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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
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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.
Aquarium
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
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What's Nearby?
- The Lost Colony Show 1409 National Park Dr
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-2127 35.935365833333336 -75.70876583333333 - Lost Colony Ticket Booth 621 Us Highway 64 And 264
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-6522 35.914715 -75.680015 - Roanoke Island Assoc 1401 National Park Dr
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-2071 35.93519583333333 -75.70851194444444
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