The Penguin Encounter At Mystic Aquarium | Connecticut Charm

A couple weekends ago we met up with our friends Mary Catherine and Robby for the Penguins Up Close Encounter at Mystic Aquarium. Matthew and Mary Catherine are obsessed with penguins, so when Robby suggested we all go together (the Penguins Up Close encounter allows for four people max) we knew we had to say yes. There are several encounters to choose from at the Mystic Aquarium, but the “Penguins Up Close” was the one. 

We met up early at the aquarium entrance for our 10 a.m. encounter. I made the mistake of not reading the fine print and I wore sandals. Because they worry about the penguins pecking at your feet, you cannot wear open toed shoes. Matthew had a spare pair of shoes in his car, but for me, I had to buy socks at the gift shop. So I figured why not go all out? I found this pair that looks like a fish eating my feet. I got plenty of funny looks from other people at the aquarium, but I think I’m starting a new trend. Fish socks with sandals is the next big summer look. 

The encounter begins at the entrance of the aquarium. One of the trainers, Tricia, and a couple aquarium interns met up with us to educate us about the African penguins at the aquarium and bring us back to the penguin facilities. We were able to peek into the back entrance of their enclosure. Matthew’s face says it all. 

Penguins can be very territorial, so we kept out of their personal space and these two came over to act as “guard penguins.”

Tricia taught us about the naming system for the penguins (a color coded system) and told us about their health checks, diet, behavior, and actions the aquarium is doing to protect the endangered species of penguins. In case you didn’t know, the encounters help the aquarium fund the protection of African penguins. 

When we entered the facility, Tricia offered us hand sanitizer. She said, “You’ll need this if you want to pet a penguin today.” 

And Matthew instantly lit up, “We actually get to pet a penguin?!” Completely made his day. He was first in line to be a “veterinarian assistant” for the day. 

Green Red threw away this little fish because he wanted the big one. I have no idea how, but within a blink of an eye he gobbled the entire fish whole. 

After the encounter we waved to our new friends at the pavilion:

While we were there we walked around the aquarium to see the other sights. As a side note; the giant frogs and tadpoles by the little boardwalk are really big and fun to find hidden in the Lily pads. 

I spy with my little eye; a baby turtle!

Don’t see him? Here is a close up. Look between the two flowers and then to the right. 

After leaving the aquarium we got lunch at Mystic Pizza and spontaneously rented kayaks to kayak around the Mystic River. 

The Old Seaport looks gorgeous by the water. 

It feels like going back in time. 

We made it back in time to see the drawbridge go up. 

And finished the day with some ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream.

Perhaps this might be the best way to kickstart your summer fun. The Penguins Up Close encounter is wonderful for couples and families with older children. Not only will you get to meet a penguin personally (life goals for Matthew), you will learn so much about how penguins and their colonies live and what you can do to ensure their safety. And after you complete your encounter there is plenty to do at the aquarium and in town. It is the perfect activity for a beautiful summer day.