The Top 10 Family-Friendly Aquariums in the Country

Make your kids' beach days even more meaningful by learning about the complex and varied ecosystems that exist below the sea. While the little ones are sure to take some new knowledge away from most every aquarium in the country, there are some that truly go above and beyond when it comes to accommodating little landlubbers.

Here, we've selected the country's 10 best aquariums for kids. Some offer sightings of amazing animals that you won't see anywhere else, while others give kids the opportunity to have once-in-a-lifetime adventures. (Who would forget a sleepover among the whales and sharks?) Regardless of where you go and why, you're guaranteed a good time with these 10 underwater experiences.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Gatlinburg, TN

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Gatlinburg, TN

Overview: Ripley's is home to some 10,000 sea creatures, including more than 350 different species. Exhibitions include everything from a tropical rain forest to the Shark Lagoon and Penguin Playhouse.

Go For: The Splash With the Stingrays experience takes any adventurer over the age of 5 (and 40 inches tall) into Touch-a-Ray bay to swim with the stingrays.

Source: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies/Olga Molchanova

Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA

Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA

Overview: To experience the world's largest aquarium, complete with more than 60 exhibits, head to Atlanta. Built in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is a modern, state-of-the-art facility with regular features like Dolphin Tales, Cold Water Quest, and River Scout that will allow kids to experience a variety of ecosystems and aquatic life.

Go For: Targeted at families with kids ages 5 to 10, the Shark-Themed Family Tour offers a special behind-the-scenes experience complete with special views of the aquarium's shark habitats. The Ocean Odyssey Sleepover takes groups aboard the "SS Star" through the deep waters of the ocean for an unforgettable overnight adventure.

Source: Georgia Aquarium

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Newport, OR

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Newport, OR

Overview: The Oregon Coast Aquarium's focus on the region's biodiversity makes it worth a visit, whether you reside in the area or are planning a trip to Oregon. The aquarium is designed to take visitors on a tour of the Pacific coastline, beginning at the shore and eventually exploring the vast ocean abyss.

Go For: A peek at the Giant Pacific Octopus — the enormous, alienlike creature (the largest-ever-caught weighed in at 600 pounds!) will be a highlight for little visitors. This Memorial Day, the aquarium will open its doors to Secrets of Shipwrecks: Part History. Part Mystery, an exciting new interactive discovery exhibit.

Source: Oregon Coast Aquarium

National Aquarium: Baltimore, MD

National Aquarium: Baltimore, MD

Overview: Located in the city's bustling Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium features exhibitions that highlight both regional and exotic marine life.

Go For: An up-close and personal look at a variety of species of sharks in the Open Ocean walk, and Dolphin Discovery, where guests can watch the trainers feed, work, and play with the beloved marine mammals.

Source: Flickr user rolling-blackouts

Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach, CA

Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach, CA

Overview: In addition to its 11,000 animals in-residence, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers Harbor Tours, a 4D film experience, and regular family festivals.

Go For: The aquarium's various Boat Programs, which take advantage of the coastal California setting. Every Saturday features a different "Family Fun" experience, highlighting sea turtles, jellyfish, sharks, and more.

Source: Aquarium of the Pacific

New England Aquarium: Boston, MA

New England Aquarium: Boston, MA

Overview: More than 70 exhibits take visitors on a tour of aquatic life around the world. Travel from the Amazon Rain Forest to the Pacific Reef and Gulf of Maine — all in one day.

Go For: The chance to see the ocean's most massive mammals — in their natural habitat. Board the Voyager III for the aquarium's whale watch experience. The high-speed catamaran takes visitors on a three-to-four-hour excursion to a marine sanctuary 30 miles east of Boston. You'll be likely to spot humpback, finback and pilot whales, as well as white-sided dolphins.

Source: New England Aquarium/S. Cheng

Shedd Aquarium: Chicago, IL

Shedd Aquarium: Chicago, IL

Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Shedd has a rich history dating back to its 1930 opening, and was the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater collection. Exhibits today include Waters of the World, an exploration of reefs and rivers, the Oceanarium's re-creation of the Pacific Northwest coast, and Wild Reef's riff on the Indo-Pacific reef.

Go For: The icy Polar Play Zone, where kids can "play penguin," explore Arctic waters in a pint-sized submarine, and get up close and personal in the touch pools.

Source: Shedd Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium: Chattanooga, TN

Tennessee Aquarium: Chattanooga, TN

Overview: The Tennessee Aquarium is divided into two buildings and offers a spectacular setting on Chattanooga's downtown riverfront. The River Journey showcases freshwater marine life, while Ocean Journey is the spot to see penguins, sharks, and more.

Go For: Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari, where kids can get up close and personal with some of the region's most interesting creatures and critters. They'll also love cruising on the River Gorge Explorer. The two-to-three-hour excursion on the aquarium's hydrofoil boat allows explorers to take in the local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Source: Tennessee Aquarium/Todd Stailey

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Monterey, CA

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Monterey, CA

Overview: Located in beautiful Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium boasts nearly 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the habitats of the Bay Area. The aquarium's four main exhibits are the Open Sea, Kelp Forest, Monterey Bay Habitats, and Sea Otters Along the Rocky Coast.

Go For: Kiddie favorite Splash Zone caters to everyone from infants through older children. Features like the Waterbed Play Area, which mimics the ocean's gentle waves, and a Touch Pool are great for even the littlest of visitors. Bigger kids will love the Kelp Forest Canopy Walk-Through, and the Water Play Area.

Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium/Randy Wilder

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, CT

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, CT

Overview: Part of Sea Research Foundation, the Mystic Aquarium isn't just a tourist destination — it's also a research facility. It's a manageable size, and you'll get to experience animals like sea lions, jellies, African penguins, and beluga whales. Kid-specific offerings are abundant and constantly changing.

Go For: The only spot in New England to see beluga whales, and the aquarium's latest addition, Titanic: 12,450, which caters to all ages.

Source: Mystic Aquarium & Institute For Exploration