The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut: A Friendly Guide to Ocean Wonders

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut is a window into the vibrant ecosystem of Long Island Sound. Located in the SoNo district, this family-friendly attraction houses over 7,500 animals including harbor seals, sand tiger sharks, and river otters. You’ll find yourself immersed in carefully recreated natural habitats that showcase the rich aquatic life just beyond Connecticut’s shores.

When you visit, you can engage with marine life through three touch-tanks featuring stingrays, nurse sharks, and crabs for an unforgettable hands-on experience. The aquarium is easily accessible from I-95 and the Metro North Railroad, making it a perfect day trip destination. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to connect people with Long Island Sound and inspire action to protect our oceans.

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is a fantastic place to explore the wonders of Long Island Sound. With over 8,000 aquatic animals, you’ll journey from freshwater rivers to salt marshes and deep ocean habitats. It’s a perfect destination for families looking to learn and have fun together.

At Pinniped Cove, you can watch seals swim and play in their huge habitat. The Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit features a massive 110,000-gallon tank where several types of large sharks glide past you. Don’t miss the touch tanks where you can feel stingrays and small sharks!

The aquarium offers more than just exhibits. You can catch amazing films at their 4D Theater, which adds sensory effects to make you feel part of the action. The Maritime Aquarium also focuses on conservation and research, working to protect Long Island Sound’s ecosystem.

Rating: 4.5 (6791 reviews)
Location: 10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854
Contact: (203) 852-0700
Website: Visit Website

Educational Programs

The Maritime Aquarium offers amazing learning experiences for all ages, from preschoolers to high schoolers. Their programs use live animals and Long Island Sound habitats to make science fun and interactive.

School Group Visits

School visits to The Maritime Aquarium are perfect for students of all grades! These visits align with Next Generation Science Standards, making them both educational and engaging. Your students will explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities with marine life.

Financial aid is available for qualifying groups. Just download the Group Financial-aid Form from their website and submit it via email, mail, or fax.

During your visit, students can interact with various marine habitats and learn about the importance of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem. The aquarium’s expert educators guide students through interactive lessons that bring science to life.

These programs are designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for marine science and conservation in young minds.

Summer Camps

Summer at The Maritime Aquarium is extra special with their project-based learning programs! The aquarium recently received a $244,180 grant to provide science-focused curriculum for K-3 students from Norwalk Public Schools.

These summer programs are part of a larger initiative supporting educational experiences for more than 96,000 Connecticut students. Your child will enjoy hands-on learning activities that make science exciting and accessible.

The camps focus on marine biology, conservation, and environmental science. Students explore diverse marine ecosystems while developing critical thinking skills.

Activities include touching live animals, conducting experiments, and participating in conservation projects. Each day brings new discoveries about ocean life and the importance of protecting our marine environments.

Registration typically opens early in the year, so be sure to sign up your budding marine scientist soon!

Conservation Efforts

The Maritime Aquarium takes conservation seriously with programs focused on protecting Long Island Sound‘s ecosystem. Their work includes wildlife rehabilitation and implementing sustainable practices throughout their facility.

Local Wildlife Rehabilitation

The Maritime Aquarium leads several initiatives to protect and restore Long Island Sound’s marine life. They’re currently working on a major project to remove thousands of abandoned lobster pots that continue to trap marine life. This effort was made possible by $569,000 in federal funding from the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

The Aquarium has also formed the Coastal Restoration Coalition with partners like Audubon CT & NY, The Nature Conservancy, and Save the Sound. This partnership focuses on coastal resiliency projects that maintain the ecological health of the region.

Sustainable Practices

The Maritime Aquarium incorporates sustainability into all aspects of its operations. Their annual fundraising events, including the Seas the Night Gala, place conservation at the forefront while raising significant funds for their environmental programs.

In recent years, these galas have raised impressive amounts – over $529,000 in one event and more than $400,000 in another. This funding supports their live exhibits, award-winning education initiatives, and conservation efforts that benefit Long Island Sound.

You’ll notice their commitment to sustainability throughout the facility. The Aquarium’s mission emphasizes protecting and improving the environment, making it not just a place to view marine life but an active participant in preserving it for future generations.

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