National Aquarium in Baltimore

NileGuide Expert tip:

If you're coming with a baby, you will have to check your stroller as they're not allowed through the aquarium. They do give you baby carrier's to use in exchange but they can be bulky so you may want to bring your own.

Description:

• Walk into a room surrounded by patrolling sharks, stroll among coral reefs, and visit a rainforest on the roof of one of the best aquariums in the country. Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, set in a 120-foot-tall glass cube at the front of the aquarium, takes visitors to the floor of an Australian river gorge. In this immersion exhibit, wander past tanks filled with death adders, pythons, archer fish, and barramundi, while kookaburras, parrots, and lorikeets fly overhead -- there are 1,800 animals in all, as well as plants native to Australia. On a cold day, skip right to the top of the aquarium and bask in the tropical heat that envelops the brightly colored birds, the shy iguana, and the sloth who reside on this level. (Best to come straight here when the aquarium opens, as that's when the animals are most active.) Although you simply walk in front of most of the exhibits, you get to actually walk inside the doughnut-shaped coral reef and the shark tanks, getting up close to these exotic creatures. At feeding time in the coral reef, the divers always draw a crowd. The Marine Mammal Pavilion, connected by covered bridge to the main hall, is where you'll find the dolphins. Don't miss the presentations -- reserve a seat (at no additional fee) when you pay your admission. If one has been born recently, the presentations are canceled, but go in anyway and watch the dolphins play. You can stay as long as you want. 4-D Immersion Theatre, which opened in late 2007, shows 3-D movies, with the added sensations of movement, mist, and wind, throughout the day. Tip: The aquarium draws huge crowds in summer. Beat the crush by purchasing timed tickets in advance, either in person or through the aquarium's website. Nonpeak visiting hours are weekday mornings, Friday evenings, and any day after 3pm.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010