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Adventure Aquarium, located on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, is a premier family destination. Spanning over 200,000 square feet, the aquarium offers an immersive experience into the aquatic world. Home to over 15,000 aquatic animals, it features one of the largest collections of sharks in the Northeast, alongside a wide array of species like sea turtles, stingrays, and penguins. Its notable exhibits include the Shark Bridge, the first V-shaped rope suspension bridge where visitors can walk just inches above nearly two dozen sharks and the 3D Theater that provides educational yet thrilling experiences. Adventure Aquarium provides not only fun but also educative insights into aquatic life, emphasizing conservation efforts.
To maximize your visit, check the feeding schedule upon arrival, as many interactive sessions with animals provide insights into their habits and roles in the ecosystem.
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and ensure a smooth entry, especially during peak seasons and weekends when the aquarium sees increased visitor traffic.
How to best experience Adventure Aquarium?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Adventure Aquarium through these providers:
A World of Water Wonders
Located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey offers a unique, immersive experience for all ages. Renowned for its wide array of aquatic life, the aquarium is home to over 15,000 aquatic animals representing around 800 species. It plays a pivotal role in both wildlife conservation and providing educational experiences that highlight the importance of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. Visitors to Adventure Aquarium can enjoy up-close encounters with everything from tiny seahorses to massive sharks, making it a fascinating destination for animal lovers and families alike. What sets this aquarium apart is its dedication to providing interactive experiences, such as the ‘Touch-a-shark’ tank and ‘Penguin Park’, which allow guests to connect with marine life in meaningful ways. These initiatives not only educate visitors but also foster a greater appreciation for marine creatures and their environments. Adventure Aquarium’s commitment to both entertainment and education positions it as a key tourist attraction in the region.
Discover Underwater Life
Adventure Aquarium showcases a variety of aquatic habitats, from the reefs of the Pacific to the murky waters of the Amazon River. One of its highlights is the Shark Realm, where visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by over 550,000 gallons of water and witness sharks swimming overhead. The exhibit features a range of shark species, emphasizing their role and significance within marine ecosystems.
Interactive Experiences
For a more interactive experience, the Stingray Beach Club allows guests to touch and even feed the friendly stingrays under supervised conditions. This hands-on approach helps in demystifying these fascinating creatures and promotes a better understanding of marine life.
Hippos On The Scene
While primarily focused on aquatic life, Adventure Aquarium also surprises with its exclusive hippopotamus exhibit. This exhibit, featuring two massive Nile hippos named Button and Genny, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of one of Africa’s most formidable animals. Not commonly found in North American aquariums, the presence of these hippos makes for a distinctive and memorable visitor experience, allowing an up-close look at their daily activities through underwater viewing windows.
Explore the wonders of Adventure Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden offers a diverse array of exhibits and experiences that cater to all age groups and interests, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, or anyone seeking to enrich their understanding of marine life. Visitors here can expect not only to witness an impressive collection of aquatic species, including rare sharks and playful penguins, but also to engage in interactive activities such as touch tanks and up-close animal encounters. The aquarium’s commitment to education and conservation also ensures a meaningful visit, providing insights into the aquatic world and efforts to sustain it.
Optimal durations for a visit to Adventure Aquarium
The best times to visit Adventure Aquarium are during the weekday mornings when the crowds are smaller and the experience can be more intimate. This not only provides a more relaxed visit but also ensures better views and interactions with the exhibits. Summer and early fall also see a variety of special events that can enhance your visit.
Annual Mermaid Event
An especially magical time to visit is during the annual Mermaid event held usually in the fall. Visitors can enjoy themed activities and see real-life mermaids swimming in the tanks with the sea creatures, creating unforgettable memories.
Ensuring a smooth visit to Adventure Aquarium
Understanding the accessibility and limitations of the Aquarium ensures all visitors enjoy their experience.
Accessibility
Limitations
- Age Restrictions: Some exhibits require children to be over a certain age.
- Item Restrictions: No outside food, beverages, or large bags.
- Photography: Flash photography is prohibited in certain areas.
Notes to visitors
- Early arrival is recommended to avoid queues.
- Check exhibit maintenance schedules online to avoid disappointments.
General information for your visit
Location
The Aquarium is situated near the vibrant Riverfront Promenade, making it easily accessible through various modes of transportation.
Address:
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
Opening hours
The Adventure Aquarium is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, except on major holidays when the schedule may vary.
Getting to Adventure Aquarium
Visitors can reach Adventure Aquarium by multiple transportation methods.
Car
Conveniently located just off Interstate 676, with ample parking available nearby.
| Route | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| From Philadelphia | 5 miles (8 Km) | 10 minutes |
| From Wilmington, DE | 37 miles (59 Km) | 45 minutes |
| From Trenton, NJ | 34 miles (55 Km) | 40 minutes |
Public Transit
Public buses and the River Link Ferry offer routes that stop near the aquarium, providing convenient access without the need for personal vehicles.
Nearby Attractions
Explore other attractions around Adventure Aquarium:
- Camden Children’s Garden – 0.2 miles (0.32 km)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
- Liberty Bell Center – 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- Independence Hall – 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- The Franklin Institute – 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
- Reading Terminal Market – 3.7 miles (6 km)
- Elfreth’s Alley – 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge – 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Eastern State Penitentiary – 6 miles (9.7 km)
- Philadelphia Zoo – 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
- Walt Whitman Home – 1.3 miles (2.1 km)
- Rattlesnake Bridge – 2 miles (3.2 km)
Common questions
What kind of exhibits can be found at Adventure Aquarium?
Are there any special programs or activities for children at Adventure Aquarium?
Can I feed the animals during my visit to Adventure Aquarium?
Is there a restaurant or food available at Adventure Aquarium?
Is Adventure Aquarium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
What measures are in place at Adventure Aquarium to ensure visitor safety?
Are there membership options available at Adventure Aquarium?
Can I host an event or party at Adventure Aquarium?
What research and conservation initiatives is Adventure Aquarium involved in?
How long does a typical visit to Adventure Aquarium last?
Is photography allowed inside Adventure Aquarium?
Can I buy Adventure Aquarium merchandise online?
Is the Adventure Aquarium in Camden worth visiting?
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is undoubtedly a captivating destination for anyone keen on exploring marine life. The facility boasts an impressive array of aquatic species, from sharks to penguins, and provides interactive exhibits that enhance learning and engagement. Particularly noteworthy are the shark tunnel and the touch tanks, which allow visitors to get up-close with marine creatures.
However, one should be mindful of the potential downsides. The aquarium can get quite crowded during peak times, which may impact the overall experience. Additionally, the cost of admission might be considered steep for some. Despite these aspects, if you appreciate marine biology and interactive educational experiences, the Adventure Aquarium remains a valuable visit.