Exciting encounters with seals, sharks, sea turtles and – for a limited time – beautiful tropical butterflies highlight visits to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk this summer, especially for Connecticut children receiving free admission through the “CT Summer at the Museum” initiative.
— an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium is among more than 130 institutions participating in the state’s “CT Summer at the Museum” program, which offers free admission for all Connecticut residents 18 and under, along with one accompanying resident adult in each group, from July 1 to Sept. 5 (Labor Day).
Photo from The Maritime Aquarium
In the Flutter Zone
If You’re Going …
Through the “CT Summer at the Museum” offer, any number of resident children ages 3-18, plus one accompanying resident adult in each group, can all enter The Maritime Aquarium for free. A dad with two children, or a grandmother with four grandchildren, all pay nothing. A family of four — two adults, two children — will pay for just one adult admission.
Connecticut residents planning to take advantage of the offer are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance online at www.maritimeaquarium.org/ct-summer using the promo code CTFREE. Proof of residency is required upon entry.
On View at the Aquarium
Now is a great time to visit The Maritime Aquarium during its current “Summer of Wonders,” which includes:
—“Flutter Zone,” a walkthrough exhibit featuring beautiful tropical butterflies open until Labor Day;
—a big new permanent home for “Meerkats!”;
—a new 4D movie that celebrates the physical and mental skills of octopuses;
—a new educational learning space for preschool-age children; three special exhibits;
—activity stations for kids; and more.
“We so appreciate this opportunity that removes price barriers and encourages parents in Connecticut to give their children unlimited access to the state’s unmatched cultural and educational institutions this summer,” said Jason Patlis, president and CEO of The Maritime Aquarium.
“We especially look forward to welcoming families who might not otherwise visit The Maritime Aquarium and introducing them to Connecticut’s most important natural resource: the vital waters and amazing marine life of Long Island Sound,” Patlis said.
Meeting a Loggerhead sea turtle
You’re Already Paying for This
Gov. Ned Lamont established “CT Summer at the Museum” in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way of providing children with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences.
Funding for the 2022 “CT Summer at the Museum” initiative is provided by the CT General Assembly, with the support of Connecticut Humanities and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“We are thrilled to bring back this popular summer enrichment program for Connecticut kids and families at a time when affordability is top of mind for so many households,” Lamont said .
“The world-class museums and cultural institutions across Connecticut offer unmatched educational and recreational experiences that will keep kids engaged all season long and spark curiosity for years to come.”
You can learn more about the Aquarium and reserve your tickets online, here.