National Aquarium

Fantastic experience: This was our first visit on our trip to Baltimore and it was well worth the time and money spent. They are rated one of the top 3 aquariums for a reason. I absolutely enjoyed this aquarium especially being able to touch the moon jellies. They had a variety of sharks and fishes at the aquarium. Though I don't like sharks, I thought it was so cool that as you were walking around you got the chance to see a variety of different sharks. Loved the information provided throughout the different exhibits. The staff were very helpful and kind.

Fantastic experience: I was a little busy in the DC at a conference, but I enjoyed seeing a part of the museum and the hydroponics sustainability project in Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic experience for all ages! The National Aquarium is beautifully designed and incredibly well-maintained. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by stunning marine life—from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks, stingrays, and even a rainforest exhibit with birds and reptiles. The layout is immersive and flows naturally, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Each exhibit is educational, engaging, and visually impressive. Kids especially love the interactive areas and the giant viewing windows. It can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit early or on a weekday if possible. Tickets are a bit pricey, but the quality of the experience makes it worth it. A must-see attraction if you're in Baltimore—fun, educational, and awe-inspiring!

Positive experience: overall we had a great time at the aquarium there was a good variety of different tanks and animals to look at from small fish to turtles frogs and eating large sharks and manta ray. The two large tanks that you see upon first entering in my opinion for some of the most interesting ones with a good variety of fish and decor. The ability of this aquarium is very easy although strollers are typically not allowed. The staff program was super friendly and helpful and we're willing to answer any questions that we had on our journey . My gripe with aquarium for the value, at about $50 per adult , I don't really think it meets the mark. The whole opinion experience is pretty brief in my opinion but that could've also been due to the fact that I was with an impatient two-year-old. I would love to come back in several years when he is more interested in perhaps reading about the facts and learning more about the individual tanks.

Fantastic experience: So much to learn and to see! Great experience for all ages.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful aquarium with a great layout. We particularly enjoyed the Amazon section in addition to the main display visible from multiple floors featuring a sprawling coral reef and several species of sharks and multiple fish. Touch pools were great - I didn't know one could touch a jellyfish! Friendly docents and a good variety of wildlife.

Positive experience: Title: A Stunning Aquarium with a Few Missing Thrills Review: The National Aquarium in Baltimore is an incredible place to explore marine life, with beautifully curated exhibits like the Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion, and the lush Upland Tropical Rain Forest. I especially appreciated the interactive Living Seashore and the peaceful Harbor Wetland. The dolphin training session was informative, though I was hoping for more traditional marine life shows like those at the Coney Island Aquarium. It was very crowded on Saturday—families with kids everywhere—so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, visit on a weekday. Still, it’s a must-see destination in Baltimore.

Fantastic experience: This was a very cool experience. Tickets were easy to purchase at the window and the weekend crowd was moderate.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful experience that was well worth the money. We easily spent 3 hours in the aquarium. It was clean, the animals/fish are well taken care of, and the staff was very friendly.

Fantastic experience: We have taken our children to dozens of aquariums all over the country. We were blown away by this one. Everything about it was great, except their store, the store has very low quality items at crazy high prices. I don’t mind paying more when it’s for a good cause but when the tshirts are low quality and the hoodies are garbage you’re not getting our money. The animals tho, fantastic.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I recently visited the Baltimore National Aquarium . It was a Monday in June and there was no wait to purchase tickets nor for entry. As a wheelchair user, we secured (and highly recommend) parking at the Harbor Place Garage. Public parking is on floors 4 and above. There is an accessible elevator. The aquarium staff was very attentive to everyone, ensuring that everyone had a smooth and memorable visit. The entire building, including the Jellyfish Invasion, as well as lower and upper levels of the dolphin pools are accessible via elevator. We very much enjoyed our day! We would like to sincerly thank ALL of the staff for the of the hard work that each one of them contributes on a daily basis. From the custodial and hospitality staff, to the administrative staff and theb finally those who directly work with and treat these amazing creatures!

