Ready