Maritime Aquarium Offering Free Admission For Norwalk Residents

NORWALK, CT — On Saturday, the Maritime Aquarium will continue its annual tradition of giving back to the city by offering a day of free admission to Norwalk residents.

For its annual "Norwalk Appreciation Day," the aquarium will welcome in city residents for free with proof of Norwalk residency, according to a news release.

"In this season of giving, we’re pleased to give all Norwalk residents a special opportunity to enjoy one of the city’s landmark resources, especially with all of the new exhibits we’ve debuted in the past year," aquarium spokesperson Dave Sigworth said in a news release. "In turn, we hope that they might consider a donation of any amount that will celebrate us and support our mission of inspiring stewardship for Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond."

According to Sigworth, funds raised will help to provide the highest-quality food and care for the 7,000 resident animals, and also support the aquarium's environmental education and conservation programs.

Aquarium admission regularly is $28.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors (65+) and $19.95 for children (3-12).

The free admission offer on Norwalk Appreciation Day is just one of many contributions the Maritime Aquarium makes to the city and its citizens, Sigworth said. The aquarium and its visitors have an economic impact of more than $31 million on Norwalk annually.

The aquarium's educational programs and other marine-science opportunities supplement the education of Norwalk's students, often at little or no cost to the schools. It is also a partner in the city’s largest preschool, and lower-income families receive free aquarium tickets and memberships through a donor-supported Children’s Opportunity Fund and partnerships with several institutions.

Visiting the Maritime Aquarium offers the excitement of getting close to more than 360 species of marine animals, including sand tiger sharks, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters and pulsing jellyfish, all of which are native to Long Island Sound, its watershed and the oceans beyond, Sigworth said.

Further information can be found at www.maritimeaquarium.org.