Positive experience: We had a great time visiting the Baltimore Aquarium! The displays were absolutely stunning—thoughtfully designed, immersive, and full of vibrant marine life. The entire space was clean, modern, and well-maintained, which really added to the experience. Even though it was busy, the layout didn’t feel overly cramped, which made it easy to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed or crowded. One thing to note: strollers aren’t allowed inside the main exhibit areas, but there is a free and easy stroller check-in. They also offer small lockers for $8 if you need to store other items. Parking is available nearby, but it’s important to know that validation doesn’t fully cover the cost—it’s just a discount. You’ll need to have your ticket validated and then show it to a garage attendant when you leave to receive the reduced rate. The only real downside was the map and signage—it was a little confusing to figure out how to get to the main exhibit path, and we found ourselves backtracking a bit. Clearer directional signs would definitely help first-time visitors. Overall, it was a wonderful visit and well worth the trip!

Fantastic experience: My family and I went there with our friends as a member for my son’s birthday. We love it there and we took very nice pictures

Fantastic experience: A good one. Kids would love it. List options in the cafeteria if you are looking for it. Park somewhere near in a public parking garage and walk. I left after 8:30 p.m. but the entrance to my parking garage was well lit and no safety threat.

Fantastic experience: We had so much fun at the aquarium! The kids loved the interactive information board around each exhibit. We purchased a membership so we could come back again!

Fantastic experience: Had a great time. My wife and I took her neice who was visiting. No dolphin show any more but if you are there at feeding time you can get a little bit of a show. The rest of the aquarium is great with lots of cool fish and other animals to see.

Fantastic experience: Well worth the price of admission!! A very educational and interactive experience, you are immersed in the world of whatever creatures you are viewing at the time. They have education carts that move around throughout the facility that will have small, brief educational displays about different creatures that are part of the aquariums vast wildlife population. They even have a multi-level aviary at the top part of the main building. They also offer Military Dsicount!! They do not offer it if you buy your tickets online, you have to purchase them in person at the aquarium in order to receive the discount. It's $10.00 off adult tickets and $5.00 off children's tickets.

Fantastic experience: Really nice staff, great exhibits. The end part with the aquarium tank that your basically in the middle of while all the various sea creatures are swimming around you is awesome! Worth the trip! Also loved the rain forest section; good to see animals out and up close!

Positive experience: Really nice aquarium with lots to see. Worth coming at least once if in the area, especially if you have kids. Great walk and not overly crowded.

Fantastic experience: This aquarium is very nice and spacious. The jellyfish exhibit was our favorite. There are also so many things to do in close proximity.

Fantastic experience: My son had so much fun at the Aquarium. My son is Gluten-free and they had some of his favorite foods. We brought a lot of stuff from the gift shop. We will be going back.

Fantastic experience: Visited here on Saturday 5/3/25. We are from out of town and found it easy to get to. Great experience. You will need to check your stroller once you enter, you may not take it with you throughout the aquarium.

Fantastic experience: The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a spectacular experience, offering an amazing variety of aquatic species from around the world. From colorful reef fish to majestic sharks and sea turtles, every section is thoughtfully curated and immersive. The jellyfish exhibit was a personal favorite — mesmerizing, ethereal, and beautifully lit. The dolphin show was another highlight, especially for families; it’s both educational and entertaining. The layout takes you through multiple levels and habitats, including a tropical rainforest, Atlantic coral reef, and Australian rivers. There’s also a 4D theater if you’re looking for an extra experience. You can easily spend 4–5 hours here without realizing it — perfect for both kids and adults. Weekends can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance is a good idea. Definitely one of the best aquariums on the East Coast!

Fantastic experience: The national aquarium is beautiful. Have been multiple times and always delivers a great experience. During the day when it’s less busy is ideal. I suffered a torn achillies and I will say the ADA accommodations were tough. Elevators spaced out all over the place and hard to get around overall so be prepared

Fantastic experience: Me and my wife planned a visit here to kill time before an Orioles-Tigers game. This is one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. It has multiple exhibit wings and plenty of areas to explore. Their shark and coral reef exhibits are spectacular; there are seven levels loaded with sharks and other marine life. The dolphin show was entertaining as well. I will return on my next trip to Baltimore.

Fantastic experience: One of the best aquariums I've visited. Ranked #2 in the country and so much better than the Camden aquarium. If you live in Philly, you can catch a mega bus or amtrak for $30 and it's well worth the trip

Positive experience: Some really good exhibits and unique architecture. Highlight was being able to pet moon jellies, and watching a severe thunderstorm from the upstairs exhibit. Several exhibits were under construction. The price seems a bit high, recommend buying a multi-aquarium pass if there is a membership that includes this one.

