Over February vacation, I took my two kids on a fun-filled adventure to Living Shores Aquarium, located at 850 Pinkham Notch Rd in Glen, New Hampshire. Just a scenic 1 hour and 20-minute drive from North Windham, it was the perfect day trip for us.

Hours and Admission Living Shores Aquarium is open year-round, with different hours depending on the season. From Father’s Day through Labor Day weekends, they’re open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM. During the off-season, they operate Friday through Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with special hours during holiday and vacation periods — which worked out great for our February break!

Tickets cost $19.99 online or $27.99 at the door, with kids ages 1 and 2 admitted for free. For a family of four like ours, admission ranged from $80 to $132, depending on whether you grab tickets ahead of time online. They also offer discounts, including a $64.99 Story Land combo ticket (valid for same or different days), $9.99 local discount days for residents of Carroll, Coos, and Grafton counties in NH and Oxford county in ME, plus senior and military discounts.

Parking We opted for the free parking lot across the street, though it filled up quickly. If you want to park right outside the building, priority parking is available for $10.

Interactive Exhibits The highlight for my kids was the interactive touch pools. They absolutely loved the hands-on experiences, especially:

• Nibble Fish Touch Pool — These tiny fish gently nibble on your hands, a strange but fun sensation!
• Sting Ray Touch Pool — For an additional $9.99, we fed the sting rays. These feedings happen each hour and are limited, so it’s worth planning for this add-on in advance.
• Bamboo Shark Touch Pool — A thrilling moment for my kids as they carefully touched these small, gentle sharks.
• Large and Small Invertebrate Touch Pools — Perfect for curious little hands, with sea stars, anemones, and more.

Beyond the touch pools, we explored fascinating exhibits like the NH Lakes habitat, Cold Water tank, Critter Wall, Coral and Great Barrier Reef, and the vibrant Tropical Reef. There are also exciting additions on the way, including the Gulf of Maine, Reptile exhibit, and an Aviary.

Kid-Friendly Activities Living Shores isn’t just about looking — it’s about doing! My kids had a blast in the Sensory Sand Box, where they created shifting underwater scenes. They also got creative at the “Color Your Own Aquatic Animal” station, where they designed sea creatures and watched their art come to life in a digital display.

Dining Options Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but the Bistro inside offers coffee, sandwiches, pizza, and sweet treats. On weekends, the Fill Kitchen serves hot meals, and there’s also a grab-and-go section open Mondays and Fridays.

Birthday Parties I couldn’t help but notice their birthday party offerings — a great idea for families planning special celebrations. For $249.90, you get admission for 10 children (ages 3+) and 2 adults, plus a semi-private room for 3 hours (2-5 PM). Each child gets their own personal pizza (cheese or pepperoni), apple slices or carrot sticks, a scoop of ice cream, and unlimited fountain drinks. While outside food isn’t allowed, you can bring your own cake.

Value Comparison When comparing Living Shores Aquarium to other local aquariums, like the New England Aquarium in Boston, it’s clear that Living Shores offers a more affordable and intimate experience. The New England Aquarium’s admission is $34 for adults and $25 for children, making it a pricier outing for families. While the Boston aquarium features larger exhibits like the Giant Ocean Tank, Living Shores excels in interactive experiences, allowing kids to touch sting rays, bamboo sharks, and other marine creatures — something that adds incredible value to a family visit. For those looking for an engaging, hands-on adventure without the big-city hassle or price tag, Living Shores is a fantastic option.

Plan Your Visit If you’re looking for an engaging, educational, and fun-filled family outing, Living Shores Aquarium is a fantastic choice. Whether you want to pet a sting ray, learn about local lake habitats, or simply watch your kids light up with excitement, it’s a trip worth taking.

For more information and to plan your visit, head over to their official website: Living Shores Aquarium

We had such a memorable time, and I can’t wait to return once the new exhibits open. Let me know if you’ve visited before or if you plan to go soon — I’d love to hear about your experience!