National Aquarium in Baltimore

Having been accused by Kieren of taking him only to boring places like the National Gallery and Annapolis over the holiday period, we decided that a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore was in order for Monday 31 December 2007.

Wikipedia summarises it as 'The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a public aquarium located at 501 E Pratt St. in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It was opened in 1981 and was constructed during the urban renewal period of Baltimore. The aquarium has an annual attendance of 1.6 million to see its collection of 10,500 specimens of 560 different species. Particular attractions include the dolphin display, rooftop rainforest, and central ray pool, and multiple-story shark tanks'. There was also an Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes display on.

Cost us pretty much $100 for the four of us to get in on the 'Total Experience Package'. Just found that City Paper rated the Aquarium the 'Best Over Priced Destination for Families' in 2006! And while we did have a very good day, it did seem pretty much overpriced by any measure. The typical 'souvenir' shops inside were similarly overpriced although at least the food seemed more reasonable.

Was expecting just the usual aquarium which most of it was. It is a very confusing layout inside the buildings. There's many different levels and a one way series of escalators etc. Working out how to get from one area to another wasn't easy - a better designed map would help but you shouldn't need a complex map to get around a purpose built tourism facility!

We were there by around 11ish (and had sorted out parking better than last time but still cost us $15 after the Aquarium visitors' $3 discount). So it was easy to get around at first but by the afternoon it was hopeless. Too many people to see the exhibits which tend to be on the smaller size, reflecting the frogs etc on display.

The kids had three highlights:

• The dolphin show which was pretty short but was fairly well done.
• The 4D film of The Polar Express. The movie was compressed into less than 20 minutes but with added sights, sounds and smells. 'The Aquarium’s 4D Immersion theater combines the visual drama of a 3D film with a variety of sensory effects, which are built into theater seats and the theater environment. Most films are transformed into 20-minute or less experiences and will virtually bring on-screen images to life with added effects such as: water mist, wind, a neck air blast, snow, bubbles, steam, leg ticklers, scents, enhanced floor lighting, and seat vibrations!'
• The touching area of seashells etc.

Kieren also spent the remainder of his Christmas money on a jeep with inflatable dinghy on the roof plus a diving bell with lots of little parts that he just had to had. So much so that Donna left her coffee at Barnes and Noble afterwards to take him back to get it!

Malcolm