Fantastic experience: amazing exhibits, great for kids touch tanks, shark rooms, large coral reef tank, tropics room, and much more one of the best aquariums i’ve been to

Fantastic experience: The National Aquarium was the one attraction all my local friends insisted I visit—and I’m glad I did. It was a fun, engaging experience that I’d recommend for individuals, couples, families, and groups alike. I went on a Friday evening and took advantage of their half-off admission deal after 5:00 PM, which brought the ticket price down to around $25. It’s a great value, though I’d double-check their website to see if that promotion is still ongoing, as it may not be year-round. Surprised that there was no wait! Inside, the aquarium is divided into several distinct sections with a wide variety of sea life to explore, including a large shark exhibit and viewing areas for dolphins. One of the highlights was the chance to interact with two touch-tank species—perfect for kids and adults alike. I was especially pleased to learn that they’ve retired the dolphin shows and are working toward a dolphin sanctuary. It’s a more ethical direction, though I do wish the website had more up-to-date information on the sanctuary’s progress. Even at full price, I think the experience is worth it. It’s a thoughtfully designed and enjoyable place to spend a few hours immersed in marine life.

Fantastic experience: A Splashing Success: National Aquarium Review The National Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and educational experience. This well-kept aquarium is a great spot for adults and kids of all ages, offering a fascinating journey through various marine ecosystems. The aquarium's layout is cleverly designed, starting from the ground floor and taking you on a gradual ascent to the top floor, where the stunning rainforest awaits. The rainforest exhibit is a highlight, featuring sloths lazily lounging in the trees and exotic birds like flamingos and parrots adding a splash of color to the lush surroundings. One of the standout exhibits is the dolphin area, where you can watch these intelligent creatures swim and play in their spacious enclosure. The jellyfish exhibit is another unique feature, showcasing the mesmerizing beauty of these gelatinous creatures. Throughout the aquarium, the staff are kind and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and provide insights into the various exhibits. Their enthusiasm adds to the overall experience, making it a great place to visit again and again. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the National Aquarium is an excellent choice. With its well-designed exhibits, fascinating marine life, and friendly staff, it's a destination that's sure to leave you impressed and eager to return. Tips: - Plan your visit to allow enough time to explore each exhibit without feeling rushed. Around 2 hours is a good estimate. - Take advantage of the aquarium's interactive experiences, including the ability to touch horseshoe crabs and jellyfish. - Don't miss the rainforest exhibit on the top floor – it's a highlight of the aquarium! - The dolphin and jellyfish exhibits are not to be missed! Overall, the National Aquarium is a fantastic destination that's sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Positive experience: Parking about a block away. The family really enjoyed the different exhibits. They don't do dolphin shows anymore, but you can still watch them. A great move in the right direction for the dolphins. The 4D shows are basically 15 minutes of something you can watch on the discovery channel while splashing water in your face. If the movies were more unique, it would be a 5* review.

Fantastic experience: Such a beautiful spot in Baltimore. Always great people that work there and they have patience for the kids asking questions after dolphin training, so very respectful,kind, and knowledgeable people that answered our questions fully. Thank you.

Positive experience: I've been to several aquariums all over the country and as far as aquariums go this is one of the better ones. They have a large selection of fish species along with anphibians. They have developed an outdoor wetlands area which supports the local wildlife in Chesapeake Bay. They also have an excellent example of a rain forest. As with all large aquariums, it attracts school groups who's chaperones and teachers can't control. This is not the fault of the aquarium. Maybe they should limit the number of groups allowed in at any specific time. There are plenty of places to eat and rest. We also viewed the interactive movie on sharks which was also excellent. While you're in the area take time to visit the great ships along the inner harbour. Overall a great day.

Positive experience: The last time I visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore was 1990 and what struck me the most is how little it has changed in 35 years. There are a few new additions like the jellyfish room and the dolphin arena, but the sharks are the same (and didn't number too many??), the rainforest area is the same and the smaller exhibits haven't changed much. The building was built vertically and the rainforest at the top is cool to see, but there's not much room for major internal changes, so they may have reached their limit for display creativity. I went this past time on a Saturday and with it being quite busy, most smaller exhibits were hard to get in front of, so my advice is visit during the week if you are able to do so. They do have the usual kids areas for touching stingrays and learning about the animals but they also have a horseshoe crab area which is different. In summary, visiting Inner Harbor is a joy and the aquarium is something to check out, just be aware that for $50, there may be some disappointment if you've been to bigger and more extravagant aquariums.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time, loved staring at everything. I know they don't do dolphin shows anymore but I hope they have trainers training them for mental stimulation so they aren't bored.

