One tiny benefit to being delayed this morning is that I get to share the story of yesterday’s activity. We took the kids on their first trip to the New England Aquarium!
M had one of his periodic very late night work things on Friday night/Saturday morning. So as much as he loves the aquarium, he was in no condition to come with us (he got back home at 6:30am). Thankfully, his two friends were staying with us and wanted to go. The ratio of three adults to two toddlers, as it turns out, was just right. We had the stroller, but the kids wanted to get out and walk. I was more than happy to have them explore, but right there you need at least one adult for each kid, since they’re definitely not at the age to exactly listen and follow directions. And then, with both kids out and running around, you still have the stroller and other stuff to manage, so the 3rd adult was important to have.
Overall, the aquarium was a big hit. The kids liked watching the penguins and turtles and fish. We were there early enough that it wasn’t hideously crowded, so they had some ability to run around and not be too much in other people’s way. There’s even a hands-on exhibit on the top floor where the kids can put their hands in the water, touch some starfish, and see a hermit crab up close. Rebecca was all over it, Daniel was not so sure. It was pretty loud and still a lot of people, though, so we did have some amount of overstimulation and typical toddler melting. Strategic use of the stroller and snacks helped, and then a hasty exit when I could tell they’d had all they could take. Definitely worth going back, and for the price of adult admission, possibly worth getting an annual membership so you don’t feel like you wasted a single-day admission ticket.
Getting good photos was really difficult. Most of the aquarium is quite dark, but then, of course, the tanks are lit from within. Low light, backlight, and moving toddlers made it tricky, but with some major light adjustments in editing, I got a few of them to turn into something decent. Enjoy!
Oh man! we got a annual pass to the aquarium from my mil for Christmas and haven’t used it yet. Now I REALLY can’t wait to go!
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We joined our local aquarium here in Chattanooga http://www.tnaqua.org a few months ago and have easily gotten our monies worth. I love going with Kate for even an hour (like we did this morning). She loves to “tickle” the turtles, who are behind the glass, but it always gets a big grin from me, when I hear, “Ticka, ticka, turdol”. I think it’s really great for children to see all of those fish, animals, and birds in real life, as opossed to pictures in books.
Sounds like a fun day. I think annual passes to zoos and aquariums are a must. They usually pay for themselves in 2 visits and they’re wonderful for kids. The kids enjoy them more and more as they go back and get more familiar with them.
Hope your trip is going great! Can’t wait to read all about it!
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Sounds like a fun day, Liz! Jack enjoyed seeing all the fish and stuff when we went to the local aquarium, but you’re right about the overstimulation. We’re going to try again in the spring.
Can’tw ait to read your inauguration post later this week … I think it’s so awesome that you went.
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