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Glen Echo Park Aquarium

📍 Glen Echo, MD

★4.4(245 Google reviews)

Glen Echo Park Aquarium is a Chesapeake Bay discovery center minutes west of DC. Features include live animal exhibits, a touch tank, sand pit, pirate ship in a tree, and interactive displays. Timed entry; ages 2 and up pay admission.

✓ touch tank✓ Chesapeake Bay✓ intimate setting✓ knowledgeable staff✓ toddler-friendly✓ near DC
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★★★★★Featured review by Yvonne Coyle

Why did we wait so long!?! Wonderful, intimate experience. The founder and 2 young women working the day we visited were engaging, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We will be back!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children ages 2–10 who want an intimate, hands-on aquarium experience without the crowds of larger institutions. The touch tank and sand pit are standout hits with young kids. Knowledgeable staff elevate every visit — regulars return several times a year and note something new each time.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book timed entry tickets online before visiting — the venue closes for private events and walk-in availability is not guaranteed
⏰Free parking is available next to the Clara Barton House at 5801 Oxford Road, not directly at the aquarium
đŸŽŸī¸Annual family memberships are available and worth considering for DC-area repeat visitors

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.4
★★★★★

245 Google reviews

Staff knowledge & warmth45%
Hands-on exhibits30%
Unique & intimate experience15%
Repeat visit worthy10%
Y

Yvonne Coyle

★★★★★

“Why did we wait so long!?! Wonderful, intimate experience. The founder and 2 young women working the day we visited were engaging, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We will be back!”

S

Shireen Bate

★★★★★

“What a great gem! Great place for children to learn more about what lives in the Chesapeake. Andrew and Elizabeth and the whole staff was really knowledgable.”

M

megaroeny

★★★★★

“My son and I always enjoy our visit here! We come a few times a year. Tip: they offer annual family memberships now! The manager Mr. Wilson is very caring, kind, and knowledgeable. He always finds wonderful volunteers. Each time we come back there's something new to see or being worked on. It inspires my son to want to volunteer here when he's old enough.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Glen Echo Park Aquarium opened in 2015 as a hands-on Chesapeake Bay discovery center, housing fish, crabs, oysters, and diverse estuary creatures. The space includes a live touch tank, giant sand pit, pirate ship in a tree, and static and interactive educational displays. Founder and staff are consistently praised by name for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Annual family memberships are available.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00

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