The privately owned Seaside Aquarium is one of the state’s oldest aquariums, having opened its doors to the public in 1937. Throughout its existence, the aquarium has been dedicated to spreading awareness about marine species and continues to be involved with various community programs such as Sea Week, Necanicum Estuary Discovery Program, and Marine Mammal Stranding.

One of the popular attractions found in the aquarium is the new Discovery Center, wherein kids are able to view the smallest marine creatures with powerful microscopes. Aquarium staff members are also on hand at all times to provide interesting facts about the specimens under observation. In the Discovery Center, kids may also enjoy “petting” sea urchins, various types of starfish, and sea anemones in the aquarium’s Touch Tank.