ATTRACTIONS: AQUARIUMS

If you want to take a dip in the sea without getting wet this summer, how about a trip to a nearby aquarium? Here are the top picks from Zagat Survey's U.S. Family Travel Guide. (You can leave your underwater camera at home.)

MONTEREY, CALIF. MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM (831) 648-4800.

"One would have to be a cold fish not to love" this California aquarium. It'll make for a "fantastic family outing" thanks to "stunning exhibits," from touch pools for toddlers to "shark tanks"; and watch sea lions in their natural habitat.

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BALTIMORE NATIONAL AQUARIUM (410) 576-3800.

Kids are "spellbound" by the "wonderful sea creatures" in this "jewel" that "gives a scuba diver's perspective"; add an "outstanding dolphin show" and a "walk-through rain forest," and you'd best "plan for a whole day."

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NEW ORLEANS AUDUBON AQUARIUM OF THE AMERICAS (504) 581-4629.

"You'll wish you were a fish" at this "riverfront" "treasure," "one of the few good places to take kids" in New Orleans; the "ecosystem displays" feature "lots of unusual marine life" including "amazing white alligators."

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NEWPORT, KY. NEWPORT AQUARIUM (859) 491-3467.

This "surprisingly good aquarium" on the Levee is a "well-designed" facility that's "stimulating for all ages"; displays include an "excellent jellyfish exhibit," a "neat hands-on area" where little folks can "touch turtles, starfish, etc." and an "entrancing shark tunnel."

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CHICAGO JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM (312) 939-2438.

The "rainbow of colorful fish," "enchanting" dolphins and beluga whales, a shark reef and other "aquatic treasures" "will keep kids of all ages oohing and aahing" at the world's largest indoor aquarium; "make sure you're there for feeding time," say fans of the scenery.

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ORLANDO SEA WORLD ORLANDO (407) 351-3600.

Everyone from "1 to 100" can make a day of this salute to sea life; "you can never get enough of Shamu," and kids get to "feed the dolphins" and view so many "entertaining" attractions they "may want to take up marine biology," while two roller coasters "keep teens from dozing."

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