Plan Your Aquarium Visit

National Aquarium – Atlantic Coral Reef

Your Aquatic Adventure
Begins Here

Best Times to Visit

For the best experience consider visiting on weekdays or before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays. 

With fewer people in the building, you'll enjoy more opportunities to linger in galleries, watching for animal behaviors.

If you are able to visit only during peak times, keep in mind that during summer, spring break, and on holidays, the Aquarium may sell out of tickets, or you may be given an entry time a few hours away. Skip the ticket line and get a guaranteed entry time by buying your tickets online in advance.

Buy Tickets Online

Skip the line and get a guaranteed entry time by buying tickets online.

 

Interactive Trip Planner

The interactive Trip Planner is the best way to get ready for your adventure!

Start your personal Aquarium Trip Planner by navigating this website and adding animals to see and activities to do by clicking on the “+” icon found on various items.

Visiting With Young Children?

Stroller Policy

Because of the escalators and moving walkways at the Aquarium, strollers cannot be used inside. Consider leaving your stroller at home or in the trunk of your car. If you do bring a stroller, Aquarium staff will store it for you and provide a back or front child carrier. The higher vantage point will also provide your children with a better view of many exhibits. Learn More

Changing Tables

All bathrooms have changing tables, and there is a family restroom on the ground floor of Blue Wonders: Reefs to Rain Forests near stroller check.

4-D Immersion Films

The 4-D Immersion Theater incorporates sensory effects, such as water spray and seat vibrations. Please use discretion if your child is easily startled.

Children's Discovery Gallery

A fun, interactive play area especially for young kids, the Children's Discovery Gallery is located on the upper level of the Pier 4 Pavilion, and is open daily, 10 am–4 pm.

Parking

Parking is available at numerous downtown garages within walking distance. 

 

Download a Map of the Aquarium

Start planning your visit by downloading a map of the Aquarium (.jpg).

 

Stroller Check Policy

Because of the escalators and moving walkways inside the Aquarium, strollers cannot be used.

Consider leaving your stroller at home or in the trunk of your car. If you do bring a stroller, Aquarium staff will store it for you and provide a back or front child carrier. The higher vantage point will also provide your children with a better view of many exhibits. Learn More

Special Needs

The Aquarium offers convenient services for special-needs visitors.

A drop-off circle is located in front of the Aquarium on Pratt Street, and an accessible entrance is located just beyond the main entrance.

Additional resources are available, and with advance notice, we will make special arrangements to accommodate our visitors' needs. Learn More

Dolphin Discovery Exhibit

All guests have unlimited access to the Dolphin Discovery Exhibit. See the dolphins any time, for as long as you like, and enjoy interactive sessions with the dolphin team, including dolphin enrichment, feeding times and play activities. Included with admission.

4-D Immersion Films

The Aquarium's 4-D Immersion Films combine the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of sensory effects.

Films are transformed into 15-minute experiences and virtually bring on-screen images to life with added effects, such as water mist, snow, bubbles, scents, enhanced lighting and seat vibrations! Add on a 4-D Immersion Film for $5 a person. Select show and time when buying tickets. See What's Playing

Please note: The 4-D Theater uses theatrical lighting, including strobe lights. Please use discretion if your child is easily startled, or if you have medical conditions related to your back.

Dining at the Aquarium

Enjoy fresh, delicious food at the Aquarium's cafes.

The Aquarium's Harbor Market Kitchen cafe serves up food that is fresh, delicious and produced in eco-friendly ways. See All Dining Options

Gift Shops

Take a piece of the Aquarium home with you! The National Aquarium features four gift shops, with friendly staff on hand to assist you in finding the perfect souvenir. Major credit cards are accepted, and shipping is available.

Aquarium Shop
The Aquarium's main gift shop, located at the top of the escalator just past the main entrance, offers more than 5,000 square feet in retail space. Contact the Aquarium Shop at 443-573-0852.

Dolphin Shop
Located on the first level of the Pier 4 Pavilion just outside the main entrance to the dolphin amphitheater.

Shark Shop
Located on the level above the Wings in the Water underwater viewing area and next to the top of the escalator.

Atrium Shop
Located in the atrium of the Pier 4 Pavilion, near Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance.

Online Gift Shop
From apparel and toys to books and jewelry, now you can purchase Aquarium merchandise anytime! Shop Online

Escalators, Elevators, & Moving Walkways

Enjoy a smooth and safe trip through the Aquarium. Several escalators and moving walkways are throughout our buildings as a convenient way to travel from floor to floor.

Please use caution when wearing flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and/or rubber-soled footwear. Stay alert, and be sure to remain clear of the sides, and step over the comb plate at the end of an escalator or moving walkway.

Elevators displaying the wheelchair accessibility symbol have been designated for use by visitors who use wheelchairs while touring Aquarium buildings.

Lockers & Coat Check

Lockers and coat check are located inside the main entrance, to the right, on the ground level of Blue Wonders. To use the lockers, obtain a token from the machine for $2 (machine does make change).

 

Security Procedures

For the safety of our visitors, all bags, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the Aquarium.

Re-entry may require additional screening. Please be aware, these entrance security procedures may cause slight delays while entering the Aquarium.

ATM

ATMs are located outside by the ticket center, and inside on Level 1 of Blue Wonders, next to the main Aquarium gift shop.

 

Become a Member

Aquarium members receive unlimited admission for a year, immediate entry, special discounts, invitations to member-only events and more! Become a Member

 

Subscribe to Our Free E-Newsletter

Sign up to receive our FREE e-newsletter, Aquamail, and be among the first to know about special discounts and promotions. Plus, learn about upcoming events and community programs, receive animal and exhibit updates and hear stories from the National Aquarium Animal Rescue Program. Sign me up!

 

Find Your Photo

Visit mynationalaquariumphotos.com and enter the number on the back of your PhotoCard to see your photos, order prints and share online!

 

Like the Aquarium on Facebook

Stay connected with the National Aquarium on Facebook.

 

Write a Review on TripAdvisor

Write a review of your Aquarium visit on TripAdvisor.

 

Follow the Aquarium on Twitter

Stay connected with the National Aquarium on Twitter.

 

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Directions

National Aquarium
501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

National Aquarium - Baltimore - Map

Parking & Transit Info