Located in South Norwalk, the Maritime Aquarium attracts not just local people, but families, contingents of school kids and adults from all over the northern New York suburbs and much of Connecticut. It’s an easy 30 or 40 minute drive from the Bedford area and worthy of visiting again and again.

So when your kids tell you they’ve already “been there, done that” ages ago at the aquarium, here’s what you say: “Hey, not only are the sharks, seals and other aquarium stuff still there, the meerkats haven’t left and now there’s a dinosaur exhibit (and a 3-D simulator ride to go with it). And there are some new IMAX movies, too.”

Then show them this Patch video to seal the deal. (They’ve got videos on the aquarium’s website, too.)

If you plan ahead and reserve spots, there are often special events going on at the aquarium.

Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT
203-852-0700
www.​maritimeaquarium.​org

IF YOU GO: Open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (They only close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.)

COST: Aquarium only. Adults $12.95; children (ages 2-12) $9.95; seniors (65+) $11.95. Some attractions, like the simulator ride, carry an additional charge.

Norwalk Patch Editor David Gurliacci contributed to this article.