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ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center

  • 4.5

(28 reviews)
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ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
1 College Street
BurlingtonVT 05401
(802) 864-1848

Ages: 1 and up

Cost: Adults $12.50 | Seniors & College Students $10.50 |Children ages 3-17 $9.50 |Under 2 FREE

Parking: Yes - Full day parking in ECHO's convenient lot is $8; $5 for ECHO Members.

Features: Shop, Handicap Accessible, Picnic Area, Snack Stand, Changing Tables, Restrooms

Discover the ecology, culture, history, and opportunities the Lake Champlain Basin has to offer! There are over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits for guest of all ages to enjoy. As well as 60 species of live fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Also be sure to check out the:

  • Echo Encounters (scavenger hunts for grades 2-8)
  • Live Animal Feedings
  • Movie Shorts
  • Story times
  • Special Events
  • Guest Speakers

 

EVENTS - Check the calendar to see what's happening before you plan your next visit.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES  - ECHO is offers birthday parties seven days a week! Book your two-hour birthday celebration inside ECHO or outside on the terrace overlooking Lake Champlain. Enhance your party with a private “live animal” demonstration or GO GREEN by adding ECHO’s colorful reusable cups, Frisbee plates and reusable straws that become take-home party favors. Parties at ECHO are fun and include full access to the entire aquarium and science center for all your guests!

CAMPS - ECHO offers one-day and week-long science, stewardship, and design themed day camps during summer break and school vacation weeks.

COUPONS -Save some money and click here for an admission coupon.

HOURS - Open year-round, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day.

28 Reviews

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missmagpie

  • 5

Reviewed on 11/05/2008

Great downtown location with something for everyone. If you are looking to spend a few hours with your own kids or want to educate out of town guests about our Lake Champlain Basin, ECHO is good indoor day crowd-pleaser. From the water table to the weather station kids love the hands-on activities. Downstairs there is a changing exhibit room that always has something cool, yet educational. Even the cafe teaches kids about being green and how to recycle. Be sure to check the calendar, they always have story times, science crafts and more going on.

Other options for dining, all with in walking distance, are Skinny Pancake, Splash at the Boathouse (seasonal) and Burlington Bay. After that a walk on the bike path and your day is complete!
...more

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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palaflamme@hotmail.com

  • 5

Reviewed on 02/04/2013

Wonderful place to go for hands on activities; they also have new exhibits all the time. Beautiful location on Lake Champlain.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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naturlvr

  • 4

Reviewed on 02/01/2013

I had a wonderful time at the ECHO center and my 3 year old did as well. The ONLY reason I'm not giving this is that it is too expensive for us to go as much as we want. A great solution would be a membership, which is also a bit pricey for us at this time. Perhaps when my children are older it will be a more viable option.

But one of the great things about winter is that ECHO participates in a lot of the festivals and that includes reduced admission fees. We are always on the look out for those. The education centers and play area there are superb, I just wish it wasn't so pricey....more

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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dakotasmama050206

  • 4

Reviewed on 01/31/2013

We love going to the Echo Center as a family. While it is a bit pricey, I think it's worth it. The exhibits change regulargly and are always very entertaining. The staff is always friendly and prepared to tell us about the exhibits. We go around four times a year and I think that is plenty. It wouldn't be as special if we were to go every week. My six year old loves the sunken ship and digging for fossils. The irrigation/water play area is wonderful and geared toward many different age groups. The aquatic animals are always a hit too. The exhibits we particularly loved were the robotic bugs, the lifesize jenga game, and the digestive exhibit. In the summer time, there's even more to do in that area. After your finished visiting, you can head outside for ice cream and walk the waterfront. We have taken some wonderful pictures there and the boys love watching the boats. It's an all around great feel as people walk the waterfront. ...more

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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amarie

  • 2

Reviewed on 01/28/2013

my children get bored with this place. they don't change things enough and i fell like they should have more fish tanks

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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theknapps01

  • 5

Reviewed on 08/18/2012

My son and I used to visit Echo at least once a week between the ages of 3 and 5. He loved the playroom, the water center and looking at all of the animals! We had an annual pass so sometimes we would go for half and hour or sometimes 3 hours. I look forward to bringing my 1 year old to Echo soon!

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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Vtmomma13

  • 5

Reviewed on 06/14/2012

We love ECHO, we have taken our son 3-4 times since he could walk. He loves the fish! We are excited to go again this summer!

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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rougeurbleu

  • 4

Reviewed on 06/14/2012

When I worked with school-aged kids a couple years ago we went here often and they loved it! Very educational as well. The changing exhibits are nice to keep things interesting and playing in the water and pretending to do a weather report was always a big hit. The cost is kinda high and suggest bringing your own food as that's overpriced as well. I will likely wait to take my toddler here as I can't imagine him having enough to do to justify the prices of me and my husband's tickets....more

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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itsamandarae

  • 5

Reviewed on 06/14/2012

Our family has purchased a membership because we love it. My preschooler and toddler love the water table, the big fish, snapping turtle, starfish table, and the playroom. It is great for all ages, which is hard to find!

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
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rebowman

  • 5

Reviewed on 02/03/2012

I love going here with the family. Great hands-on an educational activities for all ages.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center