Maria Mitchell Aquarium - a group of fish swimming in an aquarium
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Maria Mitchell Aquarium

4.5
·40 reviews·Nantucket, United States

A charming, interactive aquarium focused on local marine life, renowned for its passionate interns and hands-on exhibits for children.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intern attention

CrowdLow
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Maria Mitchell Aquarium - a group of fish swimming in an aquarium

Maria Mitchell Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intern attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, interactive aquarium focused on local marine life, renowned for its passionate interns and hands-on exhibits for children.

4.5
(40 reviews)

"The interns are amazing and make the experience so special for kids!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Engage with Interns

The interns are incredibly knowledgeable and make the experience special for kids. Ask them questions!

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids love interacting with the sea creatures.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Touch Tanks

Interactive Touch Tanks

Main exhibit area

Get up close and personal with fascinating sea creatures. Perfect for little hands to explore and learn.

Horseshoe Crab Encounters

Horseshoe Crab Encounters

Dedicated exhibit

Discover the unique horseshoe crab and learn about its importance and how to protect it.

Intern-Led Feeding Demonstrations

Intern-Led Feeding Demonstrations

Various tanks

Watch aquarists feed the marine animals and learn about their unique behaviors and diets.

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Planning Your Visit

Kid-Centric Fun

This aquarium is a fantastic spot for children, offering hands-on experiences with marine life. While it might be small for adult-only visits, the engaging interns make it a memorable outing for younger visitors. Plan for interactive learning and touching tanks.

Intern-Led Exploration

The aquarium's interns are a highlight, providing personalized tours and educational insights. Their passion for marine life shines through, making the visit engaging for all ages. Arrive ready to learn and interact with knowledgeable staff.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intern attention
Crowd
Low
When
During feeding times
Why
See active marine life
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Definitely not what me or the kids expected but hey, it was something to do💁🏾‍♀️ #bocaraton #momthings #momof2 #boymoms #palmbeachcounty #thingstodo #explorewithus #travelmom
@thekaurieraye
849.5K likes • 9.9M views

🎯 Engage with Interns

The interns are incredibly knowledgeable and make the experience special for kids. Ask them questions! Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids love interacting with the sea creatures. Reddit

Video by @kikeo for his project Dreams of the World. Intern Shares Passion for Animals and Conservation at Nantucket Aquarium. I talk about my background as a college intern at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium on Nantucket, where I’m responsible for feeding and caring for the fish. I share my dream of working in conservation with animals, and my fascination with the giant Pacific octopus. I also sing a...
kikeo
39 likes • 4K views
Discovering the Fascinating Horseshoe Crab. We talk about the horseshoe crab and the speaker’s dream to spread the love for these animals so that people can learn about them and work together to protect them. The speaker explains that while the horseshoe crab’s tail looks treacherous, it is actually used to flip the crab back over if it gets flipped upside down. The speaker also asks the viewer to...
kikeo
47 likes • 4.7K views

🦀 Learn About Horseshoe Crabs

Discover the fascinating horseshoe crab and its role in marine conservation. Instagram

🐠 Feeding Frenzy Fun

Catch the feeding demonstrations for an exciting glimpse into marine animal diets. Instagram

FEEDING FRENZY Join MMA Aquarists and staff as they feed the ever-hungry creatures at the Aquarium before it opens to the public. You will learn all about the fascinating marine animals as you observe their unique feeding behaviors. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children. This program meets at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium at 32 Washington St. All registered children m...
mariamitchellassociation
20 likes • 934 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Engage with Interns

The interns are incredibly knowledgeable and make the experience special for kids. Ask them questions! Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids love interacting with the sea creatures. Reddit

🦀 Learn About Horseshoe Crabs

Discover the fascinating horseshoe crab and its role in marine conservation. Instagram

🐠 Feeding Frenzy Fun

Catch the feeding demonstrations for an exciting glimpse into marine animal diets. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Maria Mitchell Aquarium for its engaging and educational experience, particularly for children. The knowledgeable and friendly interns are a standout feature, making the small aquarium feel personal and impactful. While it's not a large-scale attraction, its interactive nature and dedicated staff make it a highly recommended stop for families.

