Located along the scenic Camden Waterfront, Adventure Aquarium is a premier family-friendly destination that offers an immersive experience into the fascinating world of aquatic life. With over 15,000 marine animals, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline, Adventure Aquarium invites visitors of all ages to explore the ocean’s depths while learning about the creatures that call it home. Whether you’re an avid marine enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone curious about the underwater world, Adventure Aquarium provides an adventure like no other.
The History of Adventure Aquarium
Origins and Evolution
Adventure Aquarium first opened its doors in 1992 under the name New Jersey State Aquarium, serving as a regional attraction that aimed to educate the public about marine life and the importance of ocean conservation. Over the years, the aquarium underwent significant expansions and renovations to enhance its offerings, and in 2005, it reopened as Adventure Aquarium, with a renewed focus on delivering an immersive and interactive experience.
Today, Adventure Aquarium spans over 200,000 square feet and features more than 2 million gallons of water, making it one of the largest aquariums on the East Coast. Its exhibits are designed to captivate and inspire, with a diverse collection of species from all over the world and an emphasis on conservation and education.
A Mission to Educate and Inspire
Adventure Aquarium’s mission extends beyond entertainment. The aquarium is deeply committed to promoting marine conservation and educating visitors about the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems. Through its exhibits, programs, and partnerships, Adventure Aquarium strives to raise awareness about environmental issues such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. By engaging visitors with the beauty and complexity of marine life, the aquarium hopes to inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the world’s oceans.
Exploring the Exhibits: A World of Underwater Wonder
Adventure Aquarium offers a wide variety of exhibits that showcase marine life from around the globe. Whether you’re interested in sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, or even penguins, there’s something for everyone to discover. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular and captivating exhibits at Adventure Aquarium.
Shark Realm
One of the main attractions at Adventure Aquarium is the Shark Realm, home to a wide variety of shark species, including sand tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, and nurse sharks. This exhibit features a massive 550,000-gallon tank that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these incredible predators of the deep.
The highlight of the Shark Realm is the Shark Tunnel, a 40-foot-long glass tunnel that runs through the heart of the shark exhibit. As you walk through the tunnel, you’ll be surrounded by sharks swimming gracefully overhead and alongside you, providing an unparalleled view of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. It’s an experience that leaves many visitors in awe, offering a thrilling yet safe way to appreciate the power and beauty of sharks.
Ocean Realm
The Ocean Realm exhibit is the largest tank at Adventure Aquarium, holding an impressive 760,000 gallons of water. This expansive exhibit features a wide variety of marine species, including stingrays, sea turtles, and a massive collection of colorful fish. The Ocean Realm is designed to mimic the open ocean, giving visitors a glimpse of the vast and diverse life that exists in the world’s seas.
One of the stars of the Ocean Realm is Button, the aquarium’s resident loggerhead sea turtle. Watching Button swim gracefully through the water is a truly mesmerizing experience, and the exhibit offers several observation points where visitors can take in the beauty of this gentle giant and the other marine animals that share the space.
For those looking to enhance their visit, the Ocean Realm also offers special viewing opportunities, such as Behind-the-Scenes Tours, where you can learn more about the care and conservation efforts that go into maintaining this massive exhibit.
Hippo Haven
Adventure Aquarium is unique in that it is one of the few aquariums in the United States where you can see hippos! Hippo Haven is home to two massive Nile hippos named Button and Genny, who spend their days lounging in the water and grazing on food. This exhibit gives visitors a rare opportunity to observe hippos both above and below the waterline.
The large viewing windows allow you to see the hippos up close as they swim gracefully through the water—a surprisingly elegant sight for such large animals. The exhibit is designed to replicate the natural habitat of the Nile River, complete with lush vegetation and water features. In addition to the hippos, Hippo Haven is also home to several species of fish and birds that coexist in the ecosystem.
Penguin Island
A fan-favorite exhibit at Adventure Aquarium is Penguin Island, home to a colony of adorable African penguins. Visitors can watch these playful birds waddle, swim, and interact with one another in a habitat that mimics the rocky shores of South Africa. African penguins are known for their unique vocalizations and energetic personalities, and watching them dive into the water or bask in the sun is sure to bring a smile to any visitor’s face.
Penguin Island also offers daily feedings, where visitors can watch as the penguins are fed by their caretakers. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the penguins’ diet, behaviors, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting this endangered species. For those looking for a more up-close experience, Adventure Aquarium also offers Penguin Encounters, where you can meet a penguin face-to-face and even get the chance to touch one!
Creature Feature
Adventure Aquarium places a strong emphasis on interactive experiences, and the Creature Feature exhibit is a prime example. This exhibit features a large touch pool where visitors can interact with various species of marine animals, including starfish, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs. Touching these animals allows visitors to connect with marine life in a hands-on way, making the ocean’s wonders feel more tangible and real.
The Creature Feature exhibit is particularly popular with children, as it offers a fun and educational experience that encourages curiosity and exploration. Friendly staff and volunteers are on hand to provide information about the animals and answer any questions visitors may have, making this a great learning opportunity for kids and adults alike.
KidZone
Speaking of kids, KidZone is a dedicated area of Adventure Aquarium designed specifically for younger visitors. This interactive and educational play area features a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities that teach children about marine life in a fun and engaging way. From touch tanks to interactive games, KidZone is packed with opportunities for children to learn through play.
