We Slept With The Sharks
Written: May 28 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good exhibits, large tanks, ferry ride trip
Cons: no strollers allowed
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| Ohara1861's Full Review: New Jersey State Aquarium |
Whether you live in Philadelphia or one of its surrounding counties, live in New Jersey or are just visiting this area, make The New Jersey State Aquarium one of your "must" stops.
The Aquarium was built only a few years ago so it's relatively new. The building is open and airy with 2 levels to it. A visit will find you with a map and a self guided visit so you are free to browse around as much as you wish.
Most of their exhibits feature fish and some reptiles in large glass tanks. All have information about the animal next to it, including its name, habitat and some interesting features about it. We have seen a tree frog, amazing fish, sea turtles and many more.
The most impressive feature to the aquarium is the large tank which is home to nurse sharks, flounder, turtles, sand sharks and a few other residents. You can access the tank from many angles. The lights are lowered here and faint sounds are heard that make you feel like you are underwater in a submersible. On occasion, you can even see the scuba divers in the tank and witness feeding time. It is almost hypnotic to stand and watch these creatures glide effortlessly through the water.
Another feature is a simulated river or pond that represents the water in New Jersey. It is very realistic with sand, shells and a sign. A duck with only 1 webbed foot calls this place home. In the center hallway, just as you enter the building is a giant sharks mouth. This is impressive and is always a camera stop for visitors.
Outside of the building, is a giant pool that has seals in it. These are most likely to be viewed in the spring and summer as it gets very cold in the winter.
The Aquarium has a gift shop and cafeteria. No strollers are permitted in the facility although they offer backpacks for rent. The aquarium also has a deck that you can visit and see the Delaware River and Penns Landing in Philadelphia. Fox news also has a mini studio there.
Just recently, the Children's Garden was added next door to the aquarium. I have not visited this but it promised to show gardening in the Garden State and have themed garden areas like Alice In Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.
The Aquarium offers a package for entry to the aquarium, a ride on one of the boats across the Delaware into Philadelphia and an optional visit to the Maritime Museum in Philadelphia and back again. We took this option and it extended our visit into afternoon. You can further explore Philadelphia this way or stroll through Penns Landing. Children will most likely enjoy the short and calm ride on the ferry.
The Aquarium also offers over night trips for community group like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scout. I did this with my troop a year ago and it was fun. Yes the sharks were swimming in tanks over our heads and kept us company that night. We received a tour of the facility, watched divers in the tank, walked above the giant tank behind the scenes.
The Aquarium is one bright spot to the Camden Waterfront and a great diversion for the afternoon.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Ohara1861
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Member: Jeanne O'Pella
Location: Haddonfield, NJ
Reviews written: 255
Trusted by: 23 members
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