Top 5 Aquariums in the U.S. that are a must to visit in-person and virtually!
Aquariums in the U.S. are great places to watch science in action. Take your pod for a visit to these aquatic wonderlands that have a variety of local to exotic fish and marine life that you can explore. These aquariums in the U.S. have hands on experiences so you can get up close and personal with the animals, their ecosystems, the trainers, and the marine biologists who care for marine life.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, CA
This is a beautiful Northern California aquarium with so many things explore inside and out. If a visit in person is not in your cards, their site is filled with learning-at-home science, marine life courses, crafts, and activities. The aquarium is located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey Bay, so if you are lucky to visit in person, be sure to leave time to explore outside of the aquarium and enjoy the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Backpack Bytes Virtual Favorites
Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium Virtual Experiences, Meditations, and Webcams. They also have a free online learning program for teens interested in learning about our Earth and ways to make a difference is #TeensCan Make a Difference (Grades 6-12).
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, IL
Belugas, jellies, and penguins, oh my! We love the Shedd aquarium and all of the areas to explore small and large marine wildlife. Make sure to watch the dolphin show in the Oceanarium while you take in the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. The sharks and rays are also a favorite area we love to explore.
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While the aquarium is closed, check out Stay Home with Shedd and learn about penguins, turtles, and sharks. Enjoy the Shedd Aquarium online activities, Online learning classes for Grades K-12, and virtual field trips (for a fee).
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA
The Aquarium of the Pacific has three major permanent galleries. The warm Southern California/Baja Gallery, the Amber Forest, and the Gulf of California which features fish like the Cortez rainbow wrasse.
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Aquarium of the Pacific virtual events like Ask a Scientist, Craft, Draw and learn about ocean animals and visit virtually via webcams.The aquarium also has an extensive program devoted to sustainability. Learn more about sustainability efforts you can take here.
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is home to the largest aquarium in North America, and it is a perfect spot to explore, be entertained, and fall in love with aquatic animals. Two shows to catch are the Dolphin Tales show with catchy tunes and the animated “Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow,” which tells the story about the need for conservation.
We also enjoyed the Ocean Voyager – a clear tunnel that allows you to go under a massive tank and SunTrust Pier 225 – featuring sea lions from California’s class spot, all of which are rescue animals.
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Free to explore: Jelly Webcam and Penguin Cam or buy tickets online to a virtual guided virtual tour.
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle, WA
Exploring animals from the Puget Sound Washington coastal waters with a lot of local flavor. We enjoyed Life on the Edge, featuring the tidepool life of Seattle’s inland sea, Window on Washington Waters, which hosts native marine life such as salmon, rockfish, and sea anemones, and the Crashing Waves exhibit.
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Animal educational videos, webcams, animal fact sheets and webcams, and Virtual Field Trip.
Is anyone in your home interested in exploring a career working in an ocean career? If so, sign up to participate in a free, virtual, three-week series to learn about career paths in the marine sciences at this ocean career event.
Summary
Visiting aquariums in the U.S. has many benefits. Aquariums spark imagination and creativity. They encourage discovery and scientific exploration while building curiosity to learn more about science and nature. Aquariums in the U.S. are perfect for all types of learners: visual, auditory, and tactical. Last but not least, they are great places for families to build memories together. Be sure to also check out our article on the top Space and Science Museums to visit!
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