More than dolphin viewing

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Six dolphins, five adults and a calf, reside at the National Aquarium, on Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St. in Baltimore. Admission is $21.65 for adults ($20.95 for those 60 and older) and $12.95 for children 3 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free.

m Dolphin shows are held daily at various times. Tickets, which include aquarium admission, are $24.95 for adults ($23.95 for those 60 and older) and $13.95 for children 3 to 11. Children younger than 3 get in free. As tickets usually sell out, it's best to purchase them in advance at www.aqua.org, but note that the aquarium tacks a $1.75 service charge onto all online orders.

On a Dolphin Discovery Tour, you can go behind the scenes at the aquarium, watch the dolphins' food being prepared and meet a dolphin trainer. Children must be at least 8. Tours are scheduled for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 30 and 31, and selected dates in August, September and October. Cost, which includes aquarium admission, behind-the-scenes access and a souvenir, is $64 for adults ($60 for those older than 60) and $53 for children 8 to 11. To register, call 410/576-3833 Monday through Friday or e-mail reserve@aqua.org. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance by credit card.

At Breakfast With the Dolphins, scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 10, Sept. 30 and Oct. 15, humans eat a continental breakfast then join dolphins and their trainers for a close-up look at a dolphin's day, including medical checkups, training and playtime. Cost, which includes aquarium admission, is $20 for members and $40 for nonmembers. To register, call 410/727-FISH Monday through Friday and ask for code BWD-M.

Children ages 8 to 10 can participate in a Junior Scientist Program on Aug. 5 to learn about dolphin care, feeding and training. Time is 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Admission to the aquarium is not included in the program fee. To register, call 410/727-FISH Monday through Friday and ask for code Juniors-E.

You also can "adopt" a dolphin and help support conservation efforts.

More information about these and other programs can be found on the National Aquarium's Web site at www.aqua.org.

-- Anne H. Oman