The Baltimore Aquarium, also known as the National Aquarium, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maryland. Located on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, the aquarium is home to over 20,000 animals from around the world, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish. The aquarium is a must-visit destination for families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an educational and entertaining experience. However, one of the most common questions asked by visitors is “What time does the Baltimore Aquarium open?” This seemingly simple question can be quite challenging to answer, especially for first-time visitors. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the opening hours of the Baltimore Aquarium, as well as other relevant information to help you plan your visit.
Opening Hours of the Baltimore Aquarium
The Baltimore Aquarium is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The opening hours vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week. Here are the general opening hours for the Baltimore Aquarium:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday and Sunday | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Holidays (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas) | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
It’s worth noting that the aquarium may have special hours or closures due to inclement weather or other events. It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the opening hours before planning your visit.
Special Events and Exhibits
The Baltimore Aquarium offers a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year, which may affect the opening hours. Some of the special events and exhibits include:
- Shark Week: A week-long celebration of all things shark, featuring interactive exhibits and live shark feedings.
- Sea Turtle Encounter: A hands-on experience where visitors can learn about and interact with sea turtles.
- Ray Bay: A large exhibit featuring a variety of stingrays and sharks.
- Atlantic Coral Reef: A large exhibit featuring a variety of fish and invertebrates from the Atlantic coral reef ecosystem.
- Shark Tank: A large exhibit featuring a variety of sharks and rays.
These special events and exhibits may have extended hours or special admission requirements. Be sure to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the details.
Getting to the Baltimore Aquarium
Getting to the Baltimore Aquarium
The Baltimore Aquarium is located on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot. Here are some options for getting to the aquarium:
Driving and Parking
The aquarium is located at 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202. There are several parking garages and lots nearby, including:
- Inner Harbor Parking Garage: A large parking garage located adjacent to the aquarium.
- Waterfront Parking Lot: A smaller parking lot located near the aquarium.
- Street Parking: Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area.
Be sure to check the parking rates and hours of operation before visiting the aquarium.
Public Transportation
The aquarium is easily accessible by public transportation, including: (See Also: What Does Aquarium Mean? Unveiled)
- Metro: The aquarium is located near the Light Rail’s Convention Center stop.
- Bus: Several bus routes stop near the aquarium, including the 1, 3, and 11 buses.
- Water Taxi: A water taxi service is available from the Inner Harbor to other locations in Baltimore.
For more information on public transportation options, visit the Baltimore City Department of Transportation website.
Walking and Biking
The aquarium is located in the heart of the Inner Harbor, making it easily accessible on foot or by bike. There are several bike racks located near the aquarium, and the surrounding area is pedestrian-friendly.
Admission and Tickets
The Baltimore Aquarium offers a variety of admission options, including:
General Admission
General admission tickets grant access to the aquarium’s exhibits and attractions, including the Shark Tank, Ray Bay, and Atlantic Coral Reef.
Special Experiences
The aquarium offers several special experiences, including:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: A guided tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of the aquarium.
- Dive Experiences: A chance to dive with sharks and other marine animals.
- Animal Encounters: A chance to interact with marine animals, including sea turtles and stingrays.
These special experiences may require additional fees and reservations.
Food and Drink Options
The Baltimore Aquarium offers several food and drink options, including:
Cafes and Restaurants
Cafes and Restaurants
The aquarium has several cafes and restaurants located throughout the facility, offering a variety of food and drink options. Some of the options include: (See Also: How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Aquarium Glass? Sparkling Clear)
- The Bay Cafe: A casual cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
- The Harbor Restaurant: A full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
- The Shark Tank Cafe: A snack bar located in the Shark Tank exhibit.
The aquarium also offers a variety of food and drink options for special events and exhibits, such as the Shark Week celebration.
Special Dietary Needs
The aquarium offers several options for visitors with special dietary needs, including:
- Gluten-free options: Many of the cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free options.
- Vegan options: Some of the cafes and restaurants offer vegan options.
- Nut-free options: Some of the cafes and restaurants offer nut-free options.
Visitors with special dietary needs are encouraged to contact the aquarium in advance to make arrangements.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The Baltimore Aquarium is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Here are some of the accessibility features and accommodations available:
Wheelchair and Stroller Accessibility
The aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting the various exhibits and attractions.
Service Animals
The aquarium welcomes service animals, including dogs, and provides designated areas for service animals to rest and relieve themselves.
Audio Descriptions and Sign Language Interpretation
The aquarium offers audio descriptions and sign language interpretation for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Accessible Restrooms and Drinking Fountains
The aquarium has accessible restrooms and drinking fountains located throughout the facility.
Recap and Summary
The Baltimore Aquarium is a world-class attraction that offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and experiences for visitors of all ages. From the Shark Tank to the Atlantic Coral Reef, there’s something for everyone at the aquarium. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a fun and educational experience, the Baltimore Aquarium is a must-visit destination. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your visit and answering your questions about the aquarium’s opening hours, special events, and accessibility features. (See Also: When Is the Jacksonville Aquarium Opening? Details Revealed)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What time does the Baltimore Aquarium open?
A: The Baltimore Aquarium is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The opening hours vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week. Please check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the opening hours before planning your visit.
Q: What are the special events and exhibits at the Baltimore Aquarium?
A: The Baltimore Aquarium offers a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year, including Shark Week, Sea Turtle Encounter, Ray Bay, and Atlantic Coral Reef. These special events and exhibits may have extended hours or special admission requirements. Be sure to check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the details.
Q: How do I get to the Baltimore Aquarium?
A: The Baltimore Aquarium is located on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot. There are several parking garages and lots nearby, as well as public transportation options, including the Metro and bus.
Q: What are the admission and ticket options at the Baltimore Aquarium?
A: The Baltimore Aquarium offers a variety of admission options, including general admission tickets, special experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours. Please check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the details and prices.
Q: What are the food and drink options at the Baltimore Aquarium?
A: The Baltimore Aquarium offers several food and drink options, including cafes and restaurants, snack bars, and special dietary options. Please check the aquarium’s website or call ahead to confirm the options and prices.
Q: Is the Baltimore Aquarium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Baltimore Aquarium is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, including those with disabilities. The aquarium offers wheelchair and stroller accessibility, service animal accommodations, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation, as well as accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.