The National Aquarium in Baltimore

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     One of the coolest things to experience in Maryland is the National Aquarium. It is an absolutely breathtaking and amazing location. The National Aquarium is located in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore City. If you're in the Harbor it's impossible to miss the Aquarium because of it's unique architecture (see above photo)!

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     Any visitor can surely find an exhibit or animal that interests them at this aquarium. It offers 16,000 animals in 12 different exhibits, and is soon to be 13! The 16,000 animals come from 660 different species and come from all over the planet.

     The most popular draws to the Aquarium is the Dolphin Discovery. Dolphin discovery used to be a dolphin "show" but now the dolphin trainers focus more on teaching the audience about the dolphins and there are set times during the day that the audience can witness feeding, play time, and training. It is a very interactive and cool exhibit that brings a lot of visitors to the aquarium.

     Two of the other popular exhibits are the Australian: Wild Extremes, and the Upland Tropical Rain Forest. The Australian exhibit won the "2008 AZA Exhibit of the year." It features crocodiles, turtles, pythons, obviously fish and even exotic birds. The Rain Forest section offers frogs, birds, sloths, spiders and even monkeys!

Photo Credit: Captmondo

     One of the newer exhibits is the Jelly Fish Invasion, seen to the right. Don't worry all you danger seekers, of course there is a shark exhibit for you.

     Another awesome thing offered at the National Aquarium is the 4-D movie experience. You might ask, Tom, 4-D how's that possible? The 15 minute shows give the audience a closer look into the sights, smells, atmospheres, and smells of whatever the subject matter is.  The effects range from wind, mist, lights, leg ticklers and even snow!

mist, wind, snow, bubbles, leg ticklers, scents, enhanced lighting, and seat vibrations! - See more at: http://www.aqua.org/explore/baltimore/exhibits-experiences/4d-theater#sthash.mP5VVshO.dpuf

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     The National Aquarium is a huge field trip destination for Maryland students. My high school even had our prom there! Along with the information provided during field trips the Aquarium is very involved in community outreach. They have educational programs along with environmental programs.

     Just blogging about the Aquarium and looking at the beautiful pictures makes me want to go now! The price for the entire day and all exhibits included is a reasonable and well worth it 29.99 and the 4-D movie experience is an additional 5 dollars. The National Aquarium contains a one of a kind look into the exotic life this wonderful planet has to offer. If you can't make it to Baltimore, there is also an Aquarium in D.C. but it is much smaller and less extensive. Baltimore is definitely the best bet for an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credit: National Aquarium