The 7 coolest aquarium experiences in the United States

It’s always a fine time to visit aquariums and explore what’s beneath the surface. In Finding Dory (the 2016 sequel to the 2003 film Finding Nemo), the forgetful Dory ends up at the Monterey Marine Life Institute while searching for her family. Your visit is likely to be more recreational. From shark encounters to training sea otters, these are the coolest aquarium experiences.

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An experience like no otter | Photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium

Sea Otter Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA

Sea otters are among the most charismatic and playful creatures in the ocean, and at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, visitors can get up close and personal with them. The Sea Otter Encounter will let guests test their culinary skillsby preparing a sea otter meal. Next, they’ll work beside trainers and participate in a training session. It otter be a great time!

The Shark Chute is absolutely jawesome | Flickr CC: Eric Chan

Tank Pool and Shark Chute at the Golden Nugget: Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas boasts a high number of underwater residents and the Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget is home to 300 of them. This 200,000-gallon aquarium is nestled right beside the pool area so swimmers can feel like they’re next to the ocean… and there’s a way to get closer. To feel the exhilaration of swimming with sharks, take the plunge on the Shark Chute. The three-story water slide shoots adventure seekers down a tube that winds through the unnerving shark tank.

Trainer for a day? Whale doesn’t that sound special?! | Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium

Trainer for a Day at the Shedd Aquarium: Chicago, IL

Going hands-on is a way to ensure an aquarium visit will be a memorable one and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago makes that opportunity available. Their Trainer for a Day package is a four-hour event allowing visitors to spend time in the tall, rubber boots of a marine mammal trainer. Guests get to go through a trainer’s daily routine and work multiple feeding and training sessions with animals such as belugas, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and penguins.

Isn’t this baby beluga fin-tactic?! | Photo courtesy of the Mystic Aquarium

Beluga Encounter at Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, CT

Are any whales cuter than belugas? Mystic Aquarium in New England recognizes how special the whales are and encourages interaction with them via their Beluga Encounter. Guests get to don fashionable waterproof gear and go right into the water with the whales and trainers in the beluga exhibit.

Take shellfies with sea turtles | Flickr CC: Charleston’s The Digitel

Sea Turtle Hospital Tour at the South Carolina Aquarium: Charleston, SC

South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston is home to a rescue and rehabilitation program for sea turtles. The Sea Turtle Hospital provides necessary care to get sea turtles back on their fins. learn about aquatic patients and the care the hospital gives to the endangered creatures by taking a tour of the facilities.

Become an artist with their seal of approval | Photo courtesy of K. Ellenbogen and the New England Aquarium

Paint with the Seals at the New England Aquarium: Boston, MA

Harbor seals can wield brushes like pros, and anyone can work with them to create a masterpiece at the New England Aquarium in Boston. The Paint with the Seals program brings guests into the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit to work side-by-side with a trainer and seal on a three color painting. Guests get a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a souvenir.

Visitors “sea” a whole new world at the Monterey Bay Aquarium | Photo courtesy of the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Marine Life Institute in Finding Dory was inspired in part by Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. Get an idea about what makes an aquarium tick and see some locales referenced in the animated film by taking the Behind-the-Scenes Tour.

Tagged: California, Family time, Midwest