This morning we had the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with a trip to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT.
My mom was able to join us, which made the day even more fun!
The weather wasn’t great, but we weren’t going to let a little rain stop up from enjoying our day. Mystic Aquarium is great because they have both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so there is plenty to see and do no matter what mother nature has in store!
If it does rain, and you’re not prepared, the gift shop sells ponchos and umbrellas!
We started our adventure inside, where Avery was immediately drawn to the large tank in the entrance to the Main Gallery.
We then made our way to learn about the creatures who live in the Hidden Amazon! Avery loved that the tank was low enough for her to see everything without us picking her up!
After meeting some poisonous frogs, schools of piranha and an electric eel, we made our way over to Scales & Tails where we got to meet an adorable baby alligator! Dave and I got to pet him, but Avery wasn’t allowed (Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to touch the reptiles, as per CDC recommendations) She seemed fine with that….
Avery then made her way over to the Discovery Lab, a 20-foot-long open exhibit tank where you can meet and touch starfish, crabs, lobsters and more!
Our next stop was Stingray Bay, where we watched graceful Atlantic, Southern and cow-nosed rays swim and spotted Charlotte, the Green Sea Turtle!
Our family’s favorite exhibit is Jellies: The Ocean in Motion. We could spend hours watching these amazing creatures…..
They are just incredible!
But, we had to move on….
I love how many tanks they have, low to the ground, so the little ones can get an up close experience!
When we finished up inside, we decided to venture out! We headed for the Marsh Trek. I love this area. We spend a lot of time trying to see how many frogs and turtles we can spot.
Oh, hello there!
It started to rain, so we headed back inside to see the California Sea Lion Show!
The half hour show is both educational and entertaining! We got to learn all about Sea Lions and watch them perform! The show even held Avery’s attention!
After the show Avery was getting tired, so we decided to head out, but, not before seeing the Beluga Whales! On our last trip to the Aquarium, Avery was terrified when one Beluga, “came out of nowhere” mouth wide open, and swam right up to where Avery was standing. This time, she was more prepared and seemed to really enjoy the whales!
Sleepy baby was ready to go, but no trip is complete without a gift shop visit!!
I love this shirt!!
And, how cute are these turtles??
We didn’t visit Mystic Aquarium’s Ocean Exploration Center for Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below and we passed on the 4D Theater (currently showing SpongeBob SquarePants and Planet Earth: From Pole to Pole.) We are also sad to miss out on the African Penguin exhibit (because at that point the rain was pretty steady) but, that’s the great thing about living so close! We can visit again!
Mystic Aquarium is located in Mystic just off Exit 90 on Interstate 95, about 10 miles east of New London along Connecticut’s southeastern shore.
Ticket prices are $29.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors 65+, $21.95 for children ages 3-17 and kids 2 and under are FREE!
Hours are 9am-5pm April-October, 9am-4pm March-November and 10am-4pm December-February (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
For more information on Mystic Aquarium visit: www.mysticaquarium.org or check them out on FACEBOOK and TWITTER (@mysticaquarium)
Who wants to Party??
Mystic Marinelife Aquarium was founded in 1973 and is celebrating it’s 40 Anniversary!
If you are turning 40 this year, or celebrating your 40th wedding Anniversary, the aquarium is offering a special rate of $19.73 (with ID or marriage certificate)
You can also join in on the celebration by attending their 40th Birthday party on October 5th and 6th! There will be special activities and entertainment!
*Disclosure* We were invited to visit Mystic Aquarium for their “Parent Bloggers Day” our visit was comped, but all opinions are my own!
