Which National Aquarium is better

kjhowland · #1 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 12:17 AM

OK in 2 weeks, I'm heading to Silver Spring Maryland for some job related training. I plan to visit the Zoo as well as the Aquarium during my limited time off. I see that there is 2 different National Aquariums there, one in Washington and one in Maryland. Does anyone have info on the 2 and which one is better? Thanks

kjhowland · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 12:22 AM

Also Baltimore Zoo or National Zoo

mongoose5971 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 02:02 AM

I don't know about Baltimore but I hear the National Zoo is free

I don't know how I lived up there for 3 months and never visited any of them...

BlackLava · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 04:40 AM

from what i have heard, you HAVE to visit the National zoo!! i hear its awesome

el_shorty · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 02:01 PM

My suggestions are the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the National Zoo. Just a few of things, make sure to plan your trip, expect a 30 minute to one hour drive from Silver Spring to Baltimore, traffic in the DC area can be horrible. ticket prices for the aquarium are $29 for adults and $18 for kids, and expect to pay between $10 to $30 for parking in Baltimore, which sometimes can take around 15 to 30 minutes just to find some available close to the aquarium.

The National Zoo is a must, there is no entrance fee and you can expect to pay up to $20 for parking, it can be difficult to find parking if you come to the zoo after 11 am on weekends, and after 12pm on weekdays, if possible get there early around 9 am, you will avoid the big crowds and you'll be able to see the big cats outside playing, after 11 am all they do is sleep. Also take note that all indoor exhibits close at 6pm. And make sure to visit the Giant Pandas and take lots of pictures.
One more thing, make sure to have lots of water with you and wear light clothes, it gets very hot and humid around here.

Reptilegirl21 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 06:19 PM

I really dont like the Baltimore Zoo. Been there many to many times, and spent to much money. Most of the time they are doing construction. On the other hand I looove the National zoo and could spend hours there. I usually just take the metro up. The reptile house is a must!
The Baltimore aquarium is pretty cool. They have a neat rainforest area to walk through, and a really cool, new Australian exhibit.

kjhowland · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 09:40 PM

Thanks all. The consensus seems to be the National Zoo in DC and the Baltimore Aquarium. Doesn't make sense that the Aquarium closes so early. Oh well, I think I'll hit the Zoo on Monday and the Aquarium Tuesday morning.

X-Factor · #8 (**permalink**) 08-30-2008, 11:24 AM

Ok I live here in MD. I believe the Washington Zoo is still free and is a MUST SEE. Plan on several hours to see everything. The Baltimore Aquarium is the ONLY choice and is PHENOMENAL. I have relatives that live just a few blocks from it too. Aquarium is NOT free and will probably run you at least $20 per ticket just to get in the door. Shoot me a PM if you want any more info.

Edit: I see my fellow MDrs have already assisted and I'm too late. Dang.

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