A big aquarium on the Camden waterfront, certified sensory-inclusive by KultureCity, with a Sensory Pod in Kaleidoscope Cove, sensory bags and a weighted lap pad at the Information Desk, signed Headphone Zones, a social story and a monthly Sensory Sunday hour.
Open 364 days a year; closed on Thanksgiving. In November and December 2026, weekdays are 10 am to 4 pm (last entry 2:30 pm) and weekends 9:30 am to 5 pm (last entry 3:30 pm). Holiday hours: Christmas Eve 9:30 am to 3 pm, Christmas Day 11 am to 3 pm, and December 26 to New Year's Eve 9:30 am to 5 pm. Hours are subject to change; the aquarium's calendar has each day's hours.
“Adventure Aquarium has been certified sensory-inclusive by KultureCity since 2022.”
“Located in Kaleidoscope Cove in Zone C, the Sensory Pod provides a quick sensory refuge for those experiencing sensory overload.”
“Sensory bags are available to check out at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Desk in the Main Lobby (Lower Level). Sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, and verbal cue cards.”
“Sensory bags can be checked out at the Aquarium’s Info Desk for a $10 refundable deposit and are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards.”
“Signage is posted around the Aquarium to alert guests to louder areas of “Headphone Zones” to remind them to utilize their noise-canceling headphones in those areas if needed.”
“During the Sensory Sunday hour, the Aquarium will lower the music, soften the lights, and reduce the crowds”
Sensory bags are limited and first come, first served, and a weighted lap pad is also available at the Information Desk on the Lower Level of the Main Lobby, just inside the Main Entrance. The aquarium describes them as no cost to check out, with a $10 refundable deposit.
If you need a bigger space for some quiet, tell an Adventure Aquarium team member and they can take you to one of the private, behind-the-scenes areas. The Nursing and Family Rooms in Zone B and Zone D can also be used as a private, quiet space.
Sensory Sunday is the second Sunday of every month, 9:30 to 10:30 am; the date card has the next one.
The aquarium says afternoons are always the best time to avoid large crowds such as school groups, which are typically gone by 1 pm during the school year. Its most popular days include holiday weekends and Christmas Holiday Week (from the day after Christmas through the Sunday after New Year's Eve).
The Kaleidoscope Cove area around the Sensory Pod is full of color and light: a giant interactive sensory light wall, Quantum Space visuals that change as you move, and the glowing Glowing Grotto.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about Adventure Aquarium
Louder, in the aquarium's words
Headphone Zones (signed louder areas)not stated
Snow-tunda around the Rotunda Christmas tree (during Christmas Underwater) (it snows indoors every hour, on the hour, with dazzling lights and festive music)not stated
Quieter, in the aquarium's words
Sensory Pod, Kaleidoscope Cove (Zone C)quiet zone
Nursing and Family Rooms (Zone B and Zone D), usable as a private, quiet spacequiet zone
A private, behind-the-scenes area for a bigger quiet space (ask a team member)quiet zone
Tickets are bought for a visit date and entry time, and prices vary by date (general admission starts at $27.99 for ages 13 and up, plus tax; seniors save $2 and children save 15% off adult prices). Children under 2 are free. The Plan Your Visit page says online reservations are required in advance; the admission page says reservations are strongly encouraged and that without one you may wait for the next entry time or be turned away if it's sold out. Reserve ahead. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and won't be exchanged.
Free and reduced routes: a free Pre-K Kid's Adventure Pass for ages 2 to 5 (register online, then activate at the Box Office with proof of age by the deadline); free admission on your birthday at the Box Office with proof of age; a special rate for active or retired military, disabled veterans and reservists; CityPASS. The aquarium does not offer EBT, SNAP or WIC discounts and is not part of Museums for All.
Personal Care Attendants: visitors with severe disabilities may bring paid PCAs at no additional cost. To buy tickets ahead, call 844-474-FISH (3474) to request complimentary companion tickets; the visitor and the PCA pick them up in person at the Box Office.
Parking is in the Hippo and Penguin lots across from the aquarium: $10 for general admission (Gold Members $5, Platinum Members free). Pull a ticket at entry and pay on exit or at the kiosk in the Main Lobby (cards, or cash at the Main Lobby cash kiosk). Limited handicap parking is first come, first served, and there is an accessible drop-off on Aquarium Loop Drive next to the Box Office.
Security uses an AI screening system that sometimes flags harmless items such as umbrellas or strollers for a second search; all persons and bags may be screened, which may include metal detection.
Food: outside food is welcome, and the Marketplace café sells food. Coolers larger than 12 by 12 by 10 inches, glass bottles and alcohol you bring aren't allowed. The aquarium is primarily cashless; cash-to-card kiosks are in the lobby and gift shop.
Wagons of any size and strollers larger than 31 by 52 inches aren't allowed, but the rule is waived for families with disabilities using either as a mobility device: tell staff at the security line and get a tag at the Info Desk. Rentals at the Information Desk: single stroller $8, double $10 (each with a $10 refundable deposit), manual wheelchair $8 ($10 refundable deposit), ECV $30 ($50 refundable deposit).
Restrooms are in the Main Lobby, Zone B (near Stingray Beach Club) and Zone C (near Imagination Sand Station and Quantum Space), all with baby-changing stations. There are no dedicated family restrooms; a team member can help you find a private restroom in a non-exhibit area. The Nursing Room is in Zone B. Lockers in the main lobby take credit cards only.
Christmas Underwater runs November 20 to December 24, 2026, with Scuba Santa, indoor snow every hour on the hour, dazzling lights and festive music in the Rotunda.
Service animals can't go on Shark Bridge or behind-the-scenes tours, and there is no relief area; if you need to leave the building and come back, get your hand stamped at the Information Desk.
