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Renovated National Aquarium offers an inexpensive option
Gas prices aren't the only expense of a vacation that pinch the finances. Admission fees can be a real downer. If one is traveling with young children, huge, expensive museums can be overwhelming.
These are two reasons why the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. sounds appealing to me.
At $5 for adults, and $2.50 for children, the admission is not even close to the $18.75 amount for adults to the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky. The Newport Aquarium, the last one I visited, is quite impressive, but sometimes I'd rather opt for a simpler venue for less money.
Last year, when we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, much of our time was spent finding a bathroom and each other. Due to time constraints, we hurried through sections where I wanted to linger. When mixing children with large museums, it's often necessary to leave out entire exhibits in order to not have a kid meltdown halfway through.
With a smaller museum, like the National Aquarium that claims you can see the whole thing in 45 minutes, you don't have to pick and chose among options. At the end of an hour you can end up at the gift shop satisfied and have time and energy left to take in something else close by. I'd head to the outdoor sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art for starters.
Along with the aquarium's renovations that include new signage, carpeting and exhibits is a new theme--"America's Aquatic Treasures." Look for alligators, eels, sea horses, a baby loggerhead turtle and more. [see Washington Post article]
If you can make here on August 9, it's Shark Day. There are several activities geared towards kids and talks adults would enjoy.
Filed under: Learning, Festivals and Events, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, News, Travel Deals
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Emma Leigh Jun 23rd 2008 1:06PM
My children and I accompanied my husband DC last year while he attended at a conference at the Ronald Reagan Conference Center. The National Aquarium was within walking distance so we thought we would have a look.
I was surprised by the admission fee - most attractions labled "national" or "federal" are free in DC, but like you said - it wasn't that much so we went.
I wasn't impressed. It's located in a basement (or was at that time), reeked of mold and dampness and the exhibits just weren't that interesting. Perhaps since they have remodeled those issues have been addressed.
We had the best time at the Smithsonian Zoo which charges $0 admission (there is a small parking fee, but there is a subway stop within walking distance.)
The best exhibit there was the baby Panda. We were there the day that it rained so hard the underpasses flooded and got caught in a torrential shower, but the kids didn't care and the animals didn't seem to care, either.
Jamie Rhein Jun 23rd 2008 1:08PM
Emma, thanks for your impression. From what I understand from the article that's linked is the displays were updated, so hopefully others won't feel your disappointment.
I agree with you about the zoo. It's been years since I've been, but I was impressed and it is easy to get to.
jmgalloway Jun 23rd 2008 1:59PM
The St. Louis Zoo is also free, and has long been considered one of the best in the country.