This small, self-guided aquarium in the town of Woods Hole is the country’s oldest marine aquarium, having been established in 1885 and features more than 140 species of marine animals. There are several fish tanks with sea life from the Northeast and Middle Atlantic waters. Touch tanks can also be found for curious kids who are interested in learning more about the marine animals. Kids can gently touch horseshoe crabs, starfish, hermit crabs and other small animals in the open water-filled tanks.

Kids will love the outdoor seal habitat which houses an enclosed 17,000 gallon pool and permanent home for seals who are unable to live in the wild. The feeding sessions which double as training sessions happen twice a day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Kids will love to gather around the tank and watch the seals eat, jump and swim together while learning more about the creatures.

Hours: The aquarium is open year-round from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

Costs: The aquarium is free to the public but donations are appreciated.