Visiting the Mystic Aquarium with kids is an easy road trip – it is located right off of the highway in Mystic, CT. This area is filled with other attractions perfect for a school break or weekend getaway. I have roots in the Mystic area and visiting is always an experience in nostalgia. I visited the aquarium a lot as a small child and I was excited to visit with my crew. Our adventure quickly surpassed pleasantly surprised and we had a blast. It is vastly different than the aquarium I visited as a child! I can’t wait to visit again to explore more of the Mystic area. I will try my best to stick to reporting and hold back my childhood nostalgia!
A Day at the Mystic Aquarium
Visiting the Mystic Aquarium with kids can be a whole day adventure or a few hours. Regardless of which you are intending, the first thing to do when you arrive is sort out two key strategic logistics: First, find out when the Sea Lion shows are. Second, check out the schedule for the Rays Touch Tank. Plan the rest of your day around these two things. The Belugas, Seals, Sea Lions, Penguins and Marsh Trek are all outside exhibits. Inside is the main gallery and upstairs is the Sea Lion Show. Take a walk with us through our day at the Mystic Aquarium!
The Sea Lion Show
When we arrived the first sea lion show of the day was starting soon so we headed straight upstairs to get settled. The show started off our visit in a grand way! Great music set a lively tone to the show and the story-line was something kiddos could follow and understand. It also sprinkled in environmental lessons – like the importance of keeping plastic out of the waterways – and showed off what the sea lions can do.
The sea lions came out to visit the audience multiple times during the show. They do a walk about, being very generous and kind with their time, making sure everyone gets their chance to see. Pro-tip: If you want to get a moment up close, pick a seat close to one of the two gates around the tank. On the flip side, if this is not an experience you want, just sit a few rows up from the ground. There is not a bad seat in the house.
Note that the music portions of the show are LOUD. Pack your ear-muffs if you have a kiddo who isn’t going to appreciate that.
In the Main Gallery, there is a viewing window into the sea lion’s tank so you can see them swimming around underwater after the show.
The Belugas
After the Sea Lion Show we headed back outside and decided to take a walk around the outdoor exhibits. First were the Belugas. The way their space is set up makes it easy to watch them above water interacting with the trainers as well as swimming around underwater.
This is where I will acknowledge that the belugas being in captivity is controversial. I think that as grown-ups the best thing we can do is use the opportunity to teach and foster polite visiting practices in the next generation. Calm bodies and no banging on the glass are two big things that can lessen the stress for these highly intelligent animals.
The Penguins
Around the corner from the Belugas is a very cool penguin colony. There are both outdoor and indoor viewing areas. For the shortest people in the crew, it was hard to see the penguins outside. I found myself just naturally glancing around for the assistance of a kid step stool but found none. Inside was much better, there was a large window into their underwater area and it was very peaceful watching them swim around.
The Mystic Aquarium’s Marsh Trek
After the penguins the path leads you to a beautiful boardwalk around the marsh. This is a great opportunity to go slow and look for things like turtles and frogs hanging out in the sun. There were information boards along the way to learn about the different species that live in the marsh area.
Seal Pup Playspace
At the end of the Marsh Trek is the Seal Pup Playspace. Designed with kids aged 2-5 years old, this space has the cushy rubber flooring with lots of things to climb on and slide down. The main gallery is easily accessed right on the other side of this wall so if you don’t need a break just yet, it is easy to come back to it. There are also some benches off to the side perfect for a snack break.
The Main Gallery
The main gallery is where you will find all the different fish and touch tanks. One thing I was delighted to see was the sharks! I had been disappointed to see there were no longer sharks at the New England Aquarium during our last visit. Getting to see sharks really upgraded the aquarium experience in my mind. There were lots of different species of fish, eels, and jellyfish. Rather than arranged on one main route, all the tanks are spaced out nicely so the gallery allowed for lots of moving around between areas rather than feeling like you are constantly in line. (I don’t like waiting!)
There are multiple touch tanks that open and close regularly in order to give the animals a rest. Each has a hand washing station close by for guests to wash hands before putting their hands in the water. There were ledges around the sides of the tanks to give little people a lift and allow them to reach.
Water Play in the Main Gallery
In addition to the touch tanks, another interactive element is an exhibit that I believe was about hydro-electric power. It was very popular (and tricky to photograph) and allowed kids to manipulate the speed of the water and how it flowed down the river. I don’t think we learned what we were intended to learn, but we had fun!
Mystic Aquarium’s Courtyard and Picnic Area
Outside, the courtyard is home to the Aquarium Cafe, lots of picnic tables and the Rays Touch Tank. Separate from the touch tanks inside the Main Gallery, there are lots of rays in one big tank so anyone who wants to is sure to be successful in getting to feel their backs as they swim by. There are also handwashing stations in this tent for before and after.
If you packed your own food, the picnic area is around the side of the building. Make sure to get your hands stamped for re-entry and then follow the sidewalk alllllllll the way around back. I recommend finding this area when you arrive and parking here so that everything is conveniently waiting for you in the car.
Stroller-friendly
Exploring the Mystic Aquarium with kids is very walk-able but also deceptively large. The youngest in our crew was 3.5 years old and absolutely wiped out. If you are going all-in for a long visit like we were, I personally would err on the side of bringing the stroller to give any little legs a rest. There is plenty of space to move around the stroller so I don’t think it would be annoying to have along for the day. The only time you would have to leave it behind is during the Sea Lion Show where there is a stroller parking area by the door.
Sensory-friendly
Designated Quiet Areas are throughout the aquarium in spots off the main paths for a break from the hustle and bustle. The aquarium also has a social story to help prepare for your visit.
The Mystic Aquarium with Kids: Quick Facts
| Main Highlights | Make sure to catch the Sea Lion Show Watch the belugas work with the trainers |
| Parking | Large paved parking lot |
| Sun Exposure | All of the outdoor exhibits are full sun so pack up all the hats, sunscreen and waters |
| Notable Things to Pack | Ear-muffs for anyone sensitive to the loud music in the theater. |
| Lunch | Purchase lunch at the Aquarium Cafe or bring your own food and enjoy the picnic area outside. |
| Hours and Admission | The Mystic Aquarium website |
| Stroller Friendly | Wear comfortable shoes and bring the stroller, there is a lot of ground to cover! |
| Sensory Friendly | Designated quiet spaces, a social story and you can borrow ear protection |
| Address | 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT |
For another home run road trip with kids, check out the Montshire Museum of Science.
