By Melissa S. Treacy
Those of all ages can enjoy the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. Educational stations, hands-on learning and interactive shows help bring visitors the lessons from under the sea.
A visit 'under the sea'
Sea creatures galore at Adventure Aquarium
In our family, my 15-month-old daughter often gets toted around wherever the rest of the family chooses to go. She is not yet old enough to voice her vote, and she is generally happy with any place we choose to try out for family fun. She is often just along for the ride. I guess that is the disadvantage to being both the youngest and most easy-going child.
A trip last week to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J., took our family out of that norm. My daughter loved it. She hasn’t stopped saying “fishy” since we left.
It just goes to show you that those of any age can really get a lot out of a trip “under the sea.”
Adventure Aquarium hosts a number of specialized exhibits, generally sorted by habitats. And, it isn’t all about the fish.
For example, the family can enjoy the “West African River Experience,” which includes two hippos and the birds found in their habitat.
Outside, kids can check out the Penguin Island and see waddling feathered friends. Employees of the aquarium present special facts during designated feeding times, as penguins gobble down slimy fish, which kids love to watch.
There are a lot of creatures at Adventure Aquarium that aren’t found under water, including sea lions and a parrot. But, of course, the true highlight for visitors is the large variety of aquatic spectacles found here.
From jellyfish to goldfish, the aquarium boasts a large, four-section display, divided with letters (A through D). The division gives families a great way to plan their time at the aquarium. You may choose to go in any order you’d like, and you may want to gauge the crowds to do so.
The aquarium also lists its busy periods on its Web site, including many days of the week, holidays and even times of day that the location experiences a lot of traffic. An extra influx of people can mean that you won’t have the time you may hope for in front of each tank.
Try to visit in the downtimes to have a more leisurely stroll through the aquarium. School field trips, large group tours and packs of people can make the hallways of the exhibits far too crowded to enjoy.
My advice is to follow the site’s guidelines and head in when the aquarium is less busy, or call for a good time of day.
No matter when you go, though, there are two main attractions you want to be sure not to miss. “Touch exhibits” and the Shark Realm stand out above the rest.
In the touch exhibits, like the Interactive Inlet, visitors can get up close and personal with the residents of Adventure Aquarium.
The aquarium allows designated areas for guests to touch many of the fish, including jellyfish, starfish, sharks and horseshoe crabs.
Some children may not be inclined to dip their fingers into the tank, but there is no danger. For example, the jellyfish do not have stingers. Animals are to be touched with only two fingers, and not in the face or tails, to prevent startling. By following a few simple rules, guests can enjoy the real “feel” of Adventure Aquarium.
The second highlight on our list was the shark tunnel. A tube, enclosed in clear glass, allows guests of the aquarium to truly become a part of the shark tank without getting wet. You will see the sharks drift over your head, slink by the sides and swim around one another, as you watch in the center of their world. It is an amazing perspective from which to see the creatures, and one you won’t soon forget.
I would highly recommend a visit to the aquarium for all ages. Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly exhibits make it easy to get around, no matter the guest.
The exhibits are freely open, allowing you to set your own pace for your visit. Even the smallest members of your family will like to see the beautiful colors, lights and sights of Adventure Aquarium.
Tickets for Adventure Aquarium are $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for those under 2. The aquarium is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. There is a snack bar available for meals. Parking is $10.
For more information, visit www.adventureaquarium.com or call 856-365-3300.
