New England Aquarium: Watery fun for everyone!
Want to enjoy the scene as penguins play and sea lions saunter? Then you “otter” take time to visit the New England Aquarium in Boston, the Massachusetts capital’s perpetually popular family attractions.
When the Aquarium opened its doors on June 20, 1969, more than 12,000 visitors came through the very first day. Even on a visit in the middle of March 2001--typically Boston and the Aquarium's "off-season"--the line to buy admission tickets was daunting. Just FYI – if you are moved to support the Aquarium as a paying member, you can skip the line outside and head straight in the front door to the membership desk.
Once inside, you'll be submerged, figuratively speaking, in a watery world. Wave your flippers at cavorting sea lions, enjoy the antics of otters, and press your nose right up against the glass of the poisonous fish tank – if you dare! At the center of the Aquarium lies a four-story, 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank, a Coral Reef full of curious sea critters ranging from sea turtles and tropical fish to sharks, stingrays and moray eels.
Good news about hours: the New England Aquarium is open every day, all year, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are posted on the Aquarium Web site and are extended during the summer season. Note that ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing. Adult general admission is now a hefty $26.95, but discounts for IMAX admission take the joint price down to $20.95. Kids 3 to 11 are $12.95, and free for children under 3. In season, higher priced combination tickets that include a whale watch may also be purchased.
Consider saving time and money getting there by using public transportation, as this is Boston, and auto traffic is always a challenge. The Aquarium is within walking distance of Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, so if you're walking The Freedom Trail, it's an easy detour.
- by Jim Brown , Boston Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
