Max's Aquarium Discovery List

Max

The New England Aquarium in Boston is home to the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, plus penguins, sea lions, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Watch how animals move, compare habitats, and notice what each exhibit teaches about ocean life.

0 / 51 pts

0 of 14 challenges completed

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Quick wins for easy checkoffs before the main story challenges. Each one is worth 1 point.

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Psst — hit Finish Hunt even if you haven’t checked everything. It is my son’s favorite feature. We wants even more confetti 🎉

1.
Challenge 1 of 14: Find the Giant Ocean Tank and count how many different kinds of animals you can spot in one view.The Giant Ocean Tank holds about 200,000 gallons of saltwater.
2.
Challenge 2 of 14: Find Myrtle and describe how her shell, shape, or movement helps you recognize her quickly.Myrtle has lived at the Aquarium since 1970.
3.
Challenge 3 of 14: Compare the biggest animal and the smallest fish you can see here. Which one seems slower, and why?This exhibit was built first, then the rest of the Aquarium was built around it.
4.
Challenge 4 of 14: At the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, notice how the animals' bodies look different from bony fish. What might those shapes help them do?Visitors can gently interact with Atlantic rays and epaulette sharks here.
5.
Challenge 5 of 14: If a staff member invites you, do one careful touch-tank interaction and describe the texture or movement you notice.Aquarium educators stay at the touch tank to help visitors interact respectfully.
6.
Challenge 6 of 14: Watch the penguins for one minute. Count how many are standing, swimming, or preening.The colony includes African penguins and southern rockhopper penguins.
7.
Challenge 7 of 14: Compare the sea lions on deck with the animals underwater. Which setting seems better for resting, and why?Sea lions can move between land and water with powerful front flippers.
8.
Challenge 8 of 14: Find the live coral exhibit and describe three colors, shapes, or textures you notice in the reef.Live coral supports a huge share of marine life on Earth.
9.
Challenge 9 of 14: Find the Blue Planet Action Center and count how many ways it suggests people can help the ocean.The Aquarium's conservation work includes research, education, and rescue.
10.
Challenge 10 of 14: From the top of the Giant Ocean Tank, look across the whole space and point out one thing above, one in the middle, and one below.The tank is four stories tall and 40 feet wide.
11.
Challenge 11 of 14: Compare two habitats in the Aquarium and decide which looks more open, and which looks more crowded with life.The Aquarium cares for thousands of marine animals across many exhibits.
12.
Challenge 12 of 14: Find three different kinds of fish shapes somewhere in the building and compare how they are built for swimming.Aquariums often group animals by habitat rather than by size.
13.
Challenge 13 of 14: Return to the Giant Ocean Tank and watch one animal for 30 seconds. Did it keep moving, pause, or change direction often?Daily feeding dives happen at set times in the Giant Ocean Tank.
14.
Challenge 14 of 14: Walk to a spot that feels busiest and explain what the Aquarium is teaching visitors there without using any animal names.The Aquarium sits on Boston's downtown waterfront at Central Wharf.

Bonus Find or Do

Myrtle selfie
Sea lion bark
Penguin wobble
Touch tank smile
Coral close-up photo
Family sea turtle pose
Tiny exhibit label
Hidden corner creature
Find a ray pattern
Spot a calm fish
Count the penguins
Mimic a sea lion
Find the largest tank sign
Quiet underwater face
Group waddling photo

Great observing, Max. You noticed details, compared habitats, and paid attention like a real aquarium explorer. Keep asking questions everywhere you go.

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Always follow venue rules, stay with your group, and skip any challenge that doesn't feel safe or appropriate.

Bonus Find or Do

Planning a different outing?