Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, Connecticut

Really can't say enough good things about this aquarium. My husband and I have come to visit the Mystic Aquarium before having kids, loved it then and love it every time with come with the kids. It is the perfect size, easy to get to really from anywhere in New England (we come from Upstate NY) and it is just a nice, clean, fun, aquarium. Features we love, the whales . . . come on who doesn't love seeing a big beluga whale right when you walk into the aquarium? Being on the coast even in winter the temperature is fairly moderate and it is fun to be bundled up in the terraced viewing area to watch these amazing animals. The kids love that you can go down a level and look through the glass and see them underwater and then race up the stairs and lean over the rail to see them rise out of the water. We easily spend two hours entranced with the whales each visit. BEST place I've been to see penguins. Again they have a great natural outside enclosure and then you can watch their fun hyjinks from a underwater perspective. Great fun. Two HUGE and fun touch tanks are outside for the kids to touch Stingrays. Really an up and personal space and lots of workers available to help. The rotating exhibits have been a favorite of ours over the years. I have heard the current titanic exhibit is great. The inside main tanks are filled with wonder. It is well laid out and easy for kids to view. They make it exciting with lots of ways for kids to interact. Fun games and play centers for the kids as well. Huge tanks to view from a underwater point of view the seals and sealions. Then you have the super fun seal and sea lion show. Really sweet and intimate, maybe seating for 300, but we have always got a great seat. It is a wonderful show and the kids go crazy, not to long either! The cafe is not bad and not over the top expensive. Great place for a hot cocoa and chowder in the winter months.