So Much to Explore at Via Aquarium! Rotterdam, NY

We are always looking for things to do as a family, and we love exploring new places. Ever since having kids, I look for new experiences for them.  I was excited to hear when Via Aquarium opened in Rotterdam in November 2016.

I received admission to Via Aquarium in exchange for my review.

You can buy tickets at the main ticket counter, but you can also purchase season passes and scan your cards at a separate entrance.

I was pleasantly surprised with the variety at the aquarium – not just with the aquatic life, but that there was a little bit of everything, from displays to interactive touch tanks, written activities, a scavenger hunt, and more.

The exhibits start locally with the Adirondacks, slowly stretching across the globe.

Everything is clearly labeled with bright signs, which was great to know the names of the different aquatic creatures, and other information like where they were from and other facts.

There is a nice variety of exhibits, with a range of aquatic life from around the world.  The exhibits are all beautifully done and it was nice to take our time and thoroughly look at them all.

This circular tank is really neat, and it is fun to go inside and be surrounded by fish.  We were all fascinated by a colorful little goby fish that was carefully digging a hole by removing rocks and carrying them in his mouth.

The kids had a great time at the touch tanks, and had the chance to check out some sea creatures up close, like a horseshoe crab, starfish, and urchins.

Via Aquarium also does a lot to educate people about the plights of marine life, how we are affected, and what we can do.  The exhibits are very visual, and like this one, it makes it clear just how much we need to take care of our oceans.

The kids enjoyed an interactive exhibit where an image of flowing water is projected on the floor, and you kick trash to remove it from the water.

Stingray Bay is really cool, for kids and adults alike.  You can carefully place your hand in the tank and the stingrays swim by and brush against your hand.  It is a cool experience and was my youngest daughter’s favorite part of the aquarium.

Nearby is Koi Island.  The fish come right up to you, and you can feed them by hand.

There is an archway near the end of Via Aquarium, and it is nice to be able to view ocean life all around you.  This was my older daughter’s favorite part of the aquarium.

There is a nice gift shop at the end, with a variety of items from toys to apparel, books and more.

As you walk through the aquarium, there are a bunch of stations where kids can stamp a “passport”, and my daughter earned a patch for finishing her book.

Check out the Via Aquarium at https://viaaquarium.com/

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Check out our other Things to Do in Albany, NY!

About the Author: Marysa

Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!