Making the Aquarium Accessible for All
Everyone is welcome at the National Aquarium. We have resources to make every guest's visit fun, educational and hassle-free.
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Many of Earth's habitats are hard for people to access. At the National Aquarium, though, we have many resources available so everyone can connect with nature in a fun and educational way!
Information Hubs
During their visit, guests will encounter staff ready to answer questions or offer assistance at two main information hubs: stroller check and the Level 1 Information Desk.
Stroller Check
Just inside the entrance doors, guests come across the stroller check. This is the drop-off point for strollers, but it's also the first stop for guests with limited mobility, those who are blind or have low vision, or those with sensory processing needs.
Items you can borrow and return here include:
- Wheelchairs
- Audio tour receivers and earpieces
- Touch/tactile bags that have small models of animals and fact sheets
- KultureCity sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and picture communication cards
- Copy of our accessibility guide
Guests will need to show a photo ID to borrow some of these items.
Information Desk
On Level 1, guests pass by an Information Desk. It's a great place to ask questions and pick up accessibility resources.
Items you can borrow and return here include:
- Braille guide of the Aquarium
- Scripts of public talks and tours
- Assistive listening devices
- Closed captioning devices
The assistive listening and closed captioning devices are for use in the 4D Immersion Theater.
A Moment of Quiet
Some may find the hustle and bustle in our building overwhelming. The Guest Relations Room on Level 1, behind the bubble tubes, is there for visitors who need a quiet break and parents who want a peaceful place to feed their infants or young children. The room has seating and space to color or watch a movie.
Searching for Something Specific?
Our team is happy to answer accessibility-related questions and can make some arrangements, like bringing in docents or interpreters, with advance notice. Please see our accessibility page for details and ways to reach our team.