Aquarium Wilhelmshaven

Before a feeding, ask each child to think of one question: how does the keeper tell the animals apart, decide what to feed, or notice a change in behaviour? Keep it to one question each so others can take part.

Pick the theme your family already enjoys: Expedition Regenwald for the tropical hall, Tauchgang Nordsee for local marine life, Lebende Fossilien der Urzeit for ancient lineages, or Ab in die Südsee for reef life. Check the booking page before visiting if you want one of these guided sessions.

Try the outdoor and underwater viewing perspectives. Follow one seal long enough to notice when it turns and rises, then compare its movement with the penguins. Let it come back into view rather than following every window.

Follow a penguin beneath the waterline, then watch the birds on land. Ask children which movement surprised them more. During a feeding, leave space for other visitors at the viewing area.

Look along branches in the tropical hall for a green basilisk. When you find one, sketch its outline before adding colour. It may remain still; enjoy that chance to look closely.

Look around the reef display’s sheltered spaces as well as open water. If you spot the zebra moray, try following its contrasting pattern with your eyes without losing where its body disappears from view.

Use the aquarium label to find the Picasso triggerfish, then choose one part of its pattern to draw or describe. Comparing sketches afterwards is a good way to discover how differently people notice the same fish.

Take a slow look through the branches for the sloths. A still shape may be easier to overlook than the moving birds. Watch without calling or trying to wake an animal, and let children decide how long they want to wait.

Try a three-part treasure hunt: find an original fossil, a reconstructed giant reptile and an animated animal on the Paläoaquarium screen. Explain what each can show you about the past, using the labels to separate preserved remains from reconstructions.

The Magellanic penguin display introduces Patagonia. Use them as a starting point for a map conversation about South America and the different coasts penguins inhabit.

Use Südstrand as your destination in SWWV’s journey information, and save a return option before entering the aquarium. Line 8 has gaps between departures, so checking ahead is worthwhile. If using the line 6 approach, include the walk via Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke in your timing.

The house rules draw attention to darkened visitor areas and trip or bump hazards. Move at a comfortable pace and use the lifts when needed. The aquarium’s online 360-degree views of the seals and museum can help you picture parts of the setting before arrival.