If you’ve been a regular reader here, it should come as no surprise that if we’re traveling, we’re going to find a local aquarium or zoo to visit. I’ve lost count at how many we’ve visited, but it’s one of our favorite things to do. 
And our recent visit to Boston was no exception.
Although I had a relatively ambitious list of things to do and see in Boston, there were a few non-negotiable items.
The New England Aquarium being one of them.
Interestingly enough, Madeline and I had just seen the movie, Miracles from Heaven, which had scenes shot at this aquarium, so that was a fun reference, but if you’re looking for the tank with the fish swimming over your head from the movie … you’re not going to find it here. Apparently that was some swift editing and creative license on the part of Hollywood.
We planned to meet Sarah and her kids at the aquarium as we rounded the corner and approached the front entrance, we noticed two fire trucks and all the patrons outside.
Alrighty then.
Luckily whatever was going on (likely a false alarm) was resolved quickly because by the time we came back some fifteen minutes later, everything was back to normal.
There is a parking garage right in front of the aquarium, which is incredibly convenient and not outrageously overpriced. I think it was around $20 for our visit. Sarah ended up being late, so we started without her, did the whole aquarium, and then did it again once she got there. So we got our money’s worth, both on the admission prices and the garage fee.
As for admission, you can bet I flashed my Student ID to get discounted admission, and if you have AAA that will save you a few bucks off as well. Once we got our tickets, we headed inside. There is a gift shop and an area where staff members are taking your picture (which we skipped), and then we were off to explore on our own. 
The inside is in a circular pattern, so as you’re following the winding pathway, you’re circling a giant round tank in the middle. Once you get to the end, you can see the top of the huge tank (and it’s open), and that’s where there is a demo with some staff divers, and they tell you a bit about the giant turtles.
Like, the picture doesn’t do it justice. Myrtle the Turtle is huge, and old, and awesome.
There is also an outdoor (covered) area where we sat and watched sea lions for awhile. I could totally watch them forever. 
And speaking of watching them forever … the penguin exhibit, which you can see in a few different spots, was equally mesmerizing. Just seeing them interact with each other and the water sprayer … too much fun.
My favorite things to take pictures of in any aquarium we visit is always the jellyfish. Love them … behind glass!
And the seahorses! So adorable.
Nick was very hesitant to touch the starfish. Weirdo. We guilted him into doing it, after his sister and I did, and a three year old behind us.
Of course, the obligatory stop at the gift shop on the way out, and a pressed penny to add to our collection.
If you’re in the Boston area, or want a fun day trip, it’s a nice aquarium to check out. Although it’s fairly compact in its layout (so plan accordingly in terms of crowds), there were a number of things we haven’t seen elsewhere and we loved our visit there.
Also, don’t forget the duck tour!
Hungry for more aquarium visits?
We loved the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies during our Spring Break trip to Tennessee.
I don’t think you could have a more beautiful setting than the Atlantis Aquarium in the Bahamas.
We might have to revisit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden just so I can get some better pictures.
The Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut was the first time we touched starfish.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a favorite visit when we go down the shore (and be sure to get pizza at Joey Tomato’s a few doors down!).
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