3 out of 5 Ants Rating!
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, or Baltimore Aquarium, as I hear most people around here call it, is a great collection of fish that is worth a visit at least once. That said, there are some aspects of this venue that are quite a challenge with the younger crowd. The admission fees are steep ($30/adult). Even with under 2's free, this is not a cheap outing. Strollers are not allowed in the exhibits (they have a stroller check). That is a guaranteed backache with a toddler that will not be able to walk the entire place.
On a fairly empty day, the aquarium is a lot of fun. What kid doesn't enjoy flashy colored fish (especially those that look exactly like Nemo and friends), sharks (chomp, chomp Miss M says) and other cool creatures?
The jellyfish exhibit is particularly cool
On a busy day, you will be sweating, pushing people out of the way and trying to figure out how to get your child close enough to enjoy the tanks. It can get really crowded with visitors and school groups. In busy sections of the aquarium I was not comfortable putting Miss M down to walk. Enter backache.
The Australian exhibit tucked away somewhere upstairs was actually the best for visiting with a child. It was a more modernized open space with exhibit glass at toddler eye level. This area was also staffed and had a little demonstration of a crocodile's jaw going on, which we enjoyed.
Those are some big teeth, mom, I bet he was fussy teething!
I want to like the Baltimore Aquarium for toddlers/young kids more than I actually do in practice. I hope they continue to upgrade the facilities and make it larger with a better flow and more 0-4 friendly. So much potential.
Where should Antsy Mom and Toddler go next? Let us know!
No comments:
Post a Comment