National Aquarium
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Since 1981, the National Aquarium has given the people of and visitors to Baltimore, Maryland access to some of the world’s most exotic aquatic animals. After its opening, the aquarium quickly became known as a world-class attraction. Today, the National Aquarium is regarded as one of America’s top three aquariums and is the largest paid tourist attraction in Maryland.
How to Get There
Since the National Aquarium is located in Baltimore and close to Washington, D.C., it’s near plenty of transportation options. Nearby airports include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Dulles International Airport. If you want to catch a train, you can ride one of the local MARC trains, the Charm City Circulator, Light Rail, the Metro Subway, or Amtrak. If you want to hop on a bus, the MTA runs Baltimore’s CityLink busses. You could also take a Baltimore Water Taxi to and from the National Aquarium.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to National Aquarium
Visit National Aquarium
One of the National Aquarium’s top exhibits is Blacktip Reef, which features the animals commonly found around an Indo-Pacific reef. Nearly 70 different aquatic species from this region frolic around a replica reef constructed with molds taken from genuine coral skeletons. Blacktip reef sharks, Emperor Angelfish, and much more are featured here.
Another fan favorite at the National Aquarium is Dolphin Discovery, which is a dolphin-friendly exhibit that shows off the aquarium’s six dolphins. You can view these playful, intelligent animals in the underwater viewing area, the amphitheater, and via a training session or tour.
Be sure to stop by the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, which presents the wonders of an Australian river gorge to visitors. Roughly a thousand of Australia’s fascinating turtles, snakes, crocodiles, fish, and more are on display in this immersive exhibit.
Ticket Information
Children 4 years old and under get into the National Aquarium for free. Youth between the ages of 5 and 20 as well as seniors who are 70 and older can get in for $39.95. Tickets for adults between the ages of 21 and 69 cost $49.95.
Family-Friendly Options
The Family Sunrise Tour is one great all-ages option offered on Friday and Saturday mornings. Children of all ages can help personnel feed the animals breakfast, visit the animal touch pools in a less crowded environment, and more. This tour costs $55 to $65 per person.
The National Aquarium shows multiple family-friendly 4D movies. For $5 per person, people of all ages can experience films like "Being Dolphin," "Octopus: Blue Planet II," and "Shark: A 4D Experience."
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
You can take the Family Sunrise Tour at 8:15 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays or the Early Access Tour at 8:30 a.m. daily if you want to enter the Aquarium before it opens. Dolphin Tours take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. Dolphin Training Sessions take place at 2:30 p.m. daily. Shark Behind-the-Scenes Tours take place at 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. The various 4D films are scheduled regularly throughout the day and last 15 minutes. You can explore the rest of the aquarium when you’re not taking a tour or watching a film.
To commemorate your visit, the National Aquarium partners with Magic Memories to provide photos. All you have to do to retrieve your pictures is to visit Magic Memories and enter your PhotoCard number.
National Aquarium Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Located just outside of Baltimore along a 32-mile stretch of the Patapsco River, this state park is not just one of Maryland’s favorites, but it’s also very convenient to downtown Baltimore. The park is just off I-70 and I-695, a suburban intersection filled with shopping and dining options. It takes just 20 minutes to get to the Baltimore Inner Harbor, so a trip into the city is quick and easy.
When you’re looking for an RV Park in Annapolis that provides a natural setting near attractions in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., look no further than Hollofield Campground. Situated on the beautiful Patapsco River, this campground will help you bond with nature as well as with your family and friends. During your stay, you’ll enjoy plenty of trails for hiking and great opportunities for fishing and swimming.
The Hollofield area of Patapsco Valley State Park is a perfect retreat for those who want to escape the city. Set inside the jurisdiction of Baltimore, the park is an area of peace and tranquility huddled in one of the busiest cities in America. The skyscrapers that mark the Baltimore skyline are not even visible here.
Activities Near National Aquarium
Things to Do
Boating
Since the National Aquarium is on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, you can easily go boating on the harbor and along the Patapsco River.
Fishing
Two fishing charters you can hire to take you on a fishing adventure in Baltimore are Elite Chesapeake Charters and Baltimore Fishing Adventures.
Swimming
You can go swimming in the Patterson Park Swimming Pool and the Druid Hill Park Swimming Pool, which are both within 15 minutes of the aquarium.
Nature watching
You can do some nature watching at the Patterson Park Audubon Center, which is home to the Baltimore Oriole, the Great Blue Heron, and more.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Since most of the National Aquarium’s attractions are indoors, weather doesn’t generally impact visitors’ ability to enjoy the facility. In fact, many people enjoy heading indoors to the aquarium on a hot or rainy day.
If you’re participating in a behind-the-scenes tour, you need to wear close-toed, non-slip shoes. Even if you're just entering on your own, you'll likely be walking around the aquarium for several hours, so you should wear comfortable clothing.
Safety & Accessibility
For the safety and comfort of all guests, children younger than 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when participating in programs. Also, note that all packages and bags may be inspected before being allowed inside the aquarium.
The National Aquarium is completely wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs can be rented, and accessible seating at multiple exhibits can be secured. Printed scripts and closed captioning are available for some presentations and features. The vision-impaired can take advantage of an audio wireless tour and a Braille tour.
Conclusion
The National Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals representing over 750 species. Sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, and much more are on display in immersive habitats at one of America’s highest-rated aquariums.
FAQ
You can camp overnight at the National Aquarium on Fridays and Saturdays. One nice place to camp is the Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday, which is half an hour south.
There are no RV parking areas at the National Aquarium, so you'll have to make alternative arrangements.
Ticket admissions are timed, so be sure to be at the aquarium’s entrance on time.
Yes! The interactive exhibits at the National Aquarium are all family-friendly. A couple of tours are for children of all ages, however, note that some tours have an age minimum of 8 years.
The only domestic animals allowed in the National Aquarium are service animals. Some nearby hotels are pet-friendly, however.