Glen Echo Park Aquarium

Glen Echo Park Aquarium is the kind of gem that DC-area families who've lived in the region for years sometimes stumble upon and immediately wonder why they didn't know sooner. Located in the historic Glen Echo Park in Maryland, just across the DC border, it's an intimate aquarium focused on local freshwater and Chesapeake Bay species — dramatically different in scale and atmosphere from the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The touch tanks are the anchor experience. Unlike major commercial aquariums where touching marine animals requires navigating crowds and waiting, Glen Echo's setup allows kids genuine close-up access to local species including horseshoe crabs, crayfish, and other Chesapeake Bay residents. Staff are present for educational context, making this as much science education as entertainment.

The historic surroundings elevate the visit. Glen Echo Park is a former amusement park turned National Park Service property, with beautifully restored carousel, artistic venues, and grounds that feel like a step back in time. The Dentzel Carousel — one of the finest historic wooden carousels in the country — operates seasonally (spring through fall) and is worth coordinating a visit around.

A short carousel ride on a carousel that's been running since 1921 is a different kind of family memory.

For families in the DC area who've already done the National Aquarium and want something local, smaller, and less overwhelming for young children, Glen Echo Park Aquarium delivers a genuinely satisfying aquarium experience at a fraction of the cost and crowd level. Plan 1.5-2 hours for the aquarium and add time to explore the park grounds.