The New England Aquarium offers a wonderful and educational experience for visitors of all ages. However, when planning your trip, it’s important to be aware of the bag size limitations in place at the aquarium.
According to their policy, any bag larger than 12” x 12” x 12” will not be permitted in the main building and the Simons Theatre. This means that large backpacks and oversized bags will not be allowed, with the exception of diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. It’s important to keep in mind that bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection for security purposes.
While exploring the aquarium, visitors are encouraged to spend at least two hours to fully enjoy the animal exhibits and touch tanks. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive exploration of the various exhibits and gives visitors ample time to learn and interact with the marine life. If you are interested in taking part in additional attractions such as the whale watch tours or IMAX films, it’s advisable to allocate more time as these experiences can last between three to four hours and 35 to 45 minutes respectively.
When comparing the exhibits at the New England Aquarium to those at Mystic, it’s important to note that there are more outdoor exhibits at Mystic while the New England Aquarium primarily features indoor exhibits. This distinction may influence your preference depending on whether you enjoy exploring marine life in an outdoor or indoor setting.
Stroller access is available throughout the entire New England Aquarium, allowing visitors with young children to comfortably navigate the various exhibits. However, it’s important to keep strollers with you at all times as they can pose a safety hazard if left unattended.
The New England Aquarium offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about and interact with marine life. It’s crucial to be mindful of the bag size limitations in place, ensuring that any bags brought to the aquarium adhere to the specified dimensions. With a recommended minimum visit time of two hours, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the exhibits and touch tanks. The comparison between outdoor exhibits at Mystic and primarily indoor exhibits at the New England Aquarium may influence personal preferences. Stroller access is available throughout the aquarium but must be kept with visitors at all times.
Are Backpacks Allowed In New England Aquarium?
Backpacks are not allowed in the main building and the Simons Theatre of the New England Aquarium. The aquarium has a bag size limitation, and any bag larger than 12” x 12” x 12” is not permitted. However, there are exceptions for diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. It’s important to note that bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection at the aquarium.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Through The New England Aquarium?
Visitors to the New England Aquarium should allocate approximately two hours for their visit. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive exploration of the various animal exhibits and interactive touch tanks available at the aquarium.
If visitors are interested in participating in additional activities such as the highly recommended whale watch tours, they should plan for an extended visit. These tours typically last between three to four hours and provide a unique opportunity to observe majestic whales in their natural habitat.
For those interested in watching IMAX films at the aquarium, it is important to note that each film typically lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. Therefore, if visitors wish to enjoy one or more of these immersive cinematic experiences, they should factor in additional time accordingly.
To summarize, a two-hour visit to the New England Aquarium is recommended to fully appreciate the animal exhibits and touch tanks. Extra time should be allotted for whale watch tours and IMAX films, depending on personal preferences.
Which Aquarium Is Better – Mystic Or New England?
When comparing the Mystic Aquarium and the New England Aquarium, it is important to consider various factors in order to determine which one is better. Both aquariums offer unique experiences and educational opportunities for visitors.
1. Location: The Mystic Aquarium is located in Mystic, Connecticut, while the New England Aquarium is situated in Boston, Massachusetts. The choice of location may depend on personal preference and convenience.
2. Size and Layout: The Mystic Aquarium is spread out over 19 acres of land, providing ample space for outdoor exhibits. On the other hand, the New England Aquarium is primarily an indoor facility, with limited outdoor exhibits. The size and layout of the aquariums may impact the overall experience and variety of exhibits available.
3. Exhibits: Both aquariums offer a wide range of exhibits showcasing diverse marine life. However, the Mystic Aquarium has a greater emphasis on outdoor exhibits, including a beluga whale exhibit, a sea lion show, and a penguin exhibit. The New England Aquarium, being an indoor facility, focuses more on exhibits like the Giant Ocean Tank, the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, and the IMAX theater.
4. Educational Programs: Both aquariums offer educational programs for visitors of all ages. The Mystic Aquarium provides hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and educational presentations. The New England Aquarium also offers educational programs, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and informative talks by marine experts.
5. Accessibility: Accessibility may be a factor to consider when choosing between the two aquariums. The New England Aquarium, located in the heart of Boston, is easily accessible by public transportation. The Mystic Aquarium, although located in a picturesque area, may require more effort to reach, especially for those without personal transportation.
Determining which aquarium is better, Mystic or New England, ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific interests of the visitor. Both aquariums offer unique experiences, exhibits, and educational opportunities. The Mystic Aquarium provides a larger outdoor space and a focus on marine mammal exhibits, while the New England Aquarium offers a more centralized location and a variety of indoor exhibits. It is recommended to consider the above factors and choose the aquarium that aligns with your preferences and interests.
Are Strollers Allowed At New England Aquarium?
Strollers are allowed at the New England Aquarium. Visitors are welcome to bring their strollers with them throughout the Aquarium, with the exception of certain areas in Simons Theatre. It is important to note that strollers must be kept with the visitors at all times as they can pose a safety hazard if left unattended. The Aquarium is fully accessible for individuals with strollers, allowing them to explore all parts of the facility and enjoy the exhibits without any restrictions.
Conclusion
The New England Aquarium has specific guidelines regarding backpacks and bag sizes for the comfort and safety of all visitors. The aquarium restricts bags larger than 12” x 12” x 12” from entering the main building and Simons Theatre, with the exception of diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. This policy ensures that visitors can navigate the aquarium without any inconvenience or obstruction caused by oversized bags.
It is important to note that all bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection upon entry. This security measure helps maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
While the aquarium mainly consists of indoor exhibits, there are also outdoor exhibits available in Mystic. However, the New England Aquarium offers a diverse range of animal exhibits and touch tanks that are sure to captivate visitors. It is recommended to allocate around two hours to fully explore these indoor attractions, allowing sufficient time to appreciate the marine life on display.
For those interested in additional experiences such as whale watch tours or IMAX films, it is advisable to budget more time. Whale watch tours typically last three to four hours, providing an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, IMAX films offer an immersive cinematic experience lasting between 35 and 45 minutes, allowing visitors to delve deeper into marine life and conservation.
It is worth mentioning that strollers are welcome in all areas of the aquarium, including the exhibits. However, visitors must keep their strollers with them at all times, as leaving them unattended poses a safety hazard.
The New England Aquarium provides a fulfilling and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With its diverse exhibits, touch tanks, and additional attractions, it is an ideal destination for anyone interested in marine life and conservation.
