Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT 06355-1997
Phone:860-572-5955
What could be more fun than taking the kids to an aquarium? But this is no ordinary aquarium! Mystic is the only aquarium in the northeast to house Beluga Whales and one of only five aquariums in the world to have a male Stellar Sea Lion. The center is a wonder of aquatic life and oceanic discovery that will entertain and educate the entire family.
There is both a large outdoor and indoor component to the aquarium. Outdoor exhibits include the beluga whales, stellar sea lions, African penguins, and the center's animal rehabilitation center for rescued marine life. One of my favorite spots along the outdoor trail in the wetland pond where you can spend time trying to see how many tadpoles, frogs, and turtles you can find hidden among the thousands of lilly pads. Indoor exhibits include sharks, California sea lions, frogs, tropical fish, and other sea creatures. Kids will love the touch tank filled with crabs, lobster, sea stars, and more.
For those of us that are willing, for a small fee you can purchase a cup of fish to feed cow nose stingrays. The experience is worth the price. The stingray will eat the fish right out of your hand. You will get wet (and a little slimy). A great hands on experience for children and adults alike.
For the even more adventurous the aquarium offers encounters with the beluga whales and African penguins. Each is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to these wonderful creatures. Please check the aquarium's website for specific height and age restrictions. The prices are steep for such encounters, but if you have a budding marine biologist in your group one of these programs may be just for you!
Along with the animals there is the Center for Exploration, an exhibit funded by (and mostly about) Dr. Robert Ballard. Dr. Ballard is person who is famous for discovering the remains of the Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland. The exhibit features several videos highlighting some of his crew's discoveries, along with some artifacts. There is also an XD theatre (for an extra fee) where you can watch a 3D movie.
Meals, drinks, and snacks can be purchased at the penguin cafe which offers indoor and outdoor seating for guests. The food is the usual burgers and pizza fair at reasonable prices. Next door is the museum gift shop full of stuff animals, shirts, books, and other goodies the kids will want to bring home. Many items are priced $20 range and less making souvenir shopping possible without breaking the bank!
My family has visited the aquarium on every visit we have made to Mystic. Most of my visits have been in the fall and winter, when the crowds are few and the weather is chilly. My most recent visit was during 4Th of July weekend when the crowds were large and weather was very warm. Make sure to dress for the weather, you will be spending at least half of your visit in the elements!
have Fun!
