National aquarium in Baltimore

[sharbear]

Has anyone been here? Any pointers? Any coupons available locally?

TIA

 

[EagleScout]

We have friends who rave about it, but be careful if you visit during a peak vacation time - we went during July 4th weekend a few years ago, and it was "packed" - like literally the pedestrian equivalent of "bumper to bumper" - we could never get closer than 4 deep to look at any of the exhibits, and even going from exhibit to exhibit was essentially a "shuffle".

 

[daisyduck123]

Just took 125 first graders there last month for a field trip.

We were there on a weekday in January. The place was practically empty - we almost had it to ourselves.

In case you have little ones....just be warned that strollers are not allowed. They have stroller parking if you try to bring one in. If you have any babies with you, you will need to carry them.

They do have counter-service food but get there early. Our group of 125 students (and chaperones) could not all find seats for lunch.

 

[sharbear]

Thanks, unfortunately we are going to visit our D the last week of March. I thought maybe we could try and visit on Easter Sunday, maybe it would be less crowded :/

No young children, just adults who like aquariums.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thanks, unfortunately we are going to visit our D the last week of March. I thought maybe we could try and visit on Easter Sunday, maybe it would be less crowded :/

No young children, just adults who like aquariums.

It will be crowded that day. I live less than an hour's drive away, but will no longer go. The crowds when I have gone are so terrible that it's hard to see anything. If you do decide to go, get there at opening time. It will be the least crowded time of day.

 

[DisHmsklMom]

From their site:
From September 7, 2012, through March 22, 2013, admission to the National Aquarium, Baltimore, is just $12 on Fridays after 5 p.m. Last entry time is 8 p.m., and you can tour the exhibits until 9:30 p.m. Blackout dates apply. Add on a 4D Immersion Film for just $5.

I don't know if this fits your schedule, but it really was the best time to visit, often we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

From their site:
From September 7, 2012, through March 22, 2013, admission to the National Aquarium, Baltimore, is just $12 on Fridays after 5 p.m. Last entry time is 8 p.m., and you can tour the exhibits until 9:30 p.m. Blackout dates apply. Add on a 4D Immersion Film for just $5.

I don't know if this fits your schedule, but it really was the best time to visit, often we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

OP is going on Easter Sunday.

 

[writersblock42]

My sister used to work there and we have been a bunch of times. The dolphin show used to be really great but I think that they stopped doing those. They care a lot about the animals and I think it caused the animals stress. They do a lot of breeding and rehabilitation of animals.
The best time to go is any day that children are in school and first thing in the morning. Be in line before it opens. Fridays after 5 are only $5. Other than that you might want to try groupon or living social.

 

[writersblock42]

One other tip is to not tour it in order. If everyone else seems to be going in order, run to the rainforest first as they have lots of small tanks and then tour the large tank areas last when the crowds start developing.

 

[Omalley]

Look for coupons in the Wash. D.C. Entertainment Book. We used them 2 years ago, but not sure if there are blackout dates.

 

[mcuoghi]

We went on a Saturday night in July. It was empty and wonderful! We got there in time to see the last dolphin show and then we hit the rest of the aquarium as everyone else left.

 

[daisyduck123]

The dolphin show used to be really great but I think that they stopped doing those.

We saw the dolphin show last month.

 

[Swimalie]

We saw the dolphin show last month.

Yes, a friend of mine went yesterday on a field trip and they had the dolphin show then, too.