The Best Aquariums in the U.S.

Aquariums provide fun and educational experiences for adults and children alike, making them a popular choice for family outings.  Luckily, the United States has no shortage of impressive aquariums across the country that promise to entertain and educate visitors with their amazing marine exhibits.

Here are 6 of the best aquariums in the U.S. and what you can expect:

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, California

The Monterey Bay Aquarium was voted the best kid-friendly aquarium in the United States due to its interactive exhibits including touch pools, underwater cameras and a fun Splash Zone for kids.  Monterey Bay Aquarium houses over 500 different species of marine life including stingrays, jellyfish, giant tuna, sharks and sea otters. The aquarium also features a Coral Reef Kingdom attraction and a wide variety of local sea life.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.  Closed on Christmas Day.
Admission: Adults: Approximately $50.00, Children: Approximately $30.00.

John G. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, Illinois
The John G. Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and houses over 30,000 aquatic animals.  Attractions include a stingray touch tank, beluga whale performances, and a Polar Play Zone for children complete with mini submarine rides.

Hours of operation: Open roughly 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, excluding some special hours.
Admission: Adults: Approximately $40.00, Children: Approximately $30.00.

Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta, Georgia

Opened in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world and home to over 100,000 marine animals.  Highlights include the awesome dolphin exhibit and the only display of whale sharks in the United States. The Learning Loop is loaded with educational activities that children and adults alike will appreciate.

Hours of operation: Open roughly 10:00 am – 9:00 pm 365 days a year, excluding some altered hours.
Admission: Approximately $30 for adults and children.

National Aquarium
Baltimore, Maryland

Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the U.S. due to its collection of over 16,000 marine animals including adorable puffins, sloths, sharks and dolphin shows.  The National Aquarium features a 4-D theatre as well as touch tanks for a hands-on experience with the marine life.

Hours of operation: Open roughly Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00; Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Saturday/Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Admission: Adults: Approximately $40, Children: Approximately $25.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
New Orleans, Louisiana

Located along the Mississippi River, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas features a underwater walk-through tunnel surrounded by Caribbean reef life.  Highlights include the Animal Grossology exhibit where visitors are treated to the gross-out aspects of the animal kingdom. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas also features a large display of sea turtles that were rescued from oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hours of operation: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Open Mondays in Spring/Summer and select holidays.

Admission:  Adults: Approximately $30; Children: Approximately $20.00.

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Newport, Oregon

Situated along the scenic Yaquina Bay, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the United States.  This fun and educational aquarium features local marine life and a submerged shipwreck where visitors can observe a variety of species mingling in the water.  The underwater walk-through shark tunnel allows visitors an up-close and personal view of a variety of sharks for an unforgettable experience.

Hours of operation: Winter: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, Summer: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.  Closed on Christmas Day.
Admission: Adults: Approximately $23, Children: Approximately $15.

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