Fantastic experience: So, I came here alone last weekend during a day trip to Charm City. Hadn't been here since I was a little kid, and was excited to take it in. And friends, this aquarium did not disappoint. Every staff member, from the ticket booth to the info desk and gift shop, was pleasant, well informed, and happy to help in any way. I went on a Friday, in the afternoon and was surprised at how accessible everything was. There were lines on the way out (roughly 5pm), so tickets in advance might be a good idea for larger groups or groups with kids. The 4D theatre was also fun, with multiple options for movies. I saw the one about sharks, but will absolutely return to see the Turtles movie. The only less than pleasant thing that I must mention was paying $6 for a water. Granted, there were water fountains near most of the bathrooms I saw (which were also very clean facilities) and I did see people there with refillables, so that complaint is more on my own unpreparedness than the establishment itself. 10/10 will be coming back.

Fantastic experience: This is an excellent aquarium, one of the best I've seen in the country. The Atlantic ocean tank with the sharks in it was like nothing I've ever seen. Super interesting array of animals, just wish the Pacific Octopus was showing. The Cafe was also actually excellent with good food and very reasonable prices. I think $50 admission is a little steep but I'd say generally worth it.

Fantastic experience: Super cool aquarium with a lot of variety! They have a Tropical Rainforest and Australian experience, which were cool to walk through. They have a jellyfish exhibit right now that is fascinating.

Fantastic experience: We enjoyed it as well as our 9month old that found all the marine life interesting.

Fantastic experience: This was my first time visiting an aquarium, but I was amazed to see so many types of fish, turtles, birds, frogs, even poisonous snakes. The main attraction here was sharks and dolphins. Though they have shut down the dolphin show, we can still watch them playing from the glass. They even let you touch jelly fish!

Fantastic experience: This aquarium is breathtaking. I absolutely enjoyed my time. Staff members were very engaging and informative. The level of exhibits and different species made it well worth my time. I would recommend going during non-peak hours like I did (I saw few other visitors). The only downside is the entrance fee is very expensive.

Fantastic experience: We visited Baltimore for specifically for the National Aquarium. We went Friday night after 5pm, they offered 50% tickets and were open until 9pm. The aquarium was large and had all types of exhibits. If you are a fan of aquatic life, it is both educational and fun to discover all that is out there. Please enjoy these photos.

Positive experience: My experience was like 8/10. Animals are so cute i saw couple different sharks. Some of them are really big. Amazon forest side was really nice but don't go in summer session because inside is hot. The other bad thing is food side is smelling bad. I don't know it can be worth for 50$ but it was nice.

Fantastic experience: The coolest aquarium I've been to in the US. Many wonderful exhibits with happy healthy animals and a dolphin experience!

Fantastic experience: Came here with some friends last week and we had a blast !!!! So many interesting things to see and do here! The rainforest exhibit was just absolutely stunning! I never knew an aquarium would have a rainforest. The sharks, turtles and other cool creatures were amazing! We even saw some really creepy looking jellyfish that would probably kill if they stung u. It’s nice to observe these creatures in a controlled environment rather than being in the ocean and diving onto a jellyfish by mistake. That shit hurt like hell. Kids absolutely love this place and school trips happen often here I heard one of the staff telling others. If ur gonna come here i advise setting aside at least 3-5 hours it’s that big. U surly won’t be disappointed here. Bring ur camera with lots of storage on it. If u come in December they have Santa clause scuba diving . It does get crowded here on the weekends but the crowd moves at a decent pace and it’s set up so people don’t clog one area .

Fantastic experience: Excellent place for families with kids.Many varieties of sharks ,indoor forests with variety of plants which is maintained well.staffs are very friendly to show animals like sloths to kids how it is moving ,sleeping and daily routine of some species.Friday night has half price tickets.Overall it’s something different from other Aquarium…

Fantastic experience: 1st time visiting here & spent hours. It was very busy, being a Saturday, but that was expected. There was so much to see that I know we skipped over sone of it, cuz my little one was getting worn out. We still enjoyed our day here. Strollers are a must, if they are very young. The dolphins don’t do “shows” but they do feed them & it is quite the performance, don’t miss it. It was the highlight of the visit.

Fantastic experience: Its the national aquarium. Clean, not too crowded and lots to see. Kids had a great time.

