Mystic Aquarium
Went to one of my favorite places in Connecticut this weekend - Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. B and I did the Penguin Contact program which was a brilliant experience. It's true, I heart penguins, now the secret is out. I took a few photos as you can see below. There is so much to see and do at Mystic Aquarium, and every time I go there is something different.
It truly is a place that has something to offer for everyone, old, new, tweens and inbetweens, and is fully wheelchair accessible. There are regular shows with the Sea Lions (daily at 10:30,12:30,2:00.3:30 and 5:00), and feedings of the Penguins, Seals, Rays, Sharks, a rock climbing wall, birds of the outback not to mention the classes, special events, indoor Amazonian exhibits, Return to the Titanic exhibit. There's so much to see and do there, that you'll just have to go see for yourself.
You can click on these photos for a slightly larger view.
The entrance to Mystic Aquarium.
The entrance to the Titanic exhibit.
Cow nose Ray. Mystic Aquarium has a Ray touch pool where you can stick your hand in the water and feel the skin of these graceful animals. Sort of feels like a slimy rubber - kids will love them. There's even a feeding program for the very brave.
Colorful Sea Anemone. (Hopefully that spelling is correct!) This indoor pool contained lots of starfish (one who looked like he was trying to escape), and crabs.
Cute little alligator.
Looking through the water at a 1500-pound Beluga Whale. "Beluga" is a Russian word that means White one. These massive mammals are named for the pale color of their skin.
Another look at a Beluga Whale, this one is 11-feet long. Belugas blow air through their sinus cavities to make sounds, communicate with each other, and even change the shape of their heads.
And another. I think I'm going to have to do the Beluga contact program just to get a good photo of these guys. Their top swimming speed is 16 miles per hour!
A closer look at a Beluga Whale.
This beautiful little girl is 10-year old Yellow-Blue, a veteran of Mystic Aquarium's Penguin Contact Program. The program lasts one hour during which a trainer discusses the care of the aquarium's African Penguins with a small group of participants. Note, children have to be at least six years old before taking part in this program.
Yellow-Blue looks around the room.
Beautiful close up of Yell0w-Blue. The redness around her eye area indicates that she is cooling herself down.
Here I am with Erin the trainer, I'm listening to Yellow-Blue's heartbeat, and breathing, which sounded a little bit like someone was snoring in the next room.
Yellow-Blue goes back to her Penguin family.
Mystic Aquarium's colony of African Penguins.
Mystic Aquarium's marsh pond.
This little guy wouldn't let us walk by without catching our attention, he was LOUD!
A view of Mystic.
Downtown Mystic's famous drawbridge.
More details about Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355-1997
Website: www.mysticaquarium.org
Email: info@mysticaquarium.org
Phone: (860) 572-5955
Admission prices for July 1 through Sept 4
Adult $22
Senior (age 65+) $20
Children (age 3 - 17) $17
Children (age 2 and under) Free!
Hours
March thru November: Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
December thru February: Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Driving Directions
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is located just off of Interstate 95 in the beautiful town of Mystic, CT. Below are directions to the Aquarium.
Directions from New York City
Take the New England Thruway north, which is Interstate 95 to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours (approx. 127 miles).
Directions from Boston
Take Interstate 95 south to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 2 hours (approx. 108 miles).
Directions from Hartford/Springfield
Take Interstate 91 south to Rte. 9 South, then to Interstate 95 north to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours (approx. 47 miles).
Directions from Worcester, MA
Take Interstate 395 south, head toward New London CT-32. Follow to Interstate 95 north. Take ramp to Groton/Providence. Follow to CT-27, exit 90 (8.1 miles) and follow signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours (approx. 80 miles).
Some other things to do while you're in Mystic, Connecticut.
Visit Mystic Seaport The Museum of America and The Sea.
Visit the Shoppes at Olde Mystic Village (right next door to the aquarium).
Take a walk in beautiful historic downtown Mystic.
Grab a delicious slice at famed Mystic Pizza - don't forget to ask your waitress/waiter if Julia eats there when she's in town.
