The New England Aquarium, located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston, has welcomed visitors and worked on marine conservation and research since 1860. Over a million people visit the aquarium every year, and it is a must see if you head to the Boston area. Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of a visit to the aquarium.
Tickets
If you buy tickets, make sure to get them online before you head into the city. You can buy them right on the aquarium’s website without any extra fees, and you can also get your IMAX tickets online and in advance to make sure you get into the show that you want to see. To save money on your trip, the Boston Public Library branches offer a limited number of passes to several of Boston’s attractions and museums. You can get these on a first-come, first-serve basis; find out if any are available by visiting the Boston Public Library’s website.
Getting There
If possible, take the T into Boston. If you don’t have to drive in, it is much easier to get around by walking and take the subway. The Blue line will take you right to the Aquarium Station. If you have to drive in, the Boston Harbor Garage is nearby, but it will cost you $26 to park. If you don’t mind a short walk, the Parcel 7 garage is only a few blocks away, and it will only cost you about $3 for three hours.
Inside the Aquarium
When you get inside the aquarium, the huge spiral walkway encourages you to start at the bottom and make your way up, but it is better to take the elevator up to the top and make your way down. Starting at the top means you run into fewer crowds, and you know you’ll get to see the top of the tank. Make your way down to the shark and ray touch tank, and you can also spend some time watching the penguins.
Check the Event Schedule
Make sure to check the daily event schedule. This will let you know when the staff will feed the penguins, train the seals, and dive into the Giant Ocean Tank. All of these events are worth seeing, and if you plan it right, you can get to all of them. Keep in mind that the middle of the day is the busiest time at the aquarium. If you can avoid this, you’ll get a better view of the events and avoid the majority of the crowds.
Check Out the IMAX Theater
The IMAX theater is a must during a trip to the aquarium. The newest film, Turtle Odyssey, follows the journey of a young green sea turtle. You can see it go from a hatchling to gliding in the ocean currents and through thousands of miles of open ocean.
Get the most out of your trip to the New England Aquarium with these tips and tricks. You can spend the day learning and having fun in one of the countries best cities.
Image via jorge.cancela | Licensed under CC BY 2.0
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