Spotlight: Philadelphia - Adventure Aquarium

Spotlight: Although technically in Camden, New Jersey, the Adventure Aquarium is located within the Philadelphia metro area - just on the other side of the Delaware River. In addition, it is one of the options on the Philadelphia CityPASS. The Adventure Aquarium was originally the New Jersey State Aquarium. It opened in 1992, and went through major renovations in 2005. Adventure Aquarium features about 8,000 live aquatic or semi-aquatic animals in a variety of freshwater and marine habitats. The aquarium has 200,000 sq. feet of floor space, and its tanks hold over 2 million gallons of water.

Location: From Philadelphia, you cross the Ben Franklin Bridge into Camden. Take the 6th Street exit, and follow 6th St. to Cooper St. Turn right, and take Cooper Street to Riverside Dr. Turn left, and look for the aquarium on your left: map

Cost: $25.95/adult (13+); $18.95/child (2-12); 4D Adventure combo (add $3); free admission with Philadelphia CityPASS

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; 2-3 hours

Description: The Adventure Aquarium has several programs. These include Hippo Feed and Talk (10:30 am & 2:30 pm daily; plus 11:30 & 1:30 times on weekends), Penguin Feed and Talk (11:15 am daily; plus 3:45 on weekends), Meet the Divers! (11:30 am daily), and Sea Turtle Time (1:15 - Sat. & Sun. only). We thoroughly enjoyed the Meet the Divers show.

     In addition to hippos, penguins, and sea turtles, the Adventure Aquarium has sharks, rays, guitar fish, birds, eels, star fish, saw fish, sea horses, frogs, an alligator, cape porcupine, jelly fish, and hundreds of other fish species. Most of the tanks are viewing only, but there are a few special tanks where guests may pet the animals, including a small species of shark, rays, moon jellies, lobsters, and pink shrimp. Very few aquariums allow guests to touch several of these animals, and Adventure Aquarium is the only one to provide access to all five.

     One of the most unique exhibits is Dinosaurs of the Deep, where guests meet about 20 prehistoric monsters that ruled the seas during the Jurassic Age. The 4D Theater combines special effects with a 3D movie to create a unique experience for guests.
     The highlight of the aquarium is probably the Shark Tunnel. As you walk through the shark tunnel, you have a great view of the sharks swimming all around you. The sharks cannot see in, but you can observe them as they swim only feet away.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - There is no toll to cross into New Jersey via the Ben Franklin Bridge, but there is a $5.00 toll to go from Camden into Philadelphia.
- Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis. They may be borrowed with a fully refundable $10 deposit.
- Strollers may be rented for $4 or $6 (double) on a first come, first serve basis.
- Coolers larger than 12"x12"x10" are not permitted inside the aquarium. All glass bottles are prohibited.
- All pets are prohibited except for service dogs for guests with special needs.
- Dining is available at the Feeding Frenzy Cafe.
- Visitors may get a $4 off coupon (per person, up to 5 guests) at participating Subway restaurants.

Nearby: Dr. Ulysses Wiggins Waterfront Park, Penn's Landing, Trenton Battle Monument, New Jersey State Museum