Kid Tips

Babies: Rest tired feet and help lull baby to sleep by taking a break at one of the many rocking chairs on the second floor in the Coral Reefs section.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Don't miss the twice-daily Penguin Promenade. Young kids will be mesmerized by the pair of African Black-footed penguins; a penguin biologist shares interesting facts about the animals and answers kids' questions during the 30-minute show.

School-Age Kids: Kids 6 and older can sign up for Swim with the Fishes, a 30-minute swim in the Coral Reef alongside 2,300 fish and other aquatic animals ($85). The experience introduces kids to the basics of scubadiving but does not require that kids be certified. Parents must accompany kids ages 6 to 8 in the water; those 9 and older can swim without a parent.

Planning Notes

• Check the schedule. To avoid disappointment, consult the day's schedule of special events upon arrival. Spectators stake out prime viewing spots well in advance of start times, so arrive early.
• Dial for more. Look for Call a Creature placards throughout the aquarium. Visitors can dial the posted numbers from their mobile phone to hear recorded information about many aquarium exhibits.
• Dine indoors or out. The aquarium has two dining facilities: Cafe Ray is indoors, offering sandwiches, burgers, and salads; the Caribbean Cantina is outdoors in the Explore a Shore area, offering more sophisticated restaurant fare and featuring a full bar.
• Take to the Bay. Extend the aquatic learning aboard the Bay Spirit, a 49-foot powered catamaran, where guests learn about the Bay's bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, and more ($22 for adults; $18 for kids ages 3 to 11; free for kids 2 and younger).

Just the Facts

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fees: $10-$20

Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours

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