Five Best Aquariums for Families on the East Coast

Go under the sea and visit with aquatic creatures at these top U.S. Aquariums on the East Coast. We've listed them in order from North to South:

1) New England Aquarium: Boston, MA

New England Aquarium

At the New England Aquarium in Boston, the penguins always steal the show.  If you can tear yourself away from these entertaining creatures, you'll find a multi-story reef where you can walk up and down and see the layers of sea life. From reef sharks to turtles to giant fish, visitors can step up close to the glass and feel like they're diving under the ocean. Plus, the location in downtown Boston cannot be beat.  The New England Aquarium is an easy walk away from many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Read our full review of this venue here.

2) Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, CT

Mystic Aquarium

For an unforgettable experience, come face to face with the Beluga Whales at the Mystic Aquarium, the only ones in New England. Children are often so mesmerized by them that its easy to forget there is much more to see at the aquarium, including playful African Penguins, Shark and Ray Touch Pools, hands-on shallow pool Discovery Lab, coral reef fish, Loggerhead Turtles, and much more. Save room for a meal at the iconic Mystic Pizza, and check out our other top suggestions for family fun on the Connecticut shore.

3) National Aquarium: Baltimore, MD

National Aquarium Baltimore

This massive aquarium filled with fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds is located near lots of action in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Spy five different types of sharks in Shark Alley or spot swinging tamarins and sleeping sloths in the Tropical Rainforest. The National Aquarium also offers colorful reefs, dolphins, puffins, and much more. Get a hands-on experience with native Mid-Atlantic creatures at the Living Seashore exhibit.  Also sit back, relax and let your senses be entertained by taking in one of the unique 4-D Immersion films.

4) Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA

Georgia Aquarium

To take it all in, you'll need to spend the whole day here! The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the entire Western Hemisphere and boasts tens of thousands of marine animals. Whether cold water, tropics, or rivers the animals are as diverse as their aquatic environments, and families can expect to find never-seen-before creatures. Don't miss the breathtaking AT&T Dolphin Tales show (included in admission) which includes an exciting plot, live actors, beautiful dolphins, stunning costumes and visual effects. It's a one of a kind performance!

5) The Florida Aquarium: Tampa, FL

The Florida Aquarium

Not only can visitors expect to see tons of animals native to Florida (such as alligators, otters, Great Blue Herons, dolphins and sea turtles, ) but there are also animals (such as lemurs, pythons, and Hissing Cockroaches) from all over the world. You may also want to bring a change of clothes. Kids can make a splash and cool off at the two-acre Explore a Shore water adventure zone, complete with slides, a sprayground and water play features. Be sure to get a combo ticket for the 75-minute, narrated Wild Dolphin Cruise and see the Atlantic Bottle-nosed dolphins and other marine life native to Tampa Bay.