Woods Hole Science Aquarium
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Woods Hole Science Aquarium

4.6
·893 reviews·Falmouth, United States

Discover marine wonders at the nation's oldest public aquarium. Free admission, touch tanks, and seals await!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover marine wonders at the nation's oldest public aquarium. Free admission, touch tanks, and seals await!

4.6
(893 reviews)

"A super fun free aquarium with a reasonable selection of fish and sea creatures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this historic aquarium completely free! Donations are welcome to support their conservation efforts. :moneybag:

🚗 Parking Strategy

Street parking is limited and metered. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas. :oncoming_bus:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Touch Tanks

Touch Tanks

Main exhibit area

Gently interact with local marine life like starfish and crabs. A hands-on favorite for all ages!

Outdoor Seal Tank

Outdoor Seal Tank

Outdoor exhibit

Watch playful seals in their naturalistic outdoor habitat. A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Historic Exhibits

Historic Exhibits

Throughout the aquarium

Discover the rich marine biodiversity of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic waters in this historic setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Charm

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly gem. While small, it packs a punch with local marine life and interactive exhibits. Plan for about an hour to explore, as it's not a full-day destination.

Parking Pointers

Parking in Woods Hole can be challenging. Street parking is available but often limited and metered. Consider arriving early or exploring public transport options to avoid parking hassles.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (off-season)
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We love the Landfall so much we can't leave!! #landfall #woodshole #falmouth #capecod #79years #family #unclejim
@mollyjonees
579K likes • 4.2M views

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this historic aquarium completely free! Donations are welcome to support their conservation efforts. :moneybag:

🚗 Parking Strategy

Street parking is limited and metered. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas. :oncoming_bus:

Asking our guests how long they have been dining at the Landfall!! #landfall #woodshole #capecod #capecodrestaurants #family #SmallBusiness #fun #waterfrontrestaurant #viral #fyp #unclejim #falmouth #food #seafood
@landfall46
103.8K likes • 631.2K views
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the United States, established in 1885. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich marine life of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic waters. With over 140 species of fish, invertebrates, and marine animals, the aquarium features touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and daily feedings. It serves as both an educational center an...
guidebookcapecod
1K likes • 36.5K views

⏱️ Quick Visit Gem

Perfect for an hour-long stop. Great for families with young children who have shorter attention spans. :clock1:

🦭 Seal Spotting

Don't miss the outdoor seal tank! It's a highlight for many visitors, especially the little ones. :seal:

Dive into the wonders of Woods Hole Science Aquarium! 🐠🌊 As a Cape Cod travel expert, I’m thrilled to share this gem from my book, Cape Cod and the Islands Family Fun Guide:Creating Unforgettable Memories, out May 2026. Explore vibrant marine life and curious seals in the heart of Cape Cod! #WoodsHoleAquarium #CapeCodExpert #FamilyFunGuide #visitcapecod #woodshole #capecod
daytrippercapecod
10 likes • 185 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this historic aquarium completely free! Donations are welcome to support their conservation efforts. :moneybag:

🚗 Parking Strategy

Street parking is limited and metered. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas. :oncoming_bus:

⏱️ Quick Visit Gem

Perfect for an hour-long stop. Great for families with young children who have shorter attention spans. :clock1:

🦭 Seal Spotting

Don't miss the outdoor seal tank! It's a highlight for many visitors, especially the little ones. :seal:

👆 Touch Tank Thrills

Get hands-on with local sea creatures in the interactive touch tanks. A memorable experience for all ages. :handpointingdown:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(893 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Woods Hole Science Aquarium for its free admission and engaging exhibits, especially the touch tanks and seal viewing. It's a charming, historic spot perfect for a quick, educational stop, though some note its small size and the parking challenges in Woods Hole.

"Super fun free aquarium. Has a reasonable selection of different fish and sea creatures on display. They even have a shallow tank where you can gently touch some sea creatures. Apparently they have a seal too but I did not see it out when I visited.

Note that there is no parking and street parking can be hard to come by. But it is fairly inexpensive at $1/hr up to 3 hrs."

Matthew Thomas

"Woods Hole Scientific Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the United States

Established in 1875.

It's a fun little aquarium for the kids.

Free or make a donation"

Cam E

"Wonderful historic little aquarium for an hour or so in quant woods hole. Don't miss the tanks upstairs where you can see "behind the scenes""

Martin Kipp

What People Like

Free admission
Interactive touch tanks
Seal exhibit

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is located in the village of Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA. If driving, be prepared for limited and metered street parking. Public transportation options include local bus services that stop in Woods Hole. Many visitors find it convenient to park in Falmouth and take a short bus ride or even walk if they enjoy a stroll. Reddit

Parking directly at the aquarium is very limited. Metered street parking is available in the surrounding Woods Hole area, but it can be difficult to find, especially during peak season. Some reviews suggest it's best to arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. Reddit

Yes, the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole is a major hub, and local bus services, like the SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority), connect to Falmouth and Woods Hole. Check their schedules for routes and times. Instagram

Woods Hole is accessible by public transport, including ferries and local buses. Once in Woods Hole, the aquarium is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and many bus stops. Instagram

Exploring Woods Hole on foot is highly recommended. The village is compact and charming, with the aquarium, Marine Biological Laboratory, and WHOI buildings all within easy reach. Enjoy the waterfront views and local shops. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is completely free! While there's no admission fee, donations are greatly appreciated to help support their operations and research. InstagramReddit

