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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover marine wonders at the nation's oldest public aquarium. Free admission, touch tanks, and seals await!
"A super fun free aquarium with a reasonable selection of fish and sea creatures."

🎯 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Historic Exhibits
Throughout the aquarium
Discover the rich marine biodiversity of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic waters in this historic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Charm
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, the aquarium features popular touch tanks where you can gently interact with certain sea creatures. This is a major draw for younger visitors.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, especially when photographing marine life, as it can disturb them. Always be mindful of other visitors.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Marine Biology History
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.
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.
Navigating Woods Hole: Beyond the Aquarium
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.
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. 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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit