Adventure Aquarium, Camden (must see)

Adventure Aquarium is a major riverfront attraction centred on marine life, freshwater habitats, and close-up animal viewing. Originally opened in 1992 as the New Jersey State Aquarium, it later reopened under its current name in 2005, with expanded exhibits and a stronger focus on interactive experiences. Today, it presents thousands of animals in large tanks, themed galleries, and carefully designed habitats, making it a popular stop for families, school groups, and visitors interested in aquatic wildlife.

One of its best-known sections is the shark exhibit, where visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other fish moving through the water above and around them. The aquarium is also known for its Shark Bridge, a suspended walkway over the shark tank that adds a more adventurous element to the visit. Touch exhibits give guests the chance to feel certain marine animals, including small shark species and rays, under staff supervision.

Beyond sharks, the aquarium includes penguins, sea turtles, jellies, crabs, stingrays, and many other species from different aquatic environments. One of its most unusual features is its “hippo aquarium,” often described as the only aquarium in the world to exhibit Nile hippos. Through large viewing windows, visitors can watch Button and Genny move underwater, where their slow, heavy movements can look almost like an underwater ballet.

For tourists, Adventure Aquarium offers a visit that balances education, entertainment, and visual impact. Children may enjoy the touch tanks and larger animals, while adults can appreciate the exhibit design and the wider story of river, ocean, and wetland ecosystems. Its waterfront setting reinforces the aquarium’s close connection to the natural world shaped by water.