An aquarium visit soothes the soul with visions of ambling fish and bubbling tanks that call to mind the gestation pods in which all human life begins. Come full circle with today's Groupon: for $129, you get a Family Deluxe membership package at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (up to a $452 total value). The package includes:

A Family Deluxe membership (up to a $275 value), the benefits of which include:

• Unlimited general admission for one year, valid for two named adults at one residence and their children or grandchildren under 18 years of age
• Free admission for child's caregiver with membership card
• One guest per visit, accompanied by a member
• Reduced rates for IMAX movies
• Reduced prices at The Maritime Aquarium Gift Shop
• Subscription to Maritimes, the Aquarium's publication
Member-only and VIP events

• Six classic daytime IMAX vouchers (a $42 value)

• Six vouchers for the behind-the-scenes tour, valid for ages 10 and above (a $135 value)

Home to more than 1,000 marine animals, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk entices visitors of all ages with glimpses of the Long Island Sound’s rich ecosystem. Pintsize adventurers thrill at the touch tank, which puts friendly rays and other inhabitants of the Sound at arm's reach. Sharks swiftly navigate a glass-enclosed exhibit, giving visitors an up-close view of the powerful creatures without having to disguise themselves as bigger sharks. The friendly staff members feed seven harbor seals three times a day, inviting landlubbers to watch and ask questions as the whiskered inhabitants chow down. A six-story screen displays larger-than-life images in the IMAX theater, as educational tales of seafaring critters and jungle dwellers inspire folk ballads about the family cat. The behind-the-scenes tour steers visitors through the jellyfish nursery and fish kitchen before piloting toward the Open Ocean exhibit, where participants can toss in fish to feed the sharks, and then after-dinner mints to curb the indecorous effects.

After redeeming their memberships, families will receive two membership cards and IMAX tickets in the mail, along with a voucher for the behind the-scenes tour. Purchasers must call to reserve spots on an established tour date, then arrive at 8:15 a.m. for the tour of their choice. All classic IMAX movie purchases beyond the six vouchers are $2 off; Hollywood IMAX ticket prices are reduced $1. Rotating special exhibits, such as a family of friendly meerkats, ensure that sea seekers enjoy a wealth of critter-viewing experiences.

Though The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.