It truly is a place that has something to offer for everyone, old, new, tweens and inbetweens, and is fully wheelchair accessible. There are regular shows with the Sea Lions (daily at 10:30,12:30,2:00.3:30 and 5:00), and feedings of the Penguins, Seals, Rays, Sharks, a rock climbing wall, birds of the outback not to mention the classes, special events, indoor Amazonian exhibits, Return to the Titanic exhibit. There's so much to see and do there, that you'll just have to go see for yourself.
You can click on these photos for a slightly larger view.
The entrance to Mystic Aquarium.
The entrance to the Titanic exhibit.
Cow nose Ray. Mystic Aquarium has a Ray touch pool where you can stick your hand in the water and feel the skin of these graceful animals. Sort of feels like a slimy rubber - kids will love them. There's even a feeding program for the very brave.
Colorful Sea Anemone. (Hopefully that spelling is correct!) This indoor pool contained lots of starfish (one who looked like he was trying to escape), and crabs.
Cute little alligator.
Looking through the water at a 1500-pound Beluga Whale. "Beluga" is a Russian word that means White one. These massive mammals are named for the pale color of their skin.
Another look at a Beluga Whale, this one is 11-feet long. Belugas blow air through their sinus cavities to make sounds, communicate with each other, and even change the shape of their heads.
And another. I think I'm going to have to do the Beluga contact program just to get a good photo of these guys. Their top swimming speed is 16 miles per hour!
A closer look at a Beluga Whale.
This beautiful little girl is 10-year old Yellow-Blue, a veteran of Mystic Aquarium's Penguin Contact Program. The program lasts one hour during which a trainer discusses the care of the aquarium's African Penguins with a small group of participants. Note, children have to be at least six years old before taking part in this program.
Yellow-Blue looks around the room.
Beautiful close up of Yell0w-Blue. The redness around her eye area indicates that she is cooling herself down.
Here I am with Erin the trainer, I'm listening to Yellow-Blue's heartbeat, and breathing, which sounded a little bit like someone was snoring in the next room.
Yellow-Blue goes back to her Penguin family.
Mystic Aquarium's colony of African Penguins.
Mystic Aquarium's marsh pond.
This little guy wouldn't let us walk by without catching our attention, he was LOUD!
A view of Mystic.
Downtown Mystic's famous drawbridge.
More details about Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355-1997
Website: www.mysticaquarium.org
Email: info@mysticaquarium.org
Phone: (860) 572-5955
Admission prices for July 1 through Sept 4
Adult $22
Senior (age 65+) $20
Children (age 3 - 17) $17
Children (age 2 and under) Free!
Hours
March thru November: Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
December thru February: Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Driving Directions
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is located just off of Interstate 95 in the beautiful town of Mystic, CT. Below are directions to the Aquarium.
Directions from New York City
Take the New England Thruway north, which is Interstate 95 to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours (approx. 127 miles).
Directions from Boston
Take Interstate 95 south to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 2 hours (approx. 108 miles).
Directions from Hartford/Springfield
Take Interstate 91 south to Rte. 9 South, then to Interstate 95 north to exit 90 and follow the signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours (approx. 47 miles).
Directions from Worcester, MA
Take Interstate 395 south, head toward New London CT-32. Follow to Interstate 95 north. Take ramp to Groton/Providence. Follow to CT-27, exit 90 (8.1 miles) and follow signs to Mystic Aquarium. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours (approx. 80 miles).
Some other things to do while you're in Mystic, Connecticut.
Visit Mystic Seaport The Museum of America and The Sea.
Visit the Shoppes at Olde Mystic Village (right next door to the aquarium).
Take a walk in beautiful historic downtown Mystic.
Grab a delicious slice at famed Mystic Pizza - don't forget to ask your waitress/waiter if Julia eats there when she's in town.
Labels: African Penguin, Beluga Whale, Mystic Aquarium, Things To Do In Connecticut
posted by LGS at 3:30 PM
2 Comments:
great photos and info on how to get there. must visit the next time we are in Hartford. great for all the family. well done.
Great information and pictures. How does this place compare to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium?
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