My first trip to the aquarium was years ago when the kids were small. My husband was on the ship and me and the kids (4yr old daughter, 2yr old twins) went to stay with my granny who lives in Towson for a few weeks. After packing up all the necessities that 3 little ones would need for an outing, we drove to the aquarium.

After waiting in line forever, we found out strollers weren't allowed inside. My daughter would be fine walking around for a 45 min. speed trip thru, but the boys were too short and the walk would have been too long for them. They said we could borrow "kiddie backpack carriers" but there was no way granny was going to have a 2 year old strapped on her fraile old body. We went over to the Science Center instead so the day wasn't a total loss.

I've been back to the aquarium a few times since then and Ken you've described the experience perfectly. The noise level inside is horrendous. It was just too crowded and they should have a limit on how many people they let inside. Maybe they do, but it is still too many. I couldn't wait to leave, but felt I had to see everything to get my money's worth. It really is a fascinating place. I wish that there was an "adults only" day where one could fully appreciate the experience without the noise, crowd, pushing, bumping, and rudeness. But that's "Balmore" for ya!

The last time I went to a baseball game was when Memorial Stadium was getting ready to close. I have 4 free tickets to a game now that will go unused. I do have fond memories of the city from when I was a child. We would shop at the Lexington Market and all the nice department stores in the city when it was actually safe to walk the streets.

i went to the aquarium two years ago and pretty much have the same feelings you do. it's too noisy and crowded to enjoy.

however, i've been to lots of orioles games at camden yards and it really is a nice time. it's a little bit expensive, but i would say it is worth it. the stadium is very clean and well kept. it's right on the outside of the city, so you don't have to deal too much with the traffic and the city attitudes.

You know I have not been to the aquarium yet..and I want to still go..but I have heard the exact same things, about the noise and all of the pushing and crowds...ugh..I really dont wanna tackle that with a 3 and 4 year old...*sigh* But...I really wanna take them.. any days adviseable to go? I mean with summer break and all fast approching I doubt there will be a 'good' day to tackle this...just asking.

Also..the national zoo...if anyone could tell me how to get there...I would greatly appreciate it much! I was also informed that there is no fee to get in the zoo? Is that true:eek: cause if it is wow!

Let me know if possible

Thanks:)

I have been to the aquarium once and found it was very crowded and also didn't know about the stroller thing until we got up to the enterance. In spite of the crowd and pushing, the kids enjoyed it.

There is no fee to go to the Zoo. I can't exactly remember how to get there, but go to http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=mrfn and get directions.

I am lucky enough to work the CWS schedule and have every other Friday off, so I prefer to go during the week, just because it is not as crowded.

If your going to The Zoo TAKE THE METRO!!!!!! You will find no perking what so ever down there. And take the metro stop after the zoo, so you walk down hill and not up! The walk is about 1/4 mile. And it's free, and they have strollers to rent (very nice ones).:p

Hell, I might even have to do that as I have parked at a couple of the METRO stations without having the car broken into. You guys are making it hard for me to stay in my comfortable little world down here. :lmao: Hopefully there won't be any shootings if I go or should I pack heat just in case, you know, to level the playing field? :roflmao:

I use the metro all the time, and I have never gotten my explorer broken into. I use the Branch Ave one. It's not so bad. Trust me, if it was I wouldn't take it!

I agree that the metro can be good, but I have found that the two times I went to the zoo (on Friday's) I was able to park in the first lot, right next to the enterance.

I just got off the phone with my sister-in-law and she went the zoo today, and she got parking. But you pay anywhere between $5 to $11 in parking. It's cheaper on the weekends to take METRO. But on the week days, I think it's even. All in what you want to do. I'd rather take METRO, then to fight traffic! I hate DC!!:burning:

Since I am a "city" girl, I like to go to DC.... I can get my smog fix :lol:

haha! I know what you mean Red. I def need me smog intake once in a while!!!

Mr. King,

The whole thing sounds like a fish story to me. Ha ha!

Give this a try:

Go to the U of M Biotech Institute, right next to the aquarium.

