ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

Camden, NJ

1 Riverside Drive | Camden, NJ 08103 | Telephone 856-365-3300

Buddy Rating: 3

  The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ is a quick trip over the Ben Franklin Bridge. They have done a great job making the Adventure Aquarium a great destinations for families. Most the time the two giant hippos hang out right by the glass bobbing up and down for air. The shark tunnel never disappoints. This section is packed with every variety of shark you can think of. After you touch the sting rays jump outside to check out the penguins and seals.

Worth Mentioning: Camden, NJ is one the most dangerous cities in America list. Not only is it on the list but it comes in at one or two depending on the year. The Adventure Aquarium  and parking lot are in a safe area right on the waterfront by several other great attractions. This section on Camden is seperate from the trouble areas. Once you enter Camden there are several signs directing you to the Aquarium so don’t worry about getting lost.

I want to make it clear that I am not anti the Aquarium. It is just not a relaxing and easy trip because of how crowded it gets. We almost never go and it is always a last resort.

Buy Tickets On-Line:  Be sure to go on-line and buy your tickets ahead of time. You will be glad you did once you see the line and escpecially if the weather is bad. You just need to take the confirmation number and if you forget to print out the tickets they can look it up by your name and the credit card you used.

Parking: There is a drop off circle which I highly recommend you take advantage of if you have little ones. By the time the car gets parked and the other parent gets the tickets you will all be ready to check out the fish.

 

Hidden Gem:  During the Spring and Summer months be sure to check out the Camden’s Children’s Garden which is right next door to the aquarium. I actually think it is a lot better. It is this great outdoor Alice in Wonderland play area complete with a small train you can ride and a carousel. If it is nice out skip the expensive aquarium and head the Children’s Garden.

DAILY: 9:30 -5:00

Cost: Adults, $22.95; Children (2-12) $17.95.  (Children under 2 are FREE).

Parking: $10.00 *Unless you know Camden well…Park in the lot.

 

Overcrowded: Unfortunetly the Adventure Aqaurium is a very popular spot especially during the week with school trips.  It can be really tough to enjoy the aquarium when you get stuck in overcrowded, dark tunnel with screaming kids and slow moving chaperones. The last time my mom took me we actually left early.

 

Ticket Counter: The worse design feature of the Adventure Aquarium is that the ticket counter is outside. Since the lines are often long you have to stand there in the rain and cold weather which does not make a great start to the day. *See TIPS for a way to help speed up the process.

 

Parking Lot: The parking lot is a little far. If you have little ones and you are hauling a bunch of stuff. The walk from the car to the Aquarium is a little annoying. *See TIPS for a way to make it a little easier.

Food: There is a cafeteria on site with the basic kids junk foods: chicken fingers, pizza, burgers. They also have salads and wraps for moms. The food is nothing to write home about. The Adventure Aquarium is right on the Delaware River. On a nice day pack a picnic and do lunch al fresco. There is a veranda with tables and chairs or bring a blanket and sprawl out right on the grass and watch the boats go by. There is Breyer’s ice cream inside if you need a cold treat.

 

 

 

Click here download directions as a printable PDF