The New England Aquarium
Getting to the New England Aquarium: location, transport, best times to go.
Where it is:
The New England Aquarium is located in a very scenic area of Boston right on the water at Central Wharf. While you won’t see any patriots throwing tea over the side of any boats, the area is very close to the famed Quincy Market and Fanueil Hall among other historic attractions. The aquarium is also right next to a very large and attractive Marriot Hotel. It’s a pretty area.
How to get there:
As with most locales in Boston, the New England Aquarium is very accessible to people already in the city via a combination of public transportation and a little walking. Whatever line you ride on Boston’s famous “T” subway (Red, Orange, Green) your goal is to get to the Government Center Stop and hop on the Blue Line there headed to the Airport. Don’t wait to get off at the airport though; get off at the Aquarium stop.
If the weather’s in your favorite, you can also walk right from Government Center. Outside the station cross Congress Street, go past Quincy Market and that whole area to the Rose Kennedy Greenway (named after JFK’s mom) and head right. You’ll see the Marriot and the Aquarium.
For in-depth directions on how to get to the New England Aquarium from out of town, check the website at www.neaq.org. In most cases, you take I-93 in the proper direction for where you are in proximity to Boston than take an exit usually marked as heading toward the Aquarium. You get to Atlantic Avenue and there will be signs letting you know where you’re headed.
When to go:
If you’re taking the T or your car, you can enjoy the New England Aquarium even when it’s raining. One show requires a quick walk outside and up a gangplank, but you’ll be fine. In the good weather, it’s a very pretty area and you can enjoy the nice views from outside and the aquarium itself.
I would caution against going to the aquarium in the middle of summer. Not only are you going to be fighting a tide of summer camp field trips as you go through the small exhibit rooms and up various ramps, but, the aquarium can get humid. I guess it’s the temperature control and all that water. I don’t know. But it’s a tad balmy.
The Aquarium Itself: exhibits, must-sees
The first thing to know about the exhibits at the New England Aquarium is that they’re in a space that isn’t huge. I think you can probably see everything in 2-3 hours, max. As you visit, there are some definite highlights you’ll want to check out.
First, there’s the “giant ocean tank.” In the center of the aquarium is a giant fish tank with all manner of beautiful and exotic sea life. As you walk up the central ramp, take your time to watch the different creatures. Fan favorites include the giant tortoises, the small hammerhead sharks and some gorgeously colorful tropical fish. Throughout the day, there are feedings where you can watch the New England aquarium personnel dive into the tank and feed the animals living there. And don’t worry you can’t miss the giant tank- even if you tried- it’s central to the aquarium’s structure.
The penguins are also a big hit. They swim, preen and socialize on rock formations on the bottom floor of the aquarium. You can also watch the aquarium-keepers feed these guys. There are three different penguin types in the exhibit. You can learn more about them from various talks given over the course of day.
The Edge of the Sea exhibit is also a crowd-pleaser, especially for little kids antsy for some hands-on action. Here, people can pick up sea urchins, horseshoe crabs and other non-threatening sealife forms in a small tank. There are educational talks about the animals during the course of the day.
The Harbor Seals are fun, too. Outside the aquarium, they occupy a big tank and entertain the crowds just being harbor seals. If you’re in the neighborhood and don’t want to actually go into the New England Aquarium, you can still take the kids by to see the seals in action.
Other interesting places to check out: tanks displaying local sea life, a look inside the aquarium vet clinic, and the jellyfish display.
Aquarium Extras: sea lion show, imax, whale watch, educational programs.
Of course the New England Aquarium offers more than just the traditional exhibits. There’s also a sea lion show, an IMAX theater, a whale watch, and many educational programs.
The Sea Lion show takes place on a ship just outside the aquarium and up a gangplank. Inside, you can see the Sea Lions strut their stuff in a performance that lasts about twenty minutes. (Which is a good thing since the stadium-style bench seating can be a little rough on the backside�). Adventurous kids can take part in some pieces of the show.
As for the IMAX, many Bostonians and frequent visitors most associate that kind of big-big-screen presentation with the Museum of Science. The New England Aquarium has an IMAX, too. There’s an extra cost to get in (about ten bucks for adults, 8 for kidsâÂ?¦) so you may want to even make it a separate trip. But some good shows are there, most of them ocean related (I saw James Cameron’s Titanic documentary thereâÂ?¦).
If you don’t fear sea sickness, you may enjoy heading out to sea to see whales in their natural habitat. The New England Aquarium site says they’ve been doing Whale Watches since the late 70s. Check the website or call the aquarium for prices and schedules.
And it wouldn’t be an aquarium if there weren’t a ton of educational programs through which the New England Aquarium staff of experts can spread their love of aquatic life. Programs include a lecture series, presentations at various displays, an education lab right outside the aquarium and programs where the experts go out to schools and organizations. More information can be attained from the website or by calling the NEA.
Shopping & Eating.
Of course, you don’t want to leave the New England Aquarium without a souvenir. And of course, the NEA is happy to oblige you. There’s a gift shop on the ground floor with your typical assortment of aquarium items like stuffed sharks, t-shirts and snowglobes, as well as books and educational toys and games. Outside the aquarium, on the wharf, local merchants operate stalls selling all kinds of Boston memorabilia. And excellent Boston shopping is near by at Quincy Market, needless to say.
There are two cafes attached to the New England Aquarium one inside and one outside. Also outside, vendors sell sausage and hotdogs. You might want to try the very good and diverse food court at Quincy Market.
To contact the New England Aquarium, try their website: www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5200
