A DAY AT THE MYSTIC AQUARIUM, Mystic CT,USA.

mystic aquarium

Mystic aquarium has its own charm and especially if you have kids, this is an excellent place to visit. It has the largest beluga whales in the unites states. This is not my first trip to mystic, there are couple of things changed in the aquarium since my last visit 5 years ago. I took a road trip with my family consisting of two kids, i must say they loved this place and the exhibit are safe and kid friendly.

The sea lion exhibit

My kids couldn't get enough of the sea lion tv or the hands on wild exhibit. A couple of years ago it used to be the sea lion show, now it's a sea lion tv, honestly i loved the sea lion show much better than the sea lion tv, where there were many acrobats by the sea lions. There is a Jurassic giants, this would be most enjoyed by the kids, there are 12 animated dinosaurus, more like a real dinos and some cool artifacts for the kids to explore.

Jurassic giants

There is a 4D theatre to watch but does not come with general admission, you need to buy separate. 

Plan to buy tickets online which is mostly 15% off. If you do have passes, use them at the booth. Many libraries and hotels have passes with discounts which you can make use. The entire aquarium is stroller friendly and wheel chair accessible.

Here is a quick guide to plan well ahead if you are planning to take the trip. If you don't live close by, or you are planning to spend the night in hotel, there are many hotels and lodging that is located right across the aquarium.
The aquarium is bit pricey and it has increased over the years. Outside foods are not allowed inside the aquarium, however if you choose to pack your own lunch, you could and there is few sit outs near the cafe to enjoy in addition you can save few bucks. 

It is true that, this is not the biggest aquarium, but for the size they have quite a bit to see from the beluga whales, sea lions and the African penguin's. Apart from the aquarium there is mystic seaport with separate ticket and they host several events. There is also mystic village and don't forget to enjoy dining at the mystic diner. 

Tips

The cafe has the standard food options like chicken fingers, burger, fries, soft pretzels. If you want to save money, buy a large pizza and share it with your family or just pack your own lunch. Keep a $25 to $50 to buy a cute something at the souvenir shop. Even better skip the souvenir shop all together and purchase photos that they take when you walk in at the entrance. It is about $25 for two 3*5 pictures or $35 for two 3*5, one 4*6 and two 5*7. Parking is free. If you don't get to see everything in one day or miss the outside exhibits due to weather conditions, you can have admission tickets validated to use the next two consecutive days free of charge, just bring the validated tickets to the booth next day, sign and get a new ticket for that day for free.