Ultimate Guide to the Mystic Aquarium

The Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut) is a family-friendly attraction to visit during any time of the year. Learn about marine life like sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, turtles, penguins and manta rays in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. There aren't dolphins at Mystic Aquarium (CT).

Afraid of animals but still want an immersive experience with one? Try out the virtual reality experience called Undersea Explorers.

You can also take pictures in front of recreations of Jurassic dinosaurs. 

The marine museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. In the winter, hours vary and could be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions about hours, you can call the aquarium at (860) 572-5955.

Animal encounter

Participate in a private encounter with the beloved animals of the aquarium. You can have a behind-the-scenes experience with African penguins, harbor seals, sea lions, beluga whales and various reptiles. There is even an opportunity to be a "trainer for the day," which gives you the opportunity to help feed and play with the animals. 

Events

Visit the aquarium during a unique event to make new friends and memories. Some of the upcoming Mystic Aquarium events for 2021 are:

• Aug. 6, 20: Sips at Sunset
• Aug. 10: Muddy World of Amphibians
• Aug. 11, 18, 25: BeluYOGA
• Aug. 17: Women in Science Day
• Aug. 21: Mystic-wide Cleanup
• Sept. 9: Annual Golf Classic
• Sept. 18: Ocean Commotion Gala
• Sept. 25: International Coastal Cleanup

Gift shop

At the Mystic Aquarium gift shop, you can buy a cute, educational souvenir to take home to your family and friends. Buy items like a plush triceratops hugger, "Shark Bite" book, T-shirt, wrapping paper and toys.

Mystic Aquarium exhibits

Walk throughout the aquarium to get an up-close look at thousands of marine animals. The popular exhibits you can see include:

• "Arctic Coast"
• "Jurassic Giants"
• "Main Gallery"
• "Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavillion"
• "Pacific Northwest"

If you're lost on where to go, check out the Mystic Aquarium map here.

Theater

The performances at the Foxwoods Marine Theater is another great reason to visit the aquarium. Watch the California sea lions put on quite the show with their trainers. Showtimes are: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. everyday.

The tickets cost up to $41 for adults, $36 for seniors and $31 for children. Children under the age of two are free. Buy your ticket here. You can exchange your ticket for a different date if you can't make it to the day you reserved.

If you're looking to only pay an annual fee, consider getting the Mystic Aquarium membership. Learn more about the membership here.

Are they ever free?

Sometimes for children who are 18 years or under, they can get in free to the aquarium in the summer. For 2021, this promotion runs from July 1 to September 6, though tickets have already been reserved. 

This attraction can be found at 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT, which is right next to I-95. You can get Mystic Aquarium directions from the Google Maps down below.

Mystic Aquarium parking is south and east of the aquarium, so there's plenty of space for your car.