Adventure Aquarium is located on Camden waterfront, just across the Delaware River from downtown Philadelphia in Camden, New Jersey. It’s home to 15,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, hippos and sea turtles, who live across two million gallons of water. With towering viewing windows, underwater tunnels and up-close encounters with sea creatures, this aquarium near Philadelphia is a standout destination for both locals and tourists alike.
This season, Candlelight returns to Adventure Aquarium, turning the space into a stunning scene of softly glowing candles and captivating live music. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of marine life, Candlelight creates an intimate, dreamlike atmosphere that transforms a simple aquarium visit into a special night out.
What makes Adventure Aquarium so great?
For starters, Adventure Aquarium features the vast 550,000‑gallon Shark Realm, where guests can observe several different shark species gliding through the water. Hippo Haven is another standout area, renowned for displaying the only hippos housed in an aquarium anywhere in the world. Around the venue, visitors encounter Little Blue penguins, sea turtles, and countless other marine and freshwater animals, all showcased in environments that reflect their natural habitats.
What can you do at Adventure Aquarium?
Visitors can adopt a shark and receive a certificate, special mementos and educational resources. The aquarium also hosts a variety of family‑friendly programs, including activities like kayaking and hiking, designed to help children and adults better understand environmental conservation and the importance of biodiversity.
Candlelight performances bring an extra layer of wonder to a visit to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can listen to classical interpretations of iconic movie scores and heartfelt musical homages to legendary artists such as Taylor Swift and Joe Hisaishi. These concerts unfold in the warm glow of countless candles, with the surrounding aquatic displays creating a uniquely atmospheric and memorable setting.
1 October 2026 18:00 + more dates
1 October 2026 20:30
11 February 2027 20:30
Where is Adventure Aquarium and how to get there?
You can reach it easily by car from both Philadelphia and New Jersey via I‑676 and the Ben Franklin Bridge, following the “Waterfront/Aquarium” signs. If you prefer public transport, you can take regional rail or subway into Center City Philadelphia and then cross into Camden.
Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey
Is there on-site parking?
Yes, Hippo and Penguin lots right next to the aquarium.
Is the aquarium accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Yes, Adventure Aquarium is wheelchair and stroller‑friendly.
How long does a visit usually take?
Most guests spend between two and three hours exploring the exhibits.
Nearby venues in Philadelphia
If you’re planning a night out around Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia’s nearby venues like The Fillmore, The Met, Brooklyn Bowl, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and Theatre of Living Arts offer even more ways to enjoy live music and events along the riverfront and across the city, while other Candlelight locations throughout Philadelphia provide similarly intimate, glow‑lit concerts in historic theaters, elegant halls and unique cultural spaces.
