Adventure Aquarium Review!

Like most children, mine love animals and there is nothing more exciting to a child than seeing something exotic and different.  The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ recently invited us to have our own adventure and we were all thrilled!  Open 365 days a year, The Adventure Aquarium features 2 million gallons of water with 8,500 animals.  As the 5th largest aquarium in the US, Adventure Aquarium is the only aquarium in the world with a hippo exhibit and the only in the US with Hammerhead Sharks!

 One of the first exhibits we got to experience was The Stingray Beach Club, which was something we've been really excited to see.  My husband and I got to walk with stingrays many years ago on a trip to the Grand Cayman, but I know my children would love it.  Unfortunately, it was rest time for the stingrays when we got there and we forgot to go back on our way out.  Many of the "touch" visits close down for 15 minutes to give the sea life a break.  There are 4 species of stingrays that you can touch and feed.

Right outside in Penguin Island is the African Black-Footed Penguins.  Luckily, it was a beautiful day and we got there just at feeding time!  

Next, we visited KidZone   KidZone is the aquarium's newest exhibit and encourages hands on learning for the youngest adventurers.  The kids had a lot of fun here and did not want to leave the area, except it was very crowded and a small space, so it was very hard to keep track of them, even with 3 adults.  

*******

Mighty Mike is considered the largest alligator in the country and he is currently visiting the Aquarium through September 2nd.  While he was really cool to see, as he is over 14 feet long, this area was very crowded as well, with a long line waiting to see him. 

One of our favorite exhibits was the Shark Realm!  Swimming all around you in the 40 foot Shark Tunnel is over 20 sharks and over 850 animals.

While we had a really great time at the Adventure Aquarium, it was very crowded.  There were numerous school groups attending at the same time.  If we plan another visit, it will definitely be at a time when school groups would not be there.

Hippos relaxing - the only Hippo exhibit in the US

 There are many activities throughout the day from watching divers in the tanks to animal feedings.  We stayed from about 10am until 2:30pm.  The only exhibit we did not get to see was the 4-D Experience.  I found the Aquarium to be very friendly for families.  There was plenty of space for stroller, even in the crowded areas and in addition to restrooms, there was a Fisher-Price Mother's Nursing Room.  We packed a small lunch bag and ate a picnic lunch.  There is a large cafeteria serving an array of fast food items and there is plenty of seating inside and out to eat your lunch.  After you finish the last part of your adventure in the Shark Realm, you are let off in the Aquarium's large gift shop.  There is a large parking lot across from the aquarium and it is $10 to park your car for the day.

The Aquarium is located on the Camden Waterfront.  When you are done with your Aquarium Adventure, your day does not have to end.  You can walk along the waterfront, which overlooks Philadelphia and visit places like the Camden Children's Garden or the Battleship NJ.

Although we had a great day out at the Adventure Aquarium, I personally found that it could be a very expensive day out.  Admission is $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children from ages 2-12.  There are quite a few special offers that you can take advantage of.    Because we live only about 45 minutes away, I have quite a few friends who find it much more economical for them to have a an annual pass.

Connect with Adventure Aquarium:

On Facebook       On Twitter      On the Web

Have fun on your adventure!!