KidZone is perfect for families with young children, offering a space where kids can burn off some energy while learning about the ocean’s fascinating creatures. The exhibits are designed to be both entertaining and educational, helping to spark an early interest in marine biology and conservation.
Animal Encounters: Get Up Close and Personal
One of the unique features of Adventure Aquarium is its focus on animal encounters, which allow visitors to get closer to marine life than ever before. These encounters are perfect for those who want to take their aquarium experience to the next level and create lasting memories.
Shark & Ray Encounter
For the brave at heart, the Shark & Ray Encounter offers an unforgettable opportunity to interact with some of the ocean’s most iconic creatures. Participants in this encounter can wade into a shallow pool and come face-to-face with stingrays and small sharks. While under the guidance of trained staff, you’ll have the chance to touch and feed these incredible animals, learning about their behaviors, diets, and the important role they play in the marine ecosystem.
The Shark & Ray Encounter is both thrilling and educational, offering a safe and controlled environment to interact with animals that are often misunderstood. It’s an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
Penguin Encounter
As mentioned earlier, the Penguin Encounter is another popular animal experience that allows you to meet an African penguin up close. During this encounter, visitors can learn about penguin behavior, conservation efforts, and even take home a photo with their new feathered friend. It’s an experience that’s both fun and educational, especially for animal lovers and those interested in learning more about this endangered species.
Hippo Encounter
For those fascinated by the mighty hippos of Hippo Haven, the Hippo Encounter provides a rare opportunity to get closer to these giant animals. Participants in the encounter will have the chance to meet the hippos’ caretakers, learn about their daily routines, and even participate in a feeding. Watching these massive animals up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a deeper understanding of hippos and their role in the wild.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
For visitors who want an insider’s look at how the aquarium operates, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour is the perfect experience. This tour takes you behind the exhibits to see how the animals are cared for, how the tanks are maintained, and what goes into keeping the aquarium running smoothly. You’ll also learn about the aquarium’s conservation efforts and the important work being done to protect marine life around the world.
Conservation and Education at Adventure Aquarium
Beyond entertainment, Adventure Aquarium is deeply committed to conservation and education. The aquarium actively participates in several conservation initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them.
Conservation Initiatives
Adventure Aquarium is involved in a variety of conservation programs that focus on protecting endangered species, preserving habitats, and reducing the human impact on the ocean. The aquarium works with local and international organizations to support efforts such as coral reef restoration, sea turtle rehabilitation, and sustainable fishing practices. Through its exhibits and educational programs, Adventure Aquarium raises awareness about the importance of conservation and encourages visitors to take action in their own lives to help protect the planet.
Educational Programs
Adventure Aquarium offers a wide range of educational programs for students, teachers, and families. These programs are designed to enhance the visitor experience by providing in-depth knowledge about marine life and conservation. School groups can participate in guided tours, interactive workshops, and live animal presentations that align with state and national education standards.
The aquarium also offers summer camps, homeschool programs, and scout programs that give children hands-on opportunities to learn about marine biology and environmental science. These educational initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and foster a lifelong love of the sea.
Special Events at Adventure Aquarium
Throughout the year, Adventure Aquarium hosts a variety of special events that offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether it’s celebrating the holidays with a marine twist or participating in educational workshops, these events add an extra layer of excitement to the aquarium experience.
Christmas Underwater
One of the most popular seasonal events at Adventure Aquarium is Christmas Underwater, a festive celebration that transforms the aquarium into a winter wonderland. During this event, visitors can see Scuba Santa dive into the exhibits, watch holiday-themed animal presentations, and enjoy special decorations and activities throughout the aquarium. Christmas Underwater is a family-friendly event that brings holiday cheer to the aquarium’s aquatic world.
Shark Awareness Day
Every July, Adventure Aquarium celebrates Shark Awareness Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of shark conservation. Visitors can enjoy special shark-themed presentations, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that highlight the role sharks play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Shark Awareness Day is a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about these often-misunderstood animals and the efforts being made to protect them.
Tips for Visiting Adventure Aquarium
To make the most of your visit to Adventure Aquarium, here are a few helpful tips:
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Adventure Aquarium can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid long lines, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets online in advance.
- Plan Your Visit Around Feeding Times: Many of the aquarium’s animal exhibits feature daily feeding sessions that offer a great opportunity to see the animals up close and learn more about their behavior. Check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out!
- Take Advantage of Animal Encounters: If you’re interested in getting up close to the animals, be sure to book one of the aquarium’s animal encounters in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
- Bring a Camera: Adventure Aquarium is full of photo-worthy moments, from the Shark Tunnel to Penguin Island. Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memories.
- Allow Plenty of Time: With so many exhibits and interactive experiences, you’ll want to allow at least three to four hours to fully explore Adventure Aquarium.
In Short
Adventure Aquarium offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages, providing an up-close look at the wonders of the ocean and its many inhabitants. With its diverse exhibits, interactive animal encounters, and commitment to conservation and education, Adventure Aquarium is more than just a place to see marine life—it’s a place to connect with the natural world and learn about the importance of protecting our oceans.
Whether you’re walking through the Shark Tunnel, meeting a penguin face-to-face, or learning about hippo conservation, Adventure Aquarium offers unforgettable experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of marine life. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational adventure, make sure to plan a visit to Adventure Aquarium, where the wonders of the ocean are just waiting to be explored.