New England Aquarium in Boston

Every child should, at some point in their life enjoy the experience of a world class aquarium. Not just for the education but also for the sheer entertainment factor.

The New England Aquarium in Boston is certainly world class and should not be missed, if you are visiting Boston. It is easy to find, on Atlantic Ave, and garage parking is within walking distance. The parking rate is reduced with validation by the Aquarium.

The ticket booths are located outside the aquarium, next to an outdoor enclosure display of harbor seals, which swim and frolic year round in the frigid sea water.

The aquarium holds a giant ocean tank in the center of the building, with various marine habitats making up the outer wall space. The first major exhibit seen upon entering the aquarium is the penguins. Rock hoppers, African penguins and the smallest, Little Blue penguins. There are dozens of them, leaping off rocks and darting about in the water. Different species but equally adorable.

Approach the giant tank and you are able to observe close up, all manner of sea creatures. From the tiniest shrimp to the meanest looking sharks and 130 different species in between. A very impressive sight is Myrtle, a 550 pound green sea turtle, undeniably the star of the show. Spiral your way around the tank to the top, passing 67 windows of amazing sea life, and you are able to observe divers feeding the sharks and other fish. At the very top of the tank you can appreciate the coral reef from above. The divers will periodically give a talk and answer questions from the audience.

There is so much to see and many exhibits to marvel at, including an Amazon tank, with a giant anaconda and piranhas. There are sea horses, sea stars, sea anemones of all colors and kinds. A favorite is the sea dragon-an amazing creature from South Australia that looks like a plant.

Less flashy, but still great to explore are the freshwater pond tanks, with fish and turtles just like you might have where you live. There is also a Northern Waters exhibit with an octopus which will hopefully display his fine set of tentacles for you.

One of the highlights of the aquarium, for children, is the tide pool area. Here they are able to have hands on experience with crabs of all kinds, sea stars and snails. Bring a change of clothes in case your child becomes overly enthusiastic with the water.

By now you're bound to be hungry so head over to the café. There is a wide selection of hot and cold meals, but the food is expensive.

After lunch continue to the Amazing Jellies exhibit. This is a large, darkened room with several tanks of various species of jellyfish. Outside of that room is a tropical tank filled with vivid, brightly colored fish, corals and anemones.

Along from there is the medical center which houses creatures needing treatment, in tanks which are also on display. The final exhibit is an outdoor enclosure of northern fur seals. These guys are very loud, but very entertaining-you could sit and watch them for quite a while.

Apart from putting on a good show, the New England Aquarium strives to educate the public and make them aware of human impact on the marine environment. They are a non-profit institution and part of the admission fee supports research and conservation programs. For more information go to their website www.neaq.org.