Baltimore National Aquarium

There's much to do at the award-winning aquarium. Stop by the sensory 4-D immersion theater to experience high-definition 3-D film alongside special effects such as mist and wind; visit the Australian exhibit with crocodiles and kookaburras; and check out Shark Alley where the predators circle visitors inside a 225,000-gallon (852,000-liter) ring-shaped tank. Take advantage of animal-specific and behind-the-scenes tours, including a guest scuba diving experience and a sleepover with the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

• Allow at least 3.5 hours to explore Baltimore’s National Aquarium.

• Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

• The aquarium hosts two Deaf Awareness Day events every year with sign language interpreters who narrate presentations, exhibit dives, and animal encounters.

• There are two cafes inside the aquarium. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside, but there are picnic tables and benches outside.

The National Aquarium is on the north bank of the Inner Harbor in central Baltimore. It is accessible by subway, light rail, and train. The aquarium is also located on the orange line of the Charm City Circulator, Baltimore's free public bus. By car, take take Exit 53 off Interstate 95; parking facilities are available nearby.

Throughout the year, events and activities are offered, including talks, special animal encounters, and more; check the aquarium website for up-to-date information or download the app. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or before 11am or after 3 pm on weekends and holidays. In summer and over spring break and holidays, the aquarium may sell out. Skip the line and get guaranteed entry by buying tickets in advance.

Another fun, educational activity, the Maryland Science Center features three floors of exhibits, hands-on activities, and demonstrations. In addition to its IMAX theater and planetarium, the center boasts several full-size dinosaurs, a journey through the human body, and an exhibit on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The center is also located at the Inner Harbor.

No, you do need advance tickets for Baltimore's National Aquarium, but it's highly recommended that you purchase them online in advance. Admission to the aquarium is timed, and the aquarium is popular. It's possible that your preferred date and time may sell out if you wait until the day-of.

It typically takes between 1.5 and three hours to walk through Baltimore's National Aquarium and experience all of the exhibits. There is a lot to see, and those who have a deep interest in marine life could probably spend a full day there.

Yes, the National Aquarium is all indoors, which makes it a great place to visit for Baltimore's oppressively hot and humid summer. Inside, you’ll find thousands of species in diverse habitats, from sharks swimming around a colorful reef to crocodiles prowling around a recreation of an Australian river gorge.

No, you are not allowed to bring outside food into the National Aquarium. However, there are picnic tables and benches available just outside the building where you can eat your own food. Otherwise, you can dine at the aquarium's café, canteen, or snack bar.

Yes, you have to pay to park at the National Aquarium. Harbor Park Garage, LAZ Inner Harbor Garage, and Parkway Lockwood Place Garage offer discounted parking rates for visitors to the National Aquarium—you must validate your parking ticket inside the aquarium to receive the discount. Street parking is also available.

Yes, small backpacks can be brought into the exhibits at the National Aquarium, but they are subject to search. Anything larger can be stored, for a small fee, in the guest lockers, which are located inside the main entrance on the ground level of Blue Wonder.