You'll learn something (the harbor is a whole lot healthier than you are supposed to know) and the kids are old enough to intimidate into behaving.

I went with our oldest girls classmates and it was really fun and educating. Zoos and aquariums are for schools and tourists.

Maybe call first, 410-576-5778. Not sure about their general public policies.

If there's nothing to steal leave the damn doors unlocked or even the windows down...works for me going on 20 years!

Of course, the jumbo size POS itself that I drive might be the main reason nobody wants to break into it? It has it’s own zip code, gravity and security force. We’re thinking about adding some moons…Hey! The planetarium…there’s a trip fro yah!

I know, slow day.

Your article about the aquarium in baltimore caught my attention and brought to mind some rather hazy fuzzy fish memories. I also toke my children to the aquarium back in the days when family outtings were possible. (Try now to get 3 teens in the car to go see fish)...As I recall there were alot of children mulling about at the aquarium. Of course, most of the kids poured thru the exhibit like sticky molasses with parents in tow actually reading the descriptions as they went. My experience was never like that. As soon as we got thru that door it was off and running. My hyper-active brew could hit every single thing to be seen in 15 minutes or less with me huffing and puffing trying to catch up. By the time we reached the car, the seats were still warm and my coffee still steaming. And, all the fishes just a fuzzy 50$ memory. I finally wised up, however, and my kids have many fond memories of running round and round the high school track while I sat in the bleachers smiling and waving.

Originally posted by nanc
Your article about the aquarium in baltimore caught my attention and brought to mind some rather hazy fuzzy fish memories. I also toke my children to the aquarium back in the days when family outtings were possible. (Try now to get 3 teens in the car to go see fish)...As I recall there were alot of children mulling about at the aquarium. Of course, most of the kids poured thru the exhibit like sticky molasses with parents in tow actually reading the descriptions as they went. My experience was never like that. As soon as we got thru that door it was off and running. My hyper-active brew could hit every single thing to be seen in 15 minutes or less with me huffing and puffing trying to catch up. By the time we reached the car, the seats were still warm and my coffee still steaming. And, all the fishes just a fuzzy 50$ memory. I finally wised up, however, and my kids have many fond memories of running round and round the high school track while I sat in the bleachers smiling and waving.


Damn, nanc. I just read your profile and I think I'm in love!
;biggrin:
Hippie chick...beach house...
Anyhow, for the rest of y'all...wouldn't it just be better to wait until school's back in, or are the problems just as bad then?
Damn...I nearly forgot...
hey nanc...What are you wearing?

little t shirt fan tall cool glass of iced lemonaide

: ( no air conditioner!!

Originally posted by nanc
little t shirt fan tall cool glass of iced lemonaide

: ( no air conditioner!!


I guess that explains why you're wearing the lemonaide?
:biggrin:

That brings to mind a whole 'NOTHER set of images!
:)

....'deed it does!!

Sorry to hear you had such a bad time in Baltimore. My wife and I have been there several times with no problems. We love the Inner Harbor area with the different restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. As for the Aquariums being only for schools, I have to disagree. There are some of us who simply enjoy things like the aquarium. When I was out in California a few years ago on business, I made an extra point to drive a little and go to the aquarium in Long Beach.. Really nice as well.

But I do have to say the crowds at the aquarium here are pretty bad. They do have special things now where you can pay a little extra and either get there before they open, or stay after they close and you get a little more one-on-one interaction with people who work there and you won't suffer from the huge crowds.

if you like aquatic life as much as I do, I would suggest going to Discovery Cove in Orlando where you swim with the dolphins. We did that back in the spring and it was GREAT. The dolphin swim itself was incredible, and then you can swim through different coral reefs and even swim with the rays. They have a sand beach around the entire area so if you don't want to swim all day, you can lounge around. They also limit the number of people to 1000 per day, so you won't be overly cramped. You also get a meal while you are there. While we were in the area, we went to SeaWorld and that was pretty neat to. It was really hot that day so we didn't get to stay as long as we wanted to.

http://www.duckpins.com/common/info/images/rubberduck2.jpg

Rubber duckies.