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North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
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374 Airport Rd
Manteo, NC 27954+9485
1-866-332-3475
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island Description
When the weather's hot you can cool down at North Carolina's largest aquarium. Shark-loving kids will not want to miss the close-up views of sharks and other animals common to the waters of the Graveyard of the Atlantic (named after this part of the North Carolina coast, the site of hundreds of shipwrecks). Some exhibits that make a big splash with kids are the Touch Tank, the Osprey Cam, and Wetlands on the Edge (due to the rambunctious river otters). But one of the most memorable parts of the aquarium is found outside, well away from the water: a sculpture garden made from whale bones.
Souvenir & Gift Store
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Don't miss the Close Encounters touch tanks, where kids can pet different forms of sea life.
Pre-Teens & Teens: History buffs will enjoy the model of the U.S.S. Monitor, which is in the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.
Planning Notes
- Cool programs. Several interesting programs are available on topics like crab-catching, behind the scenes at the aquarium, and feeding the stingrays. Call ahead to register.
- Crowds are a factor. Summer weekends are busy, especially on rainy days.
- Say cheese. Cameras are allowed. To avoid creating a glare in the picture, angle yourself at a 45 degree angle to the tank.
- Chow time. Feeding time (for the fish, not your kids) is at 3 p.m.
- Get in the water. Right next door is the Dare County Old Swimming Hole, a sound-side beach with calm water, lifeguards during the summer, restrooms, a volleyball court, picnic tables, and playground equipment.
- Shop. The gift shop is top notch, stocking appealing items that teach kids about the aquatic environment.
Just the Facts
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except holidays.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
Reviews of North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
Best aquarium at low price!
By mkaye715 April 16, 2010
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we loved:
HUGE! Lots of fish, sharks, plant life to see!
My family visited this aquarium and I have nothing but great things to say about it! Its huge, so take your time visiting everything! My 18 month old daughter loved it! It was very clean, not too crowded, and the prices were affordable compared to what other aquariums charge! Read More
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