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The Aquariums in Connecticut That Your Children Will Love

Charlotte Bailey

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day with your kids, the aquariums in Connecticut are an excellent option.

Connecticut is home to two world-class aquariums that work to inspire people to protect the oceans through conservation, education, and research.

Besides, there’s no better place to take the little ones to learn and have lots of fun at the same time!

After visiting several aquariums in Connecticut, we have made a list of the best places to visit with children. Check it out!

Connecticut Aquariums You Need to Visit

Here are the two aquariums in Connecticut that you and your kids will love!

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Connecticut that your children will love
Mystic Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Connecticut that your children will love – Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

You will see African penguins, sharks, rays, tropical and freshwater fish, turtles, octopus, and much more at the Mystic Aquarium!

Visiting an aquarium in Connecticut is a great way to spend the day for kids but also for adults–trust us, you won’t resist these cute animals.

You can also see the distinct wild beluga whales in America’s largest outdoor beluga whale exhibit—a whopping 750,000-gallons beluga habitat.

The Mystic Aquarium is proud to be one of the few facilities that care for seals and sea lions. 

There are many conservation programs where you and your family can see real wild animals, but they also have a Jurassic exhibition with 4D theaters and massive animatronic dinosaurs.

Visit their website to find out more information about tickets and educational programs.

Pro tip: Tickets purchased by at least midnight the day before your visit date will always be less expensive than tickets purchased on the date of your visit. The further in advance you are buying, the more likely you are to save.

  • Pricing: Tickets start at $24.99
  • When: Daily; 9 AM-4 PM – but they might change without notice
  • Address: 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355
  • Phone: (860) 572-5955

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is one of the best aquariums in Connecticut that your children will love
Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Like Mystic, the Maritime Aquarium is also an incredible attraction for adults and children alike.

Their exhibitions give not only entertaining but also emotional and educational experiences to people of all ages.

This Connecticut Aquarium mission is to instill a sense of responsibility for conservation, and in our opinion, they are doing a great job at that.

Observe the peaceful sea turtles, take in the jellyfish beauty, and learn about the untouchables—marine animals that will inflict lots of pain to protect themselves.

At their seasonal exhibits, newcomers need to be screened and taught about life in a protected environment.

Some other animals you can see here are harbor seals, otters, sharks, rays, coral reefs, horseshoe crabs, and more.

Visit their website to find out more information about tickets and educational programs.

  • Pricing: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Entrance fee is Adults (age 13-64): $28.95, Children (age 3-12): $19.95, Seniors (age 65+): $24.95.
  • When: Daily; 10 AM-5 PM – but they might change without notice
  • Address: 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
  • Phone: (203) 852-0700

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Which Aquariums is better in CT?

According to NYMetroParents, Mystic Aquarium provides visitors a unique experience in the state, making it the best aquarium in Connecticut.

Why Should You Take Your Children to Aquariums?

Aquariums are beneficial to kids because they can learn about different sea creatures. They can also learn about the environment and how to take care of animals.

In short, they learn from a young age that they should preserve wildlife and value our beautiful planet.

Final Words on Connecticut Aquariums

Connecticut aquariums offer an array of opportunities for schools, students, and families spread across the state to learn about aquatic life! 

Kids especially enjoy visiting aquariums because they are mesmerized by their beauty, so be sure to plan your visit.

Did you enjoy reading about the aquariums in Connecticut? Then share it with your friends!