The Boston Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, attracting millions of visitors every year. Located on the waterfront, the aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals from around the world, including penguins, seals, and sharks. With its stunning exhibits and interactive experiences, the Boston Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. But before you plan your visit, it’s essential to know what time the Boston Aquarium closes.
The Boston Aquarium’s operating hours vary depending on the day and season. During the peak summer months, the aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends. However, during the off-peak season, the aquarium’s hours are reduced, with closing times ranging from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekends.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit to the Boston Aquarium, it’s essential to consider the aquarium’s operating hours. If you’re planning to visit during the peak summer months, you’ll want to make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds. If you’re visiting during the off-peak season, you may want to consider visiting during the week instead of on weekends, when the aquarium is likely to be busier.
Getting There
The Boston Aquarium is located on the waterfront, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving, there are several parking options available within walking distance of the aquarium. If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the MBTA Blue Line to the Aquarium stop, which is just a short walk from the aquarium’s entrance.
Getting Around the Aquarium
Once you arrive at the aquarium, you’ll want to plan your day accordingly. The aquarium is divided into several exhibits, each featuring a different type of marine animal. You can use the aquarium’s map to plan your route and make sure you don’t miss any of the exhibits. Additionally, the aquarium offers a variety of interactive experiences, including a shark tunnel and a sea lion show, which are sure to be a hit with kids.
Exhibits and Animals
The Boston Aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals, including penguins, seals, and sharks. The aquarium’s exhibits are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors. Some of the highlights of the aquarium’s exhibits include: (See Also: Is Lava Rock Good for Aquarium? A Safe Addition)
- The Penguin Exhibit: This exhibit features a colony of African penguins, where visitors can get up close and personal with these charismatic birds.
- The Shark and Ray Touch Tank: This exhibit allows visitors to touch and interact with a variety of shark and ray species, including cownose rays and southern stingrays.
- The Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit: This exhibit features a colony of harbor seals and California sea lions, where visitors can watch these animals play and swim.
- The Giant Ocean Tank: This exhibit features a 4,000-square-foot tank filled with a variety of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Animal Encounters
The Boston Aquarium offers a variety of animal encounters, including:
- Sea Lion Feeding: Visitors can watch the aquarium’s sea lions being fed, and even get a chance to feed them themselves.
- Penguin Feeding: Visitors can watch the aquarium’s penguins being fed, and learn about their unique feeding habits.
- Shark and Ray Encounter: Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of shark and ray species, and even touch and interact with them.
Special Events and Programs
The Boston Aquarium offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, including:
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
These tours provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the aquarium’s daily operations, including feeding and training sessions with the animals.
Animal Encounters
The aquarium offers a variety of animal encounters, including sea lion and penguin feedings, and shark and ray touch tanks.
Conservation Programs
The Boston Aquarium is committed to conservation and education, and offers a variety of programs and exhibits that focus on marine conservation and sustainability. (See Also: Is Mystic Aquarium Ethical? Behind The Scenes)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Boston Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. With its stunning exhibits and interactive experiences, the aquarium is sure to delight visitors of all ages. By planning your visit accordingly and taking advantage of the aquarium’s special events and programs, you can make the most of your day at the Boston Aquarium.
Recap
Here are the key points to remember when planning your visit to the Boston Aquarium:
- The Boston Aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends.
- The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Visitors can plan their day accordingly by using the aquarium’s map and taking advantage of the aquarium’s special events and programs.
- The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences, including a shark tunnel and a sea lion show.
- The aquarium is committed to conservation and education, and offers a variety of programs and exhibits that focus on marine conservation and sustainability.
FAQs
What are the Boston Aquarium’s operating hours?
The Boston Aquarium’s operating hours vary depending on the day and season. During the peak summer months, the aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends. During the off-peak season, the aquarium’s hours are reduced, with closing times ranging from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekends.
What is the best way to get to the Boston Aquarium?
The Boston Aquarium is located on the waterfront, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving, there are several parking options available within walking distance of the aquarium. If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the MBTA Blue Line to the Aquarium stop, which is just a short walk from the aquarium’s entrance.
Can I bring my stroller or wheelchair to the Boston Aquarium?
Yes, the Boston Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. There are elevators and ramps throughout the aquarium, making it easy to navigate with mobility aids. (See Also: How to Keep Your Aquarium Clean? A Step-by-Step Guide)
Can I take pictures or videos at the Boston Aquarium?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take pictures and videos at the Boston Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography and tripods are not allowed in the exhibits. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to use drones or other aerial devices to capture footage of the aquarium.
Can I bring my pet to the Boston Aquarium?
No, pets are not allowed at the Boston Aquarium, with the exception of service animals. Service animals are permitted in the aquarium, but visitors must provide documentation and follow the aquarium’s guidelines for service animals.