Fantastic experience: I took my 5yo yesterday, for the 2nd time; we had a blast! Definitely recommend going earlier in the day when it's not so busy, and you can actually take your time. All were out & lively, and we got to see some feedings - the Eel coming out of its hideout to eat was fantastic. We had a great time, will come back for sure.

Positive experience: Great experience but some of the exhibits are small and there are too many people so you hardly get to see the fish.

Positive experience: Great place with many exhibits and 2 cafes and loved the 4D theater turtle show. Sadly have priced themselves out of most families reach with high ticket prices.

Positive experience: The staff are wonderful and the facility is nice, but do not come on the weekends if you want to see everything. It was a little chaotic with so many people inside and we just skipped a lot of the exhibits because so many people were there. I'll definitely be back with the kid during a weekday.

Fantastic experience: Several members of my family were in Baltimore for a big family birthday party. After the festivities over a few days, a few of us had a late Sunday flight and decided to visit the aquarium along the Baltimore harbor. We were BLOWN AWAY! We could just stop right there, but like the exhibit, we just kept climbing and climbing to more exhibits and amazing fish and other animals. Then, we entered a Rain Forest exhibit, and we started climbing and climbing again! The creation of the exhibit was just spectacular! It was so much more than any of us expected. The traffic flow kept moving, but we didn't feel overcrowded until a point near the top of the rain forest, which was my fault, as it turned out. We've been telling everyone how spectacular it is and that they must visit it!!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing experience at the National Aquarium in Baltimore! The exhibits are beautifully designed and well-maintained. A huge variety of marine life—something for all ages to enjoy. The dolphin exhibit was the highlight—so intelligent, playful, and well cared for! Watching the dolphins interact was magical and unforgettable. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about ocean conservation. The layout made it easy to navigate and enjoy each section at a relaxed pace. Jellies, sharks, and the rainforest area were also top-notch.

Fantastic experience: Me and my 2 year daughter visit this aquarium and it is one of the best aquarium in US. We were able to see lot of shark, dolphins and other fish in this aquarium. Currently there is no dolphin show conducted and we just watch dolphin are move around. It would be so great if they can start a dolphin show again.

Fantastic experience: It was great. Many floors of fun. Handicap accessible. Great time for whole family

Fantastic experience: I went for the sunrise tour and our host was amazing we got to feed the fish and see critters that usually hide during the day not to mention there was no one in the aquarium so it was so fun and easy to see things up close without feeling cramped with people around I highly recommend!!

Positive experience: The National Aquarium was spectacularly much less crowded than the Tennessee or the terribly packed Atlanta aquarium. This allowed us to have that immersive feeling one seeks and to be more personal with the creatures. It seemed a little dark inside but maybe that's for the health of the animals. It's very much worth the visit!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful and very big aquarium. Parking was insane but the aquarium was fantastic

Fantastic experience: Parked in garage about 2 blocks away. Great aquarium. So much to see! Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Large and dynamic activity for all family members. A fair amount of walking but elevators are available to support access to most areas. Tickets a bit expensive but worth it.

Positive experience: A beautiful aquarium. Its multi-floor design with a central atrium was unique. The rainforest area at the top of the building was a nice surprise. The connecting bridge and the inner harbor viewing area were great additions. They also have quite a lot of sea life exhibits. The entry fee of 50 dollars was a bit too high though.

Fantastic experience: Great time exploring. The exhibits are well placed and educational. Enjoyed our time.

Fantastic experience: We spent about four hours at the Aquarium! It was pretty crowded today (Saturday) but that is to be expected for a Baltimore Spring. The dolphin training was the best and the staff were so informative. We learned that the dolphins favorite snack is a herring fish :)

Fantastic experience: It was really nice and we were able to enjoy everything without any inconvenience.

Fantastic experience: The National Aquarium in Baltimore is by far one of the best aquariums I’ve visited in the U.S. There’s so much to explore that you can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here with your family. The first building spans five floors of exhibits, with a stunning rainforest on the top floor. The second building features mesmerizing jellyfish displays and a dolphin area. Although the dolphin shows weren’t available during our visit, it was still a joy to watch them play up close—especially for kids! We were amazed by the variety of jellyfish and had a unique opportunity to touch jellyfish and stingrays—an experience we hadn’t encountered elsewhere. If you time your visit right, don’t miss the short "Secret Animal" educational show, which runs about 10–12 minutes. They also offer 4D experience shows, which I highly recommend. We watched the shark-themed one with our toddler and had a blast! The canteen is spacious with plenty of seating and a wide range of food options. Parking is convenient at their partner garage near the exit—just get your parking ticket validated for a discount. We bought our aquarium tickets at the Best Western Plus Hotel for $40 each ($10 discount) , but you can also find discounted or evening tickets on their official website. Multiple entities are allowed in a day don't forget to take an aquarium re-entry stamp on your hand. A heads-up: strollers aren’t allowed inside the exhibits, but there’s a free storage area for them. With a little planning, this visit can be a fantastic and memorable experience for the whole family!