"Wow! 100% recommend stopping by this really cute little aquarium with kids. My 2 year old was amazed and loved holding and touching the creatures. The best part was actually how amazing the interns were. They walked us tank to tank making sure my son was engaged and got to learn about all the creatures there. Thank you so much to the interns for making it an amazing visit 🙏"

Sarah Schall

"This is a place to bring kids. If we had kids with us it would probably be a 4 or 5 star rating. The Aquarium is not an aquarium for adults. It will however teach kids about the importance and relevance of marine life."

darrin Hagerty

"Small but awesome. The kids loved it. I did too. The staff is super friendly and engaging."

ilya tsymbal

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable interns
Interactive touch tanks
Great for kids

What People Dislike

Small size for adults

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Maria Mitchell Aquarium is located in Nantucket, accessible by ferry from Hyannis. Once on the island, it's a short walk or taxi ride from the ferry terminal. Many visitors find it convenient to explore Nantucket town on foot after visiting the aquarium. Reddit

Parking in Nantucket can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's often best to rely on walking or local transportation once you arrive on the island. Consider parking further out and walking if you drive to the ferry. Reddit

Yes, strollers are generally manageable, but Nantucket's historic streets can be cobblestoned. The aquarium itself is relatively small, so navigating with a stroller should be feasible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices are very reasonable, making it an affordable option for families. Check their official website for the most current pricing details. Reddit

While advance booking isn't always necessary, it's a good idea to check their website, especially during busy summer months, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the Maria Mitchell Association's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Instagram

While the aquarium is primarily geared towards children and offers a fantastic educational experience for them, adults can still appreciate the interactive exhibits and the passion of the staff. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of local marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and other fascinating sea creatures native to the Nantucket waters. The touch tanks are a major draw. Reddit

Yes, the aquarium often hosts special programs, including feeding demonstrations and educational talks led by their passionate interns. These are great for all ages. Instagram

A visit to the Maria Mitchell Aquarium is usually quite short, often around an hour, especially if you're focusing on the interactive elements. It's a perfect addition to a day trip. Reddit

The interns are highly praised for their engaging personalities, extensive knowledge, and dedication to educating visitors, especially children, about marine life. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The aquarium features touch tanks where visitors, particularly children, can safely interact with and learn about various marine animals under supervision. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb the animals. TikTok

The touch tanks and exhibits featuring unique creatures like the horseshoe crab offer great photo opportunities. The enthusiastic interns also make for memorable shots! Instagram

While generally permitted, be respectful of the animals and other guests. Avoid disruptive photography practices. Check for any specific signage or ask staff if unsure. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Maria Mitchell Aquarium is a must-visit for families with young children. The interactive touch tanks are a huge hit, allowing kids to safely feel and learn about marine life. The engaging interns are fantastic at keeping children entertained and educated, making the experience memorable. It's a small but perfectly formed attraction that offers a wonderful introduction to the ocean's wonders for little ones. TikTokReddit

Plan for about an hour here, making it ideal for a day trip or a break from other Nantucket activities. The hands-on nature of the exhibits ensures kids stay captivated. It’s a place where they can truly connect with the marine world in a fun and accessible way. Reddit

📚 Educational Travelers

For those seeking an educational experience, the Maria Mitchell Aquarium offers a deep dive into local marine ecosystems. The knowledgeable interns provide detailed insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation needs of the creatures on display. You'll learn about species like the horseshoe crab and their ecological importance. Instagram+1

This aquarium is more than just a collection of tanks; it's a hub for marine science education. The staff's passion for conservation is evident, making it an inspiring visit for anyone interested in the natural world. It’s a great place to supplement your understanding of coastal environments. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of the Aquarium: Its Interns

The Maria Mitchell Aquarium is renowned for its exceptional team of interns, who are often the stars of the show. These passionate individuals bring the marine world to life with their enthusiasm and deep knowledge. They guide visitors, answer questions, and ensure that every guest, especially children, feels engaged and excited about the creatures they encounter. Many visitors highlight the interns' ability to connect with kids, making the educational experience both fun and memorable. InstagramReddit

These interns are not just guides; they are educators dedicated to conservation. They share insights into the lives of the animals, their habitats, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. Their personal stories and dreams of working in conservation add a unique and inspiring layer to the aquarium visit. This personal touch is what elevates the experience from a simple viewing to a truly impactful learning opportunity. Instagram

If you visit, make sure to interact with the interns. They are eager to share their passion and can offer fascinating facts and stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Their dedication is a testament to the Maria Mitchell Association's commitment to marine education and conservation. Reddit

Interactive Learning for Young Explorers

This aquarium truly shines as a destination for families with young children. The emphasis is on hands-on exploration, with touch tanks that allow kids to safely feel the textures of various sea creatures. This direct interaction fosters a sense of wonder and a deeper connection to marine life. It’s an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and learning happens through play and discovery. Reddit

The size of the aquarium, while small, is perfectly suited for little ones. It means they can explore the entire space without getting overwhelmed or tired. The exhibits are designed to be visually stimulating and easy to understand for younger audiences. The staff and interns are adept at tailoring their explanations to suit the attention span and comprehension of children, ensuring they get the most out of their visit. TikTokReddit

Beyond the touch tanks, the aquarium offers opportunities to learn about specific species, like the fascinating horseshoe crab. These educational moments, combined with the interactive elements, make the Maria Mitchell Aquarium a highly recommended spot for a memorable family outing on Nantucket. Instagram

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