Best Aquariums
A trip to an aquarium is the perfect way to introduce kids to the wonders of the deep—without getting wet. Observe the fan-favorite sharks as well as other sea creatures, and witness the hypnotic sway of an underwater kelp forest. From classic aquarium tanks full of multicolored tropical beauties to unique encounters with deep-sea beasties, we've netted the top aquariums that any family will flip over.
These 10 aquariums were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium | Springfield, MO
Created by the founder of Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife contains an ocean of fun in America's heartland. As you explore the world's largest wildlife attraction, you'll see exhibits designed around famous fishing boats, artificial reefs created from shipwrecks and an Ozarks cave with blind cave fish. There's so much to take in that it may take all day to experience the 1.5 miles of exhibit space.
2. Tennessee Aquarium | Chattanooga, TN
The architecturally stunning Tennessee Aquarium, perched on the banks of the Tennessee River, gives visitors a glimpse into the rivers of the world. Known for its gigantic freshwater tanks filled with river monsters like wallago catfish and arapaima, the aquarium also features saltwater exhibits with sea turtles, penguins and clown fish. Your family will love the immersive IMAX theater, and you'll appreciate that kids four and under get free aquarium admission.
3. Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, GA
Your kids will have a whale of a good time at the Georgia Aquarium, the only aquarium in the western hemisphere with whale sharks. After watching these gentle giants swim right by you in one of the world's largest tanks, walk through the tank's tunnel to see them from a whole new perspective. Then check out the beluga whales and dolphins or hop inside a shark cage to see hammerheads.
4. Birch Aquarium | San Diego, CA
You'll be greeted by the sound of waves crashing along the Pacific coast at Birch Aquarium, part of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Feel like a marine biologist as you meet the world's tiniest—and cutest—penguins or explore one of the world's largest sea dragon habitats at this research and conservation center. Miss your new sea friends? Each exhibit has a webcam you can watch online, including one on the aquarium's ocean pier.
5. Adventure Aquarium | Camden, NJ
If your family marks Shark Week on the calendar, then head to Adventure Aquarium, home of the largest shark collection in the Northeast. The aquarium also features hippos, sea turtles, penguins and the incredible Shark Bridge suspended over a shark tank. Cross it—if you dare!—to see sand tiger sharks inches below before walking through a 40-foot shark tunnel. This is a popular place for families, so reservations are recommended.
6. Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL
Positioned in Chicago's storied Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium is one of the world's biggest aquariums. Step inside the Oceanarium to see beluga whales playing, dolphins jumping and sea otters grooming their whiskers. There are plenty of ways to explore through touch, from petting tiny sea stars and velvety stingrays to patting giant leathery sturgeons. Don't have time for everything? The Must See Tour hits the highlights in 75 minutes.
7. Monterey Bay Aquarium | Monterey, CA
With your ticket to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you can visit a kelp forest and marvel at the giant Pacific octopus while helping protect Central California's coastline. You'll love watching the antics of the sea otters and the waddling of the African penguins. Then descend into the murky depths of the deep-sea exhibit, the largest collection of deep-sea creatures in North America, to learn about animals that glow in the dark.
8. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island | Manteo, NC
Known for its stellar sea turtle rehab center, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has something for everyone, from the alligators and turtles of the Outer Banks to the Atlantic's sharks, jellies and of course, sea turtles. A highlight of the aquarium is the Ironclad Sanctuary, a massive tank with a model of the Civil War–era USS Monitor that serves as a home to turtles, sharks and fish.
9. Audubon Aquarium | New Orleans, LA
Let the good times roll—and swim and splash—at NOLA's highly acclaimed Audubon Aquarium on the Mississippi River. Along with bayou creatures like alligators and frogs, you'll find the ever-popular Seahorse Gallery, a tropical snorkeling experience and a touch tank with friendly sharks and rays. Your aquarium ticket also grants you access to the Audubon Insectarium so you can bug out after visiting with the aquarium's penguins and turtles.
10. Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens | Galveston, TX
As if the theaters, ropes course, museum and rainforest conservatory weren't enough, Moody Gardens is also home to the Aquarium Pyramid, one of the largest in the Southwest. Known for its animal encounters, this non-profit aquarium lets you meet river otters, feed stingrays, watch penguins paint tiny masterpieces and watch mesmerizing moon jellies up close. The best part is that all ticket sales directly fund conservation efforts.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Terri Guthrie writes and creates videos about her many adventures across the U.S. and globe, describing the things she learns. She often shares itineraries, favorite restaurants, free things to experience and how to be street smart. Sign up to Travel with Terri for great travel ideas and follow her on Instagram.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Heather Raulerson is a freelance travel writer and photographer who left a traditional 9–5 job to explore the world. She spent a year backpacking through Europe and Asia, even living in Thailand for 4 months. A lover of SLOW travel and getting to know the local culture, Heather is always exploring with her camera. She has been featured in several publications. Follow her adventures at raulersongirlstravel.com.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.