My family and I lived in Orlando, Florida for about four years and we spent many weekends enjoying the area’s world class attractions. That included SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You could say we’re a little spoiled when it comes to animal exhibits and we definitely have high standards for zoos and aquariums. So it was with a little trepidation that I headed to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut this summer. How could a tiny facility in a little New England town compare to the House that Shamu Built?

Beluga whale at Mystic Aquarium

The aquarium was small, it’s true. But, as my 11-year old son keeps saying, they “made really good use of their space!” There wasn’t a lot of unnecessary walking or wooded paths meant to make the grounds look bigger than they were. Each nook and cranny was used to display a variety of sea creatures in beautiful habitats that provided ample space for the animals to move and play.

The Mystic Aquarium didn’t try to do it all, but instead focused on doing a few things very well.

Frogs in the swamp exhibit at Mystic Aquarium

The exhibits were clean and spacious and made it easy for large groups of adults and kids to watch and learn. You can see even more by paying attention to feeding times or signing up for animal encounters and engagement activities.

Bottom line: two thumbs up to this seaside aquarium!

Photos: Britt Reints