever since. Baltimore is the perfect distance for a weekend getaway for us, so a few months ago we traveled back down for a weekend in the Inner Harbor and a visit to the National Aquarium. This visit was a little different since we brought 4 kids instead of 2. I was a bit nervous about exploring the aquarium with kids ranging from 0-6. We ended up having a much easier time than expected and everyone had a blast. The National Aquarium is easy to navigate and is a beautiful facility. We are lucky to have such a special place to visit only a few hours from home. My girls are obsessed with sea life and specifically dolphins, so they could have spent a week at the aquarium if we let them. Still, in just a few hours, we were able to see so much and even enjoy an incredible dolphin show. Here are a few tips after our 2nd visit:

1. This is important! There are no strollers aloud. I didn’t realize this because on our 1st visit, we were stroller free. Luckily I realized (thanks to a friend) before our visit since we were planning to bring a double stroller. We were able to plan ahead and we were totally fine and it was actually refreshing to “travel around” for a day without a stroller. Just make sure you prepare for no stroller 
2. Make sure to see the dolphin show. It’s really a neat show and the kids learn a lot. It’s just long enough for the kids to learn and see dolphins but not so long that they can’t sit still for it. 
3. Outside the dolphin show there are great, interactive areas to play. This is perfect for getting all the wiggles out before sitting to watch the dolphins. There are things to climb, play with, a mini puppet theater to try and more.
4. Get the app! I am never good about taking advantage of all of the awesome apps out there. By chance, I noticed the National Aquarium had an app while we were in line to enter the aquarium. I’m so glad I did because it alerted you to special animal feedings, talks, shows etc throughout the day. It was really helpful and I feel like it truly helped us maximize our time there.
5. Don’t miss the Touch Tanks. The touch tanks were a highlight of the day. The staff was patient and took time to answer our kids’ 100 questions about each and every creature in the tank. Leave plenty of time for this fun are of the aquarium. 
6. Try a tour or special experience! We didn’t try any of these but I definitely want to on a return trip. We are most interested in trying the Animal Care Experience since Maggie really wants to be a vet. There are so many cool things offered such the Insiders Tour, Behind the Scenes, the Icky, Creepy Slimy, Cool Tour and even a Behind the Scenes Shark Tour for the daring guests! 
7. Explore the area around the aquarium! We have really enjoyed both of our weekend trips to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. There are so many great things for family to do and see. Visit this post and this post for more details on the area.

Disclosure: We were not compensated for this post. We did receive passes to the museum for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own.