Fluvarium

It’s a great space for kids, not so much for adults. They’ve got tonnes of kid-​centric activities like day camps, educational talks every hour, and interactive demonstrations throughout the day. When I was looking at their daily schedule, it looked like a nerdy kids wet dream — I could totally envision twelve year old me nerding out here for the entire day.
But for me, it was like revisiting Grade 11 through First Year Bio. Also, their staff are trained to answer questions from pre-​teens, not from adults. So me asking a basic question about gas bladders was met with blank stares from the entire teenaged staff. I don’t blame them since they all looked younger than me, but I feel they should have someone minorly trained on hand so that I could get something more satisfactory than «umm.», «I guess», and «what does it say on the sign, again?»
That aside, given the training provided to the young staff — they were amazing. Hands on, confident and kind to all the kids. I would suggest going at 4pm — feeding time. And grab a kid because you will most likely be bored otherwise.
The best part was discovering that there is a trail behind the Fluvarium that leads to MUN, Long Pond and a couple other St. John’s attractions. It’s great to check out the Fluvarium earlier on in the day and then walk the trail.

Fluvarium — a window on a stream
Nagel’s Hill Brook, a tributary of Rennie’s River, flows around the building so at the lower level, 9 viewing windows offer a glimpse of the various components of a river system. From shallow to deep or slow moving to fast — this is a lovely glimpse into something we rarely get to see, except in our imaginations, dreams, or occassionally on a summer swim.
The inside of the centre houses a large interpretation centre with wonderful displays which talk about the river ecosystem and environs as well as other local projects.
A gift shop and and some event space which are popular for weddings.
‘Feeding time’ is the most fun — find out when it happens!