The National Aquarium is less than one hour from Washington, DC and is very accessible as a day trip if a vacation to the nation’s capital is the destination for your vacation plans. Newly renovated, the aquarium holds 17,000 animals. The dolphins, sharks, and a rescued 500-pound green sea turtle named Calypso make up just a few of the favorites who reside there.
Tickets and Activities
- For reduced ticket fares and short entrance lines, make an easy stop at nearby Fort Meade’s MWR. Adult tickets are $31.00 and $21.00 for children. MWR is not open on Saturday or Sunday.
- Avoid the long lines and buy tickets from The National Aquarium's website to be picked up at will call.
- Fridays After Five is the reduced price program for evening hours between 5 - 9:30 p.m.
- 4-D Immersion films are free for active duty military.
- Arrive at day’s opening to see the aquarium with the least amount of visitors.
- Strollers are not permitted. They may be stored, and back/front pack kid carriers are available.
- Head to the dolphin presentation at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The morning viewing is less crowded and full of information and dolphin play. The afternoon talk features the trainers feeding and interacting with the eight bottlenose dolphins.
- There isn’t an official dolphin show anymore, but educational talks are offered periodically throughout the day in the pool area.
- The Inner Harbor area is adjacent to the aquarium and provides food, shopping, and other activities and tours.
- Make a weekend trip and hit a baseball game at historic Camden Yards, which is an easy walk from the aquarium.
- Get a hand stamp for reentry and dine on kid-friendly fare at the new Chick-fil-A and Shake Shack.
- Only steps away, the Hard Rock Café offers a kid-friendly menu and with a purchase of $25.00 or more, a free souvenir.
- Recharge with a coffee break next door at Barnes & Noble.
Transportation and Lodging
Public Transit Options
- Metro Subway: Shot Tower/Market Place Metro Subway Station
- Light Rail: Convention Center and Camden Yards Light Rail Stops
- MARC Train: Camden Yards and Penn Station MARC Train Stops
- Amtrak Rail: Penn Station: 1500 N. Charles Street is just over a mile from the aquarium. Taxi and Charm City Circulator service is available.
- Charm City Circulator: Free with a convenient aquarium stop on the Orange Line.
Parking
- Parking is expensive and difficult to find, other than parking garages. Use hotel stays to park and walk.
- Reduced fees by $4.00 or $5.00 at Lockwood Place Garage (124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202) with a validated ticket from the aquarium’s information desk.
Hotels
- There are many national hotel chains within walking distance of the aquarium including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Four Seasons.
- View each hotel’s website for aquarium-specific deals, for example: Reserve the National Aquarium package at the Hotel Monaco and receive two tickets to the Aquarium (additional discounted tickets are also available), a deluxe guest room for two adults (and children stay FREE), continental breakfast for up to four guests and a 10 percent discount on lunch or dinner at the B&O American Brasserie restaurant.
Make the most of your family’s spring break and summer travel by using military discounts where they apply!
photo credit: IMG_6614 via photopin (license)
