Aquariums around Phoenix
Through we're in a landlocked desert, metro Phoenix has several ways to explore life under the sea at aquariums.
You can choose from OdySea Aquarium, a 200,000-square-foot facility showcasing 50 exhibits and 30,000 marine animals that opened in 2016; Wildlife World Zoo near Litchfield Park, which opened its four-building aquarium in December 2008 and has a popular sea lions exhibit; Sea Life Arizona Aquarium at Arizona Mills mall, which draws about 300,000 visitors; Stringray Bay at the Phoenix Zoo gives a chance to touch the gliding creatures; and Dolphinaris Arizona, which allows visitors to pay to jump in the water with bottlenose dolphins.
OdySea Aquarium
OdySea opened in September 2016. Its Living Sea Carousel consists of five, 114-seat moving auditoriums, where riders first encounter three sea turtles, including one that was rescued off the Texas coast and lost two limbs while tangled in a fishing line. Other stops show sea lions, a seal and several species of sharks. The aquarium spans about 200,000 square feet and about 30 shops and restaurants are expected to open, including El Encanto, Four Peaks Mining Co., Frozen Penguin Ice Cream and the Kakery.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays. 9500 Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. $34.95, $24.95 for ages 3-12. odyseaaquarium.com
Sea Life Arizona Aquarium
Sea Life Arizona takes visitors from the fresh waters of the Colorado River to the Sea of Cortez. Exhibits include a 161,000-gallon ocean-view tank with an underwater tunnel. Watch sea turtles, sharks, cownose stingrays, jellyfish, clownfish, angel fish and more. This aquarium targets kids 12 and younger with lots of eye-level views, but there's plenty for all ages. It ends at an indoor playground that references the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine." Sea Life is owned by Merlin Entertainments, which operates eight aquariums in the U.S., as well as Legoland Resorts. Combination tickets are available with the Legoland Discovery Center, which features two Lego rides, a 4-D cinema, large-scale Lego models, play areas for kids to build and create, and even a parents' lounge.
Details: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. $18; $13 for ages 3-12. visitsealife.com/arizona.
Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium
In Wildlife World Zoo's four-building aquarium, which opened in December 2008, visitors can explore more than 80 exhibits, including alligators, jellyfish, a stingray-touch tank, an otter habitat, penguins and a new indoor-outdoor sea lion exhibit. Sea lions Crockett, Andi and Paris are a big draw. Catch the sea lion educational training show at 11:30 a.m. (free with zoo admission) in a pirate-ship setting.And at Dillon's Restaurant here, you can dine next to a giant shark tank.
Details: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. $37; $16 for ages 3-12 for Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park. Aquarium-only admission, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., is $16.99; $8.99 for ages 3-12. 623-935-9453, wildlifeworld.com.
Stingray Bay at Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo's interactive Stingray Bay exhibit lets visitors touch cownose stingrays in a 15,000-gallon pool. Watch them "fly" through the water or feed them fish and shrimp for $2.
Details: Hours vary, check the zoo's website. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $3 for members, $4 general, plus admission: $25; $15 for ages 3-13. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.
Dolphinaris Arizona
Dolphinaris, operated by Mexico-based Ventura Entertainment, allows visitors to pay to jump in the water with bottlenose dolphins, watch the animals perform acrobatics and ride on them while clinging to a dorsal fin. The Arizona attraction, opening in 2016, is similar to five other "dolphinariums" in Mexico, also owned by Ventura. Dolphinaris Arizona is home to eight bottlenose dolphins upon opening. Standard pricing at Dolphinaris Arizona ranges from $59 for a "land-based" dolphin experience to $149 for a 45-minute dolphin swim program, according to the company's website.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m Sunday-Saturday. 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-407-5154, www.dolphinaris.com/locations/arizona.
MORE: This mom's view: Pros, cons of taking your kids to Dolphinaris Arizona
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