National Aquarium, Inner Harbor, Baltimore
 

Who's taken a six-year old? Any tips on making it a great experience for grandparents and child? How long were you at the Aquarium, and what were the highlights?

My husband and I can STILL sit in front of the enormous main tank (several level) for hours, and I see kids that young doing the same thing. Buy a book before you go that identifies several types of large saltwater fish and help the child identify the fish you see.

The dolphin show is definitely a highlight. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours to really see everything. I really love the new Amazon river forest exhibit. Also the tropical rain forest is pretty neat but very humid, makes you thing your really there! There are many kids(4-11) and most always seem like they are having a blast! Also, Baltimores new tourist visitor center opened up not long ago down near the inner harbor, I havent been in there yet. I cant imagine any child not having a good time there.

When I visited the aquarium last year, I noticed that the younger children got very excited when they saw a clownfish (Hey look, it's Nemo!) Other highlights where the rainforest, dolphin show, and the shark tank. I think that a six year old would enjoy it very much. I believe we spent between two and three hours in the aquarium. That included seeing everything, the dolphin show, and eating lunch.

Guys, if you purchase your tickets ahead of time, on-line, are you guaranteed that you will get in there at that time? I thought I'd get a 9 a.m. entry time, and be there when it opens, hopefully getting right in.

Also, is there a good restaurant to eat in that is connected to the aquarium? Our granddaughter likes to eat on the water, so maybe we should do the aquarium, then go elsewhere in the harbor for lunch. Are there tour boats that we could take, and eat lunch on? (I know the food is never as good, but the food wouldn't be the point of it.... I know she'd love the boat ride.)

Thank you all for your help!

After visiting the Aquarium, take the water taxi - you can eat in Fells Point, Canton, the Rusty Scupper (run of the mill food but great view). If the weather is good, you can also go to Fort McHency and picnic (if you do don't miss the short but great film in the visitor's center).

We took our 6 yr old graddaughter( and her younger sister) to the aquarium.

She loved the dolphin show. After seeing it, you can head towards the cafeteria for another view. While the next show is going on, you can view the dolphin tank at an uderwater level. The kids were fascinated by the underwater view of the show. They were able to tell what people were seeing above the water and they were "glued" to the underwater viewing window.

The other highlight was the "rainforest" where the birds flew freely.

I'm not sure if you are a "local" or not...but the acquarium does offer a grandparents membership that icludes grandchildren (we joined)

Bonnie, I know they get alot of visitors there but Ive never really seen it PACKED. Certainly, the early morning and late evenings are the best times to go. If you go at 9am, I dont think you would have a problem. Are you going soon before school starts back? I agree with merryfish, take the water taxi to fells point for lunch and Ft Mchenry may be cool too but not sure for a 6 yr old but they would definitely enjoy the longer water taxi ride over!

You guys are JUST THE BEST! What wonderful tips and ideas.......:-)

Postal, a great idea to buy a book to identify saltwater fish. This is a smart little girl who will enjoy doing that! And, Dick, seeing the dolphin show from both perspectives is a wonderful idea........... we'll definitely do that. Bluestructure & Kudo96, it's good to know how long you were in there - gives me a good idea on how to plan the day. Merryfish & Bluestructure, we will definitely do the aquarium, then the water taxi for lunch at Fells Point. My DH is from Baltimore, grew up there but hasn't been back to visit in forever! We will have to eat crabs while we're there.... YUM!!! Bluestructure, we are going in a couple of weeks....... and DH and I look forward to it so much even for OURSELVES!:-d We love aquariums! My DH has been to Ft. McHenry - we probably won't go there with the little one until she's a bit older.

Thank you all, again, so much! You're a HUGE help!

Another idea around the inner harbor is the science center. It has just undergone ahuge expansion and entertained our 3yr old and 11/2year old grandsons for several hours ...and parents and grandparents too.

Thank you, Baylady. I will check that out!

Your posts are truly helpful. I'm taking my wife and four kids tomorrow. If the kids behave, I might not toss them into the shark tank.

If you're there for more than one day, definitely check out Port Discovery...a wonderful hands on museum with a 4 story climbing structure in the center of the building. Fascinating place!