Fun at the Denver Aquarium

Back in March during Spring Break we decided to take the kids to the aquarium. This seemed like one of those culturally enriching activities that we feel guilty for never doing with the kids, so we felt it behooved us one sunny Monday to wake everyone up early, fill my purse with cookies and set off for a day of aquatic discovery. Our first discovery was that this day at the aquarium (actual time spent inside: 1 hour 43 minutes) was going to be rather pricey. Sixty bucks to get in the door, and the wee one was free. Later discoveries include:

Even though the fish tanks all appear to be water tight, you will get wet. Things will drip on your head in the misty Jungle room and it will kinda gross you out. Also, at the end, your children will want to touch the rays in the "experience sea life experience". You will allow them to do this, mainly because it is free. When they have finished their water experience, they will be soaked all the way up to their armpits and down the front of their shirts. This will definitely gross you out.

The wee one will flatly refuse to remain seated in his stroller, which will bug you to no end because he keeps running off and anyway, you would KILL to sit down and have someone push you around at this point.

Bus loads of children will be shipped in halfway through your tour and you will no longer be able to keep track of all your children. This, and the drenched shirts, will be your cue to leave.

The Denver Aquarium is a total racket you realize, as the only exit is at the back of the Gift Shop and your children are now begging for that stuffed electric eel that they have always wanted.

Heading back to the car, eel-less and $6 poorer (parking), as parents we are gratified by all the undersea magic we have shared, as well as the happiness we have given our children, evidenced by the look of unbridled enthusiasm on Sid's face in the photo above.