Fantastic experience: Amazing collection of marine life, fresh water fish, turtles, frogs and much more. My favorite is the jellyfish and the rainforest display. I just love this Aquarium and the Baltimore Harbor ❣️

Fantastic experience: Family enjoyed so much. We did a lot in half a day, expect we could have spent another half day inside and the area around it.

Fantastic experience: I came here over the weekend, it wasn't too packed and there was no line to get in. On the first floor a magician ( I believed named Jason) was very kind and had shown some neat tricks to the kids.

Fantastic experience: My son and I stopped by this aquarium on our way from NY to Virginia and it was such a a good decision. Firstly, the aquarium is HUGE; it was a lot larger than we anticipated. It does have an unusual layout, and it was a little confusing at first (especially without a map). Once you make your way around it actually makes sense, and it ends up being very easy to navigate. The aquarium has a large assortment of animals, such as jellyfish, dolphins, sloths, and caiman. There's even an area where you can touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and jellyfish! All the staff was very friendly and helpful, giving clear directions to those in need with a warm smile. It was also very clean, and this was during the Easter vacation. There were LOTS of kids running amok, but it never felt overly crowded or disorganized. My son particularly enjoyed the section with the sharks and the birds. Note that the bird area is VERY humid. Not uncomfortably humid, but enough where you'll probably take off your sweater or jacket. I definitely want to come back, especially since we weren't able to catch any live performances. While I wouldn't make it a one stop visit all the way from NY, I would definitely consider the 4 hour drive if this were part of a weekend getaway. You should definitely check this place out, especially if youre bringing children. Adults will enjoy this place as well!

Positive experience: Lots to see and I appreciate that there’s a clear direction to follow. Had no problem buying entrance tickets or show tickets at the booth. No need to book in advance.

Fantastic experience: Easily one of the best aquariums in the US. The layout is unique, and the exhibits are well spaced so even though it was quite busy it never felt overwhelming. Admittedly, admission is a bit pricey so I would recommend getting your money's worth on your trip, but you can see everything comfortably in about 3 hours. You can come-and-go as you like, so taking a lunch break nearby and taking in the harbor makes it a very pleasant day trip!

Negative experience: It was too expensive and not many animals plus very crowded inside and overpriced. (Adventure aquarium in New jersey is a lot better)

Positive experience: Took the family during our spring break. We arrived as soon as they opened. The Aquarium filled up quickly. Some of the exhibits were a tight fit. There are escalators everywhere for the trip going upward. There are exhibits that you can actually touch like jelly fish. The gift shop did not have a lot of variety in my opinion. If you’re ever in the area it’s worth a look. We finished the walk through in about 2 hours. It’s in a nice location as well.

Positive experience: Love this aquarium and the layout. So much to see! Just wish there were more free things to do there and areas/ activities for the kids to play.

Positive experience: Apr 2025. Lower your expectations. With the word “National” in its name and $50 for an adult, I expected a lot more. They have dolphins but no show. But you can see them being trained. I was expecting to see a ton of exotic and tropical fish. Nope. Tons of catfish for some reason. The theatre also cost extra. The jellyfish exhibit was probably the best thing there. A family before us at the ticket counter left and bounced when their total came to $229. In other aquariums you can pet the rays. Not here.

Fantastic experience: Although extremely busy when we visited, the experience was excellent! A few exhibits were empty but everything was clean and viewable. I wish the sloths were lower so we could have seen them closer.

Fantastic experience: I have been to a few aquariums in the past. This one was phenomenal. Lots of education for all ages, lots of varieties of sea life and non-sale Life. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I looked up on Google for parking. I read the Market Street garage was an approved parking lot. If you got there before 9:00 you would get a discount rate of $12. It mentioned do not get the parking sticker validated at the aquarium because it would make the discount null and void. We arrived at 8:37 a.m. When we left the aquarium we asked if I wanted our parking sticker validated. I explained to the kind gentleman that we were told not to because it would make our sticker null and void. When we group went to pay. It was not null and void and ended up paying $30. I did hit the help button and nobody came.

