Family Outing: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the Connecticut-based aquarium dedicated to the Long Island Sound, offers dozens of new reasons to visit. With more interactive exhibits, a wider variety of fish and other creatures, and tons of fun family programs, the aquarium is worth the trip for Fairfield County, CT residents and out-of-towners alike.

Connecticut's Maritime Aquarium has gotten some work done -- $4.5 million worth, to be exact. It's all part of what the aquarium called a FINtastic RefurbFISHment, which includes 21 new exhibits, 27 new species of animals, and a reinterpretation of its existing offerings (now more interactive).

New and Improved

Something is gone from the main hall, but you won’t miss it. It’s the central staircase, which was removed to give the space better “flow” and allow a better view of the seal show. (While the harbor seals opted out of facelifts, they did learn a few new tricks, which they’re happy to show off three times a day during feeding presentations.)

The main hall was renamed Newman’s Own Hall after a $1.2 million redesign courtesy of the Newman’s Own Foundation.

A $1.15 million donation from Richard and Wendy Hokin helped recreate the main galleries. You’ll notice new décor in the tanks and new signage. Sliding glass magnifiers attached to the tanks allow young viewers to see everything close-up.

The Maritime Aquarium is the only aquarium focused on the Long Island Sound and the species that call it home. The Seasons of the Sound exhibit features four tanks showcasing how the Sound’s population changes throughout the year.

The new kid on the block, a seven-foot-long lemon shark, has been asked to play nice with the sand tiger sharks in the Ocean Beyond the Sound gallery.

Bird lovers can take a stroll on the new boardwalk and grab a wildlife guidebook while perusing the enormous marsh mural.

The new Shark & Ray Touch Pool debuted with the refurbishment. Yes, you read right -- sharks in the touch pool. These nurse sharks are completely harmless, so visitors can feel confident running their fingers down their backs, and there’s plenty of elbow room, as the pool now has a whopping 90 feet of pool-edge access. Clear side panels allow for underwater views. Also new is the new Tropical Travelers exhibit, featuring cornetfish, a flying gurnard, guitarfish, Sargassum triggers, and Atlantic needlefish.