By Jennifer Lawson
An exhibit at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from
Philadelphia, truly lives up to its name. Spread over 200,000 square feet, it has 15 kid-friendly exhibits that feature more than just fish. Among the delights are several hippos, penguins, rain forest creatures and birds from around the world. In addition, numerous touch tanks feature moon jellyfish, sharks and freshwater stingrays. The aquarium also offers, at an additional cost, actual adventures, including swimming with sharks, training seals and caring for penguins.
Wows and Woes
A shark at Adventure Aquarium
Wows: The two-story Irazu Falls, which cascades 400 gallons of water into a freshwater pool, makes you feel like you're in a rain forest.
Woes: The wait to get in was 20 minutes for those who hadn't bought tickets in advance. The 4D Adventure Theater, which shows a brief film, isn't worth the extra $5.
Insider Tips
A Caribbean coral reef
If you get hungry, go across the street to the Victor's Pub rather than spend the money to eat at the aquarium. (Show your tickets to get back inside.)
If you're a member of AAA, buy tickets in advance through the group to get a discount and avoid a long wait in line. If you're not a member, buy tickets online through the aquarium's website.
Get to the aquarium in the morning to avoid crowds.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
A sea turtle
My husband and I took our 5-year-old nephew Liam to Adventure Aquarium. A bunch of older kids were gathered around the shark touch tank, so we went over to check it out. Liam was too small to reach his hand in, so I hoisted him up, allowing him to lean in and touch a shark. He loved it!
Bottom Line
A diver inside a tank
Adventure Aquarium is not as impressive as Baltimore's National Aquarium, but it offers plenty to see and do. Kids will enjoy the experience, especially on a rainy day.
About the Author:
Jennifer Lawson is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer, contributing to newspapers, magazines and the Web. She also volunteers for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and the Pennsylvania SPCA, rescuing unwanted animals and helping to find them homes.
Photo Credits:
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
