Norwalk, CT - Looking for free activities for kids this summer? Now through Sept. 4, The Maritime Aquarium is offering free admission to all Connecticut children 18 and under, plus one accompanying adult per group, through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program.
Families can enhance their visit to The Maritime Aquarium with 4D Theater tickets, ray feedings and virtual reality experiences at additional costs.
This program is geared toward families, not group visits. Proof of residency is required. To learn more, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org/ct-summer.
Sturgeon Touch Tank
Ever wonder what Earth was like 200 million years ago? Visit The Maritime Aquarium’s new Sturgeon Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long before dinosaurs roamed!
The Atlantic sturgeon’s 32-foot, 7,000-gallon habitat, located next to the North American river otters. Other species in this section include Atlantic salmon, brown trout, lake sturgeon, and brook trout.
This is the Aquarium’s fourth permanent touch exhibit. Guests are also encouraged to interact with cownose rays, chain catsharks, moon jellies, and a variety of crabs during their visits.
Member Mornings
Membership at The Maritime Aquarium offers access to exclusive events – including Member Mornings, held the second Saturday of every month! On Saturday, Aug. 12, members can visit between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to beat the crowds before the Aquarium opens to the public.
Members also receive discounts on 4D Theater tickets, birthday parties, camps, gift shop purchases and more. Learn about membership levels at www.maritimeaquarium.org/membership.
4D Theater Movies
Two multi-sensory film experiences each hour.
These cinematic experiences send the action off the two-story screen and over the audience with thrill-enhancing sensory special effects such as bubbles, wind, mists, scents and more.
Explore the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro with Blu and Jewel, the last blue macaws on Earth in “Rio: The 4D Experience.” On their journey, the unexpected duo is captured by bird smugglers and must work together despite Blu’s inability to fly. As they try to escape the claws of an evil cockatoo, Nigel, they must dodge beach balls, umbrellas, carnival floats, and beach-goers – finding courage, friendship and love along the way! Featured in digital 3D and brought to life with 4D multi-sensory effects, this is a 12-minute immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.
BBC EARTH’S OCTOPUS: BLUE PLANET II 4D EXPERIENCE
Inspired by the critically-acclaimed BBC series, Blue Planet II, this special effects experience takes you beneath the surface to explore dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there: the octopus. Discover how this eight-tentacle wonder masters physical and mental strengths to outwit and escape its underwater rivals in this 12 minute film.
AQUARIUM SUMMER HOURS (July 1 – Sept. 4):
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
ADMISSION PRICES:
Aquarium only: $31.95 adults; $27.95 seniors (65+); $22.95 children (3-12).
Add a 4D movie: $7 per person ($6 for members).
THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK inspires people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education. The aquarium is home to over 7,000 animals of hundreds of species including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, in-person and virtual education programs for schools and families, and public cruises aboard its hybrid-electric research vessel. The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism. For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.