National Aquarium

Last year for Autumn's birthday she declared she wanted to go to the aquarium but we weren't able to find the time for all 4 of us to go together until December.  After debating about buying a membership or just paying for one visit, I opted for the membership.  At the time it was only a little bit extra and we could visit multiple times throughout the year.  Sound's perfect! I believe membership prices have increased, so weigh what is cost effective for you.  The membership is tied to your family members, so you can't let other people use your membership.

So far we have visited three times and there is still plenty of time left in the year.  We went back a couple of weeks ago once the new Blacktip Reef opened up.  Being members, for the month of August we were able to get in at 8:00 for an up close, non-crowded view and we were not disappointed.  

Here is a view from up above with the new 20 blacktip shark's.

The reef contains a ton of coral, but believe it or not all of it is handmade which I found impressive as it looks so real.

Here we are going up the elevator with another great view of the reef.  

There are multiple levels to just watch the numerous species that they have in the exhibit.  This was the below sea level view.

This is where we were able to see Calypso the 3 flipper sea turtle swim.  

You can also get an up close view of the coral and the smaller fish you can't see from up above.

We even got to see "Nemo".

I believe this was part of the Amazon exhibit, but I could be wrong.  See how close you can get to everything?  It was awesome.  No elbowing people so the kids could see.

I cracked up when I saw him doing this.  He was pretending he was a fish, but I thought he was kissing the window.

The frogs are always a favorite every time we go.

We even saw more than we bargained for.

This is by far one of my favorite places to just sit.  It always has been.  Maybe it's that inner Marine Biologist in me.

Logan love's the shark exhibit.  He could sit here forever.  

Finally we were able to see the Jelly exhibit.  Every time we go the line is insane.  This time wasn't a problem.

After lunch we headed across the Pier to one of our favorite restaurant's The Hard Rock Cafe.  

It just recently went through a renovation and re-opened in the Spring.  

It's pretty cool to just look around at all the stuff they have acquired.  Here is a jacket worn by Elton John.  The kids love watching the music video's.  They think it's cool.  Little do they know you use to be able to watch them on T.V.

I highly recommend the new exhibit and we can't wait to go back again.  If you decide to make the trek, going early before 11 a.m. of after 3 p.m. offers you the less crowded viewing experience.  If you are not a member, since they have the new exhibit and have advertised it heavily, the tickets especially on the weekends have been timed.  If you don't purchase tickets in advance you could have a couple of hours wait times to enter the aquarium.  If you park in the Lockwood garage's (One is on Lombard and the other is on Market St) remember to get your ticket validated in the machine on your way out the door.  And don't loose your ticket or you will have to pay the full $24 as I experienced the last time.