Turns out, certain species of these marine invertebrates not only don’t maim you on contact, they generally don’t hurt you at all.  Lucky for us, one of those species is the local Moon Jelly.  So, why not stick them in an open-faced tank and let the general public paw them?  It’s an idea that’s catching on at aquariums around the country, and that’s exactly what the Maritime Aquarium will be doing on weekends and holidays through April 20, and during school break weeks (Feb.17-21 & Apr. 14-18).  There is one rule, and that is you only touch the top of the jellyfish body, or “bell.”  The moon jelly’s tentacles can’t really penetrate deeply enough to do any damage to human hands, but they could be injured by us, ironically enough!

You’ll find the exhibit in the wing with the new shark and ray touch tank, right before you reach the boatbuilding workshop and IMAX theater corridor.  It took my little guys two fly-bys to even consider actually touching one, and my rambunctious 3-year-old never did go for it.  The 5-year-old did summon the courage and was so proud of himself — so don’t give up too soon (even on yourself … I’ll admit I avoided those tentacles even after being told I could probably take a swim in there without any ill effects … old habits die hard)!

And so you know, there ARE dangerous jellyfish in Long Island Sound, too.  You’ll want to avoid sea nettles and lion’s mane jellyfish, so google pics of those to learn the difference. 

Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
203-852-0700

10am - 5pm Daily
Exhibit included with the price of admission (Adults: $19.95/Child (age 3-12): $12.95/Youth (age 13-17): $17.95/Senior (age 65+): $17.95)