1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

From the moment you step into line, the New England Aquarium will draw you into an aquatic world full of fun for the whole family. As one of Boston's premier attractions, the Aquarium pulls in more than 1.3 million visitors each year. The halls of exhibits range from an introductory display full of facts, figures and tanks full of floating jellyfish to the four story tall Giant Ocean Tank featuring a diverse coral reef exhibit. The aquarium not just interested putting on a good show, however. The New England Aquarium is at least as notable for the research it sponsors, and its contributions to educational outreach and conservation efforts as it is for its exhibits.

Waiting in line doesn't get much better at the New England Aquarium than around training time. Visitors can meet and greet two families of harbor seals out front before they even purchase their tickets. With a major focus on education, trainings for the seals are done daily, right where the public can see them. The seals, social and curious by nature, thrive on the attention and never fail to delight visitors. The aquarium staff also does daily trainings with resident fur seals behind the aquarium, however, visitors will need tickets to see these fluffy marine mammals. Before you sneak out the back, don't forget there is much more to see inside.

The plentiful invertebrates from the world's oceans take center stage in the first exhibit. The Aquarium contains a plethora of information about jellyfish: what they eat, the environments they prefer and how the global changes in climate are affecting them. The Aquarium also features a variety of the creatures themselves. All shapes and sizes of jellies, floating, drifting, serenely setting the mood as their languid motions carry them through the currents in their tanks. Visitors may want to linger amid the tranquil atmosphere, however, remember there is more to see.

Tranquil may not be the first thought on your mind when you meet the penguins. A large tank on the ground floor is home to three different species of the birds. Boy do they like to talk-to visitors-to trainers-to each other! These flightless fiends are constantly hopping, swimming, singing and splashing about. Behind them you'll see the base of the Giant Ocean tank, a 200,000 gallon cylinder of water and ocean life simulating a tropical coral reef. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of Myrtle, the green sea turtle who has earned the limelight at this show. If she doesn't catch your eye at first glance, don't worry.
She may be swimming closer to the top of her four story home.

When you've pulled your attention away from the center piece, you'll notice that more tanks line the walls of this room. As you work your way around the ramps that lead from one floor to the next, you'll find exhibits of denizens ranging from the Amazon Rain forest to the Gulf of Maine. You can even take a peek into the Aquarium Medical Center on the first floor. Whether you take the tour fast or slow, you won't want to miss a thing. There is always something new around the next bend.

Inside and out, the aquarium never runs out of things to offer. If you are eager for something a bit different the aquarium offers boat tours of the harbor providing a Whale Watch experience you won't want to miss. On the other hand, if you're feeling sedentary the IMAX Theater is sure to be offering something fun for the whole family. The New England Aquarium is a must see on your trip to Boston, whether you are in town for just the weekend or a native looking for a neat way to spend some time.

Learn more about this author, Joy Mosenfelder.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Aquarium reviews: The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!