Do you have a toddler and a seven year old? Perhaps a newborn, four year-old and eight year-old? How about any combination of ages and stages? Then you know that finding events and attractions that make everyone happy on a family vacation can be a challenge.
But at The Traveling Family, we know one place that never fails to provide entertainment and hours of fun from ages zero to 100. It’s the AQUARIUM!
The aquarium is the perfect place to take up an afternoon during a staycation , fill time during school break, or when you’re exploring a new city (rainy day activity?).
FUN AND EDUCATIONAL: There’s just something so fun and magical about watching fish and other sea creatures swimming in huge tanks, not to mention the educational opportunities aquariums provide.
Angela V. Graziano of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told Parents magazine that aquariums are wonderful for families because “Research shows that hands-on features, like opportunities to touch marine life, sustain interest, spark learning and create a fun visit for the whole family.”
TEACHABLE MOMENTS: Aquariums are a sanctuary for endangered marine and wildlife. They often feature special exhibits on our planet’s oceans, making the aquarium a great jumping off point for discussing water and animal conservation with your children.
SUPPORTING AND FUNDING A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR OTHERS: Even though the price of admission doesn’t always come cheap at these watery museums, you can feel better knowing your dollars often go towards funding new research and conservation efforts. It’s important that families visit these museums from time to time and support them with their wallets or they may not be here in the future.
Almost every major (and not so major) city has an aquarium; so if you’re searching for something indoors to do with the kids on your next family vacation, stop by the local aquarium and give your family a fun treat.
For a list of the best family aquariums in the U.S. – click here!
