Atlantic City is not just for adults anymore. There are a bunch of kid-friendly activities, if you choose to bring your kids along. One of them is the Atlantic City Aquarium. In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know before you head there.
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What happened to the Atlantic City Aquarium?
The Atlantic City Aquarium has been closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. It has remained closed for renovations. According to the official City of Atlantic City website, the aquarium will reopen on July 1, 2024.
Looking for other things to do with kids in Atlantic City? Check out our blog on Things to do in Atlantic City with kids.
When was the Atlantic City Aquarium Built?
The Atlantic City Aquarium was built in 1999, and opened on May 1, 1999. It cost $3.9 million to build.
Before it closed, there were over 100 different types of fish and marine animals on exhibit. Its collection of eight tanks boasted a whopping 29,800 gallons of live exhibits, providing a window into the diverse underwater world.
Among the aquarium’s standout attractions was the Fish of the New Jersey Coast Aquarium, a massive tank holding 23,000 gallons of water filled with a bustling community of sea bass, lookdowns, sand tiger sharks, northern stingrays, bluefish, weakfish, and kingfish.
For those eager to get hands-on, the 750-gallon Touch Tank was a favorite, allowing visitors to interact with an array of marine life including crabs (green, horseshoe, hermit, and spider varieties), sea urchins, sea stars, common periwinkles, whelks (both channel and knobbed), mussels (horse and blue), and common shore shrimp.
To enhance the experience, each exhibit was equipped with computer-enhanced information stations, perfect for self-guided tours. Additionally, the aquarium featured a 16-station Ocean Life Education Center, providing curious visitors with the opportunity for deeper exploration into the mysteries of the sea.
How Much is the Atlantic City Aquarium?
Below are the prices before the Atlantic City Aquarium closed. It has not yet been announced whether the prices will remain the same or if they will be increased.
- Adults (Ages 13-61): $10.00
- Seniors (Ages 62 & UP): $7.00
- Children (Ages 4-12): $6.00
- Ages 3 & Under: FREE
Where is the Atlantic City Aquarium?
The Atlantic City Aquarium is located in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin at the Absecon Inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s right across the water from the Golden Nugget.
Atlantic City visitors and residents are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Atlantic City Aquarium, and I can’t wait to see what it becomes. With the addition of the Aquarium and Atlantic City’s new indoor waterpark, Atlantic City is becoming a great vacation destination for families.
Have you ever been to the Atlantic City Aquarium? What did you think of it? Are you excited about the reopening? Please leave a comment down below with your experience.
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