The Maritime Aquarium 4.6 (reviews)

It's all about the amazing creatures of the ocean at The Maritime Aquarium! In fact, you don't even have to get wet to explore the species that call our waters home.

The Maritime Aquarium is found in Norwalk, and gives families of ALL ages the chance to not only have a great family day out, but also learn about the vital natural resource that is just off the shore - Long Island Sound.

The aquarium itself is set in a refurbished 1860s factory that stands at the mouth of the Norwalk River. The great thing about a day out at this aquarium, is that you can just explore it at your own pace. There are 34 exhibits to explore, that feature more than 1,200 marine animals and 259 species. 

Here's a bit of information for you, kids! The Long Island Sound journey actually begins along a freshwater river and the shallow waters of the salt marsh, then it moves into deeper and deeper habitats out to the open ocean. Pretty amazing!

The aquarium allows you to learn all about this part of the nature and animals that live there . Your experience is enhanced by friendly volunteer interpreters and informative display panels that educate families about the aquatic life of Long Island Sound and its watershed.

The sharks, seals, river otters, sea turtles and other animals with The Maritime Aquarium are carefully tended in re-created natural settings, so you can observe how they would live in their own environment. It also allows these intimate encounters to be the heart of the learning experience and provide visitors – children especially – with a basis for understanding their role in the web of life.

The Maritime Aquarium also has the LARGEST IMAX Theater in Connecticut, with a movie screen that's six stories high. Amazing!

So no excuses why The Maritime Aquarium isn't on your list for your next family day out. There's a whole world out there under our oceans - and the exploration starts in Connecticut!