On our recent trip to New England we were fortunate enough to stop at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic Connecticut. The aquarium is right of Route 95 and very easy to find. I was really impressed with this aquarium, it was lovely. The aquarium was very well kept and clean. We spent about 2-3 hours but we could have spent longer. Mystic Aquarium was great experience for my 10 year old and my 6 year old for a day. I know younger kids would enjoy it as well. It is a great way to break up a long drive to New England.
Once arrived and walked though the outside areas 1st starting with the beluga white whale. They we beautiful the kid really enjoyed seeing a whale you never see in an aquarium. Then on to the sea loin and seals exhibits sleep large animals in the heat. Each outside exhibit had a aquarium guide to answer any questions you had regarding the animals. My son loved this because he could ask all sort of neat fact.
The penguins was a lot of fun. The aquarium had an outside viewing area, and an observation area in side so you could see the birds swim.. They even had a baby penguin that did not realize that if he went in the water he would cool off which we learned from the guide.
We then made our way inside the aquarium. Mystic aquarium is the most interactive Aquarium I have ever been in with 4-5 different hands on experiences. Mystic aquarium has a shark tank you can touch the sharks. My son stood there forever he never wanted to leave. He question guide on everything.
Mystic also has a jelly fish viewing area. Which were my favorite it was like watching moving living art in a tank. The colors were amazing; I could not stop taking pictures. You can also read about how technology allowed these wiggly jellies not be seen outside the ocean. In My opinion the jellies alone are worth the trip.
They also had another touch area of New England sea life “Discovery Cove” the aquarium guide was so kind to my children as she answered all their questions. Why we over looked the 3 blue lobsters. We learned the blue takes the same as the normal lobsters. The even had steps so even the little ones could touch.
On our way out of the aquarium we spent some time with the sting rays. As my son was with the sharks he was touch them. My daughter learned to feel the rays skin. Pulling them away from this tank was no easy feat.
One thing that I thought was fun was how the aquarium told the kids in simple terms about the animals. They would have a sign that said the animal’s name, Habitat, coloration, defense. There were signs on everything. Including the washing station.. Species: Paper Towel habitat: live together on a roll Coloration brown or white Defense: curling up in a ball… So cute
We really loved Mystic Aquarium. I would recommend it for the hands on learning experience.
Disclosure: My husband and I received tickets to explore the aquarium. The opinions in this post are all my own.