The Woods Hole Science Aquarium, at 166 Water Street in Woods Hole, is run by NOAA Fisheries and is believed to be the oldest public aquarium in the United States. Admission is free. It shows marine animals from the waters of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States in a compact, old-fashioned building, with self-guided tours and a behind-the-scenes look at how the aquarium operates. Outside, an enclosure houses seals that cannot be released, and there are live seal question-and-answer sessions at about eleven in the morning and half past three in the afternoon. A touch tank on the second floor of the behind-the-scenes area, reached by a ramp at the back, lets children handle some local creatures. The aquarium is open all year, Monday to Friday from eleven to four, and is closed at weekends and on federal holidays, though days and hours can vary, so telephone 508 495 2001 for the current schedule before you set out.
This is a science building, not a theme-park attraction, and that is its charm. The tanks hold the fish, lobsters, crabs and other animals you might find off the Cape and beyond, and the signs explain the research behind them. It is especially good for children who are curious about what lives under the harbor, and it takes about an hour. Plan the visit around the seal sessions if you can, as the keepers talk about the animals and their care, and the outdoor enclosure is a pleasant place to linger.
Remember the weekday schedule
It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which catches many visitors out. Woods Hole is a small village with limited parking, particularly near the Steamship Authority terminal, so allow time to park, or arrive by bike on the Shining Sea Bikeway, which ends at the ferry terminal a short walk away. The village has cafes and shops and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution nearby, and the walk across the drawbridge is part of the pleasure.
Good to know
Because entry is free, this is among the best-value family outings on the Cape, and it suits a wet or cold day when beach plans fail. Combine it with a ride on the Shining Sea Bikeway, a walk to Nobska Light viewpoint, or a ferry day to Martha's Vineyard, since the ferries to the island leave from the same village. Donations are welcome but not required.
Making it work
Arrive near the start of a seal session, since the animals are most active when they are being fed, and let children use the touch tank before the crowds arrive at lunch. Remember that the seals are protected by federal law, so follow the posted rules and keep to the viewing areas. Allow time afterwards for a walk through Woods Hole village, where the harbor and the drawbridge are part of the charm, and carry change for parking.
The aquarium is also a good lesson in how much science takes place in Woods Hole, a village that is home to several research institutions, and the exhibits are written for general visitors, so children and adults can learn something without any background. Because admission is free, a short visit is a fine way to fill an hour before a ferry.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a small aquarium of local marine life, a touch tank and an outdoor seal enclosure, with live seal talks.
Best time
A weekday, timed for the seal talks in late morning or mid-afternoon.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Closed on weekends and federal holidays, so telephone ahead; parking in Woods Hole is tight, so consider the bike path.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children who like animals and want a free, quick, indoor-outdoor stop.
- Families
- One of the best free family stops on the Cape, with a touch tank and seals.
- Couples
- A short, quirky stop combined with a Woods Hole village walk.
- Pair with
- The Shining Sea Bikeway and the Martha's Vineyard ferry.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
Is the Woods Hole Science Aquarium free?+
Yes, admission is free.
When is it open?+
Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all year, and closed at weekends and on federal holidays. Days and hours can vary, so telephone 508 495 2001 to check.
Are there seals?+
Yes, in an outdoor enclosure, with live question-and-answer sessions at about 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Is there a touch tank?+
Yes, on the second floor of the behind-the-scenes area, reached by a ramp at the rear.
Where is it?+
At 166 Water Street in Woods Hole, a short walk from the ferry terminal.
