New England Aquarium

The 17 Best Things to Do in Boston

"It all starts with the penguins—when you first enter, you're greeted by African Penguin and Rockhopper colonies that are by any measure an absolute delight to watch. Just past, the main attraction is the 40-foot wide, floor-to-ceiling, 200,000 gallon salt water Ocean Tank, home to about 1000 marine animals, including turtles, eels, and tropical fish. A cylindrical walkway makes it possible for guests to experience the tank from every depth and angle, and a number of smaller satellite rooms contain informational displays and touch tanks that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This is a popular field trip spot, so you're likely to be surrounded by schools of rambunctious kids on any given day, especially from the lunch hour onwards. The museum implemented timed ticketing during the pandemic and is likely to keep it moving forward, which acts as a good form of crowd control, but the quietest times to visit are still weekdays first thing in the morning." - Paul Rubio, Todd Plummer