The aquarium's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit, as they are not always consistently posted online. TikTok

The aquarium is generally open year-round, but hours may be reduced during the off-season. Always confirm current operating times before planning your trip. TikTok

Yes, donations are highly encouraged and help fund the aquarium's educational programs and marine life conservation efforts. Look for donation boxes or inquire at the information desk. Reddit

There is no age limit for entry to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. It's a family-friendly destination suitable for visitors of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of local marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals like seals. Highlights include touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and a look at the 'behind-the-scenes' tanks upstairs. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend about an hour at the aquarium. It's a wonderful stop for a quick exploration of local marine life, but not typically a full-day destination. Instagram

Yes, the aquarium features popular touch tanks where you can gently interact with certain sea creatures. This is a major draw for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is very family-friendly. The touch tanks and the seal exhibit are particularly engaging for toddlers and young children. Instagram+1

The 'behind-the-scenes' tanks are located upstairs and offer a glimpse into the aquarium's operational side, showing how they care for the animals and manage their exhibits. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The aquarium itself does not have a cafe or restaurant. However, the village of Woods Hole offers several dining options, from casual eateries to waterfront restaurants. Instagram

Woods Hole has a variety of places to eat. You can find quick bites at places like Pie in the Sky, or enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants like Landfall. TikTokInstagram+1

While there are no specific picnic areas inside the aquarium, you can typically enjoy food purchased from local eateries in the public areas around Woods Hole, especially along the waterfront. Instagram

Popular spots include Pie in the Sky for baked goods and coffee, and Landfall for waterfront dining. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a quick bite while exploring the village. TikTokInstagram+1

Dining options in Woods Hole can vary. While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants offer salads, pasta dishes, and other options that can accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences. It's always best to check menus or ask staff. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Woods Hole Science Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the animals. Instagram

Great photo ops include the colorful fish in the tanks, the playful seals, the interactive touch tanks, and the historic architecture of the buildings. The outdoor seal tank is particularly photogenic. Instagram

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, especially when photographing marine life, as it can disturb them. Always be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Weekday mornings often offer fewer crowds, allowing for clearer shots without many people in the background. Natural light from the windows can also be quite good. Instagram

You can take selfies with the animals in the background, but remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. The aquarium encourages visitors to capture their memories. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a fantastic, free outing for families. The touch tanks are a huge hit, allowing kids to safely interact with sea stars and crabs.InstagramReddit The outdoor seal tank is another highlight that keeps little ones entertained. Because the aquarium is relatively small, it's perfect for toddlers and young children who might have shorter attention spans. Plan for about an hour of exploration, making it an easy addition to a Cape Cod day trip. Instagram+1

Parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or utilizing nearby public transport options. While the aquarium itself doesn't have food, the village of Woods Hole offers several casual dining spots perfect for a post-aquarium snack or lunch. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

This aquarium is a dream for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free! InstagramReddit It's a rare find for a quality attraction. While parking might incur a small fee if you find street spots, the overall cost of the visit is minimal. You can easily spend an hour here without spending a dime on entry. Instagram

To keep costs down further, pack your own snacks and drinks, or opt for more affordable eateries in the Woods Hole village rather than sit-down restaurants. The experience is rich in educational value and local charm, offering significant bang for your buck (or lack thereof!).

🔬 Science Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by marine biology and oceanography, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium offers a unique connection to world-renowned research institutions like WHOI and MBL. While the aquarium itself is focused on public education about local marine life, its location in the heart of a scientific hub is inspiring. Instagram You can learn about the oldest public aquarium in the US and its role in marine science history. Instagram+1

Consider exploring the surrounding campus areas of WHOI and MBL to get a sense of the scientific environment. The aquarium provides a great introduction to the marine world that these institutions study, making it a valuable stop for anyone interested in the ocean sciences. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Marine Biology History

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium holds the distinction of being the oldest public aquarium in the United States, established in 1875.Instagram+1 It's intrinsically linked to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), two of the world's leading centers for oceanographic research and marine science. This historical context adds a layer of scientific significance to your visit, showcasing the long-standing commitment to understanding and preserving marine life.

Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the diverse marine ecosystems of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The aquarium serves as a vital educational outreach arm for these research institutions, offering a tangible connection to the cutting-edge science happening just steps away. It’s a place where the public can learn about the creatures that inhabit our oceans and the importance of conservation efforts, all within a charming, historic setting. Instagram+1

Many visitors appreciate the aquarium's role in showcasing local biodiversity. It's not just about seeing exotic species, but understanding the unique life forms that thrive in nearby waters. This focus on regional marine biology makes the experience both educational and relevant to the Cape Cod environment. Instagram

Navigating Woods Hole: Beyond the Aquarium

Woods Hole is more than just its famous aquarium; it's a vibrant village with a rich scientific heritage. It's home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), which are significant research facilities. While public access to the labs themselves is limited, exploring the campus and learning about their work adds an interesting dimension to your visit. Instagram

The village itself offers a pleasant experience with charming shops, waterfront dining, and scenic views. It's a popular stop for those traveling to or from Martha's Vineyard via the Steamship Authority ferry. Visitors often enjoy grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat at local spots like Pie in the Sky before or after their aquarium visit. Instagram

For those interested in a broader exploration, consider attending events like the Woods Hole Science Stroll, which offers a family-friendly adventure with various activities and opportunities to learn about science and the local community. Instagram The compact nature of Woods Hole makes it ideal for a leisurely walk, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover its unique character. Instagram

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