Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The basics

A journey through the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk begins along the banks of a freshwater river and the shallow waters of a salt marsh before going deeper into the open ocean. The exhibits showcase the diversity of habitats while instilling a sense of responsibility for conservation. At Pinniped Cove, meet harbor seals, then see the loggerhead and green sea turtles and get a peek inside the lab where horseshoe crabs are studied.

Things to know before you go

• 4D movie tickets are an additional charge and not included with aquarium admission.

• The aquarium also has a gift shop and two on-site cafés.

• Strollers, wheelchairs, and backpacks are allowed.

• The aquarium is wheelchair-accessible, with limited wheelchairs for visitors at no cost.

• Visitors can also hop aboard the R/V Spirit of the Sound for public cruises; the vessel is currently undergoing maintenance.

How to get there

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is easily accessible via I-95 by car or the Metro-North Railroad. It’s a 1-hour train ride from Grand Central Station in NYC; exit at the South Norwalk stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the aquarium. You can also get around downtown Norwalk via Wheels2U, a shuttle service that operates like a rideshare service but is free to use.

When to get there

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The most popular times are during the mornings on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting later in the day during the week. The aquarium also offers special programming including mornings for guests with sensory-processing differences.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

In the historic waterfront neighborhood of South Norwalk (called SoNo by some), you’ll also find the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. It features interactive exhibits such as the Energy Lab, a giant kinetic sculpture, educational programs, and family-friendly activities. Here, kids are encouraged to question, experiment, and think critically.