Many reviewers seem to knock the aquarium due to price and its size, number of exhibits but we enjoy it and have been to many other, bigger aquariums (Camden, NJ and Monterey, CA). This is not SeaWorld but I don't believe it is intended to be. This was our second visit and actually both times we have been pleased that the price includes more than one day so we could take a look, do something else and return at leisure. After seeing it last year for the first time our young teen daughter opted for her birthday to do the Penguin Encounter and we're glad that we did. Though it seems pricey for what it is the price of admission is also included and you can return for 3 days so we felt it was well worth it. Our group was only 10 people with a trainer and one penguin. The trainer, Sarah, was extremely personable and explained everything in great detail. Each of us got one on one with the penguin, to listen to its heartbeat with a stethoscope and to pet it and take as many photos as desired. She even took extra time to talk to our daughter about a career with animals, etc. Overall the aquarium isn't fancy but they do research and rescue and seeing the newly rescued baby seals was great. When you hear about how much fish is purchased to feed everyone & know the cost of maintaining even a small facility such as this you won't complain about the prices. We find the Mystic Aquarium is a relaxing way to spend sometime and definitely recommend it. Even as an adult, I like the gift store and find interesting books or DVDs which really don't cost much more than you'd find elsewhere. Go enjoy the aquarium and support the good work they do.

My Family had a great time at the aquarium, the attractions were very educational. A lot of hands on with several of the attractions. They enjoyed touching the rays and being able to hold sea stars. The penquins were the best (up close) and very playful near the glass...kids really liked the closeness. Great day out with the family.

My husband and I recently took a long weekend to Mystic and hit the touristy spots, including Mystic Aquarium, Seaport, and Village. We had a blast. Mystic Aquarium was the first attraction of the weekend, and it was worth the stop of the day.

When we arrived, we picked up tickets at the main gate, and opted for the Mystic Pass (admission to both seaport and aquarium, free drinks, t-shirt, and discount coupons) which ended up being worth it for us. So far, so good. Upon getting through the gate, they do the picture thing that I HATE with a passion. They were nice when we declined and headed into the park.

The Aquarium is smaller than I expected, but there's a lot of walking to do. By 10:30 it was so hot that we had to find the indoors and cool off. With no further ado, we toured the aquarium and oohed over all the displays, watched a couple informative movies, put our hands in a tank to pet some rays (coolest thing ever!), and generally tried to beat the heat. We saw the Seal Show, the Beluga Whales, penguins, and tons of fish.

After a few hours, we'd seen everything we wanted (and gone back to pet the rays a second time), gotten tons of pictures, and were worn out. We hit the gift shoppe then picked up our t-shirts.

All in all, we had a good time. It could have been much cooler, and that would have made us happier and inclined to stay longer. Not their fault. Yes, it's a tourist trap, and yes, you're going to spend money if you eat there, go to the special shows, and hit the souvineer shop. I would recommend it for the young at heart and young families that pack a lunch. For added value, if you get your ticket stamped before you leave, you can re-enter the next day, which gives you bang for the buck for those kids that LOVED the park. Would we go back? Absolutely!

Before setting off for our first visit to the Mystic Aquarium, I read several reviews which cited how expensive this attraction was. We set off and paid $24 for an adult admission and $17 for each child admission---- this price allowed us to visit the attractions including up close viewings of Belulga whales (only one of several places in the US that house these beautiful mammals), petting rays, petting a python and seeing hundreds of other aquatic creatures. Our admission was valid for 9 hours and could be used the next day as well. People not wanting to shell out $$ for onsite cafe food could leave the premises and walk about 200 yards to a shopping area/restaurant area offering a variety of alternatives. How many of these reviewers have shelled out $35 or more per person to go to an amusement park that doesn't even have any education value? Or, a movie theater where they pay $4.00 for a soda? My kids thought this aquarium was great. And, if money was really a huge issue we could have gone on a Monday when admission for children 14 and under is free.