If your kids would get excited at the sight of a huge horseshoe crab using it's alien like claws to eat a shrimp right in front of them, then they will love the Glen Echo Aquarium. 

The Glen Echo Park Aquarium has a surprising sizable collection of aquatic life in their small facility. What is more surprising, is how fascinating the specimens are! The first tank to your right, as you come in, will have a remora – a long black fish with oval sucking disks on top of its head that it uses to attach itself to a shark and eat it’s scraps. 

A big plus is that, as they are a small outfit, you get special attention. We were accompanied by an intern at all times. She was very happy to share information with the kids and help them spot the camouflaged fish. While looking at a stiped burrfish (a type of blowfish) the intern accompanying us, brought for us a blowfish skeleton to touch. It was pointy and bizarre, meaning, my kids were in heaven! And while looking at a flounder, the intern mentioned the peculiarity of its eyes and my daughter mentioned that the angel shark does something similar. A second later, we had angel shark skin on our hands. The staff definitely make the experience extra fun.

The visit ends up in the touch tank where the highlights for us where the close encounters with the horseshoe crabs. I will not share fascinating details about them because I don’t want to spoil the highlight of the visit. But I will say that the Rapa Whelk – a large sea snail – came out of its shell and was just slimy and amazing. 

What to bring

Curious children! At the Glen Echo Park Aquarium, the more questions the better. The Aquarium’s manager, Andrew Wilson, is an endless fountain of knowledge on the Chesapeake bay. 

There is plenty of hand sanitizer everywhere. If you are more comfortable with bringing yours, it is requested that you sanitize before and after the visit.

Call Ahead 

Entrance is by appointment only. Call or Text 571-334-8713 to schedule a visit. Or if scheduling in advance e-mail info@gepaquarium.org

Under two years: FREE / Children 2 & up: $8.00 / Adults: $8.00

Parking

Make sure to park in the free parking lot. It is located off MacArthur Blvd on Oxford Rd.

Side note

After not being used for almost a year, the playground around the aquarium is a bit run down. The pirate ship and the sandbox are safe to be in, just be aware that they need a facelift. 

Extra activities

Since you are already at Glen Echo Park, enjoy it! The area is one of the few in Montgomery County where you feel transported into the past. The art deco buildings, the Crystal Pool facade, and the art studios make the area a beautiful place for a family walk. The kids love the Dentzel Carousel so it can get crowded on weekends. 

Where to eat 

If you don’t want to drive, the nearest place to eat is the Irish Inn at Glen Echo. They have plenty of outdoor seating and are very accommodating to families.