A trip to the aquarium usually means the unique opportunity to see a variety of fish, and maybe even a few sharks and some dapper penguins. However, when you go to the PPG Aquarium in Pennsylvania, your adventure is only just beginning after you’ve visited the 45,000-square foot, two-story aquarium. After all, it’s housed right in The Pittsburgh Zoo, one reason it earned a spot on the list of the "35 Best Aquariums in America" by Always Pets.
Always Pets released its list of best aquariums in the United States with the PPG Aquarium in Pittsburgh landing at 30, predominately because of its spaciousness and the opportunity to visit the zoo at the same time.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium are a two-for-one deal. To reach the aquarium, you’ll first have to wander through part of the zoo – past its many residents that range from elephants and zebras to gorillas and giraffes.
Originally known as AquaZoo when it opened in 1967, the aquarium once held distinction as the second largest public aquarium in the United States. It was also Pennsylvania’s lone public aquarium at the time.
Today, the aquarium spans 45,000 square feet over two stories, beckoning visitors from all over with its range of aquatic wildlife – from eels to sea turtles.
Please note that the tunnel in the above photo is not in the aquarium but is part of the polar bear habitat.
Just about every zoo-goer loves the penguins, packing into the large penguin exhibit where penguins swim and slip off of icebergs.
If you plan your visit just right, you might catch Penguins on Parade – a popular wintertime event where the resident penguins waddle outdoors through the zoo. It has to be cold, though, so you’ll definitely want to bundle up.
Carve out at least half of a day if you want to see all of the exhibits, including the African Savanna and the Kid’s Kingdom, at both the zoo and the aquarium.
Stay energized by visiting one of the food stands or restaurants, which serve a variety of meals, snacks, and other goodies. Both the zoo and aquarium have gift shops, too.
Stop by the official website of The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for days, hours, and more information. Or, go here for Facebook.
Have you been to the PPG Aquarium in Pennsylvania? Do you agree it is one of the country’s best? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that Scranton’s also home to Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den? (It’s worth a visit, too.)
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