Fantastic experience: We loved it here! Lots to see and learn about. It was incredibly packed, and got worse later in the day. It made it difficult to see all the exhibits. Might be a good idea to time the entries so it's not so ridiculously crowded.

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium. Loved the dolphins show. Kids of all ages (17,15,10,3) enjoyed it. Not very cheap but worth it in my opinion. We spent about 3 hours there. Lots of sharks.

Fantastic experience: Awesome way to spend a rainy day. If you decide to leave for lunch, ask for a stamp so you can come back in and finish your visit. Stop by the information desk for a map. Gift shop is pricey but what isn’t nowadays? The jellies exhibit was tons of fun and very informative.

Positive experience: We had a great time in this wonderful Aquarium!! The exhibits are awesome and the 4 D movie too, you can spend many hours enjoying all the different areas full of Ocean life. The place is big but well organized, with excellent staff always ready to help and explain, my children loved it and learn so much! A must if you are in Baltimore area!

Fantastic experience: The National Aquarium is an incredible experience, and a membership is well worth it if you plan to visit more than once. I suggest going in the evening—it’s much quieter and more enjoyable without the daytime crowds. The exhibits are full of diverse marine life, and everything is very well maintained. A must-see destination.

Fantastic experience: The place was nice, organized, and was worth it. Saw some fish, able to touch jelly fish, saw some birds and a sloth, and sharks too.

Negative experience: This aquarium has gone so downhill since I was a kid. I have been to many aquariums such as the Camden Aquarium, the Shedd in Chicago, and the Tennesee Aquarium. This aquarium's staff was rude at ticketing and the cafe. There were mice in the exhibits and thoughpit the aquarium (see photos). The pier has gone so downhill and I am dissapppinted we wasted our time and money going here today. There refillable water stations were also susupicious and I think I got norovirus from the aquarium. If you can go to any other aquarium.

Fantastic experience: One of the best Aquariums we’ve ever been to! Do the sunrise tour! It is worth every penny to have the entire place to yourself and see behind the scenes! Every aspect of the aquarium is inspiring and has incredible educational value. I wish we lived closer!

Fantastic experience: Honestly one of the nicest aquariums I've ever been to. The exhibits were beautiful, and SO nicely laid out. All the animals were beautiful and healthy. I was uncomfortable with the inclusion of dolphins, but at least they don't make them perform. We're coming back once the exhibits that were closed are open again!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place, especially for kids. The multistory shark tank is fascinating as well as the pools with sting rays and dolphins. They offer lots of animal demonstrations/talks and opportunities to touch jelly fish. There are VR shows for extra cost. The down side is that entry is very expensive, as is parking in downtown Baltimore. Be sure to park in the nearby lot and get your ticket validated for a discounted price ($15-20).

Fantastic experience: Went on A Trip That Was Slightly Pre-Planned. I Went With My Son In Honor Of My Daughter His Sister Who Was Killed Some Years Ago For Her Birthday. We Usually Chose A Activity To Do Together She Would Enjoy. This Aquarium Trip Was Pleasant And Informative ‼️ We Really Enjoyed All The Displays. It Was Not Crowded , Parking Was Partially Validated. We Parked In The Garage Which Had An Area To Accommodate Larger Vehicles Like My Hummer So That Was Awesome Being As Tho Parking In The City Can Be Problematic. A Attendant Advised Paying At The Window To Get In , A Tip That Saved Me about 20 dollars. Only Be Advised To Go Early If You Have A Drive I Missed The VR Room By An Hour It Was Top On My list To Do There. My Son Who Is older Was Engaged And Attentive As Was The Other Adults I Interacted With. We All Were As Kids Again Exploring The Exhibits. This Place Is A Must For Children But Also For Adult And Friend Dates Too

Fantastic experience: It makes sense that this aquarium shows up in the top aquariums in the united states. It's rather large and has some interesting exhibits. I purchased tickets through a discount through my employer and received about 10% off - I'd take a look at your employee benefits before purchasing at face value because you never know. If you have will call tickets, you'll pick them up behind the box office. The tickets are given on receipt paper - I don't know if these are BPA free so beware. When you enter there's a small teaser exhibit before you scan tickets; then you go up 1 floor and find the gift shop (i.e. you'll need to pay to enter the gift shop). They've done a good job throughout of having lots of the exhibits open air so you're not completely separated from the animals by glass. There's a good number of birds in addition to the aquatic animals. Notably the dolphin exhibit is a pool that used to be used for dolphin shows which they've discontinued in the name of combatting animal cruelty. They say that they're looking to build a sanctuary to move the dolphins to permanently - I wonder at how they're affording to do that if the dolphins bring in visitors. As it is now, though, the dolphin exhibit is very bare bones with very little that's interesting for them to interact with. I hope they get moved out soon. There is also a shark enclosure that seems to be a rather (for a shark) shallow ring for them to swim endless loops in. I hope they're not there indefinitely. Near this, though, there is a very interesting open water exhibit with fish, sharks, rays etc. that seems to be quite ethical and stimulating. There is a large cafe space in between the dolphin and jellyfish exhibits. And a kid's area where you can touch jellyfish/rays complete with a handwashing station. I did find several interesting animals here as well particularly sloths, and blind cave fish. There are periodically some couches as well if you get tired - it's a rather large aquarium. All in all, good amount of info/things to see for the price (we paid around $50 per person with taxes and fees). And it's right on the harbor so it's nice to be able to see out as well. Parking is $29 per day at a garage w/i a 5 minute walk; I believe they may validate but didn't use this.

Fantastic experience: I think we spent 2 hours here and it wasn’t enough time to take it all in. At one point we looked up and saw a sign that said “Main Exhibit” with an arrow. I for sure thought we had already seen the main exhibit lol. I’ve been to aquariums in about 3 other major cities and this was the coolest thus far. The layout was so unique to me. You have to cross the bridge to see the dolphins and jellyfish. I recommend asking what time the dolphin shows are so you can plan your route accordingly. I wish we had caught that while we there. You can still go see them in a lower viewing area. Shark Alley was a little underwhelming but the wraparound walkway was still cool. It was worth $50 to me but I also didn’t have my whole family with me at the time.

Positive experience: A great visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. So much to see. There is 5 levels to explore (although 4th floor was closed today) in the main Aquarium and then there is an Australia section and a dolphin/jellyfish section in the back. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here exploring.

Fantastic experience: I think it was the best aquarium I have ever been to. The dolphins where very cool to watch, and they had many other rare animals.

Fantastic experience: My wife and I were in Baltimore for a few days and had to visit the National Aquarium. This aquarium has excellent exhibits. I loved the sharks, rays, jellyfish, turtles, and all the different kinds of fish. The price for admission was reasonable. I remember coming here for a school class trip. We have been here many times with our family. The tropical rainforest is really awesome as well.

Positive experience: This aquarium was extraordinary. First off it had the 4D sea lion show which was so amazing, then the touching of LIVE jellyfish is something I never thought I’d see. There are so many things in this place that I would explain, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise of seeing the beautiful exhibits. I recommend this place a bunch because it was such a fun experience. Also, the restaurant, little warning, has huge proportions of food. Unless you are really hungry, and I mean REALLY hungry, don’t get any large items or anything. The food was also pretty alright. I say get the regular chicken tenders because they are great. That’s all!

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium with many attractions. Although some exhibits were under construction, overall great experience. Very nice gift shop, which is a must visit.

Positive experience: It had been 9 years since our last visit. Parking in a garage very close was easy to find. We enjoyed the visit but thought it was extremely overcrowded. There was a section closed for renovation. We also noticed many of the tanks weren't as full as they use to be, over 15 I think were closed down. Hope it's just a reconfiguring been visiting since I was a little kid.

Fantastic experience: Wow, you can't go wrong with buying a ticket here. The exhibits are mesmerizing and will keep you occupied and entertained for hours. I brought my family here for my son's birthday and enjoyed the discount price on Friday evenings after 5pm. It's a very family friendly place (although you can't bring strollers into the aquarium. I'm not sure why). My family came out of this place marveling in the creative display of God's glory, worshipping Jesus Christ Who made all of it. You should too!

Fantastic experience: This place is great. I love to go there and look at the ocean animals. They have lots of great sharks, fish and sea creatures. It is family friendly, wheelchair friendly, kid friendly and clean. There was a guy there that told us about the sharks. He was very informative. I love this place

Positive experience: The aquarium was great! But for $50 per person I expected to see more‍♀️ Then again, we got there too late for the 4D Theater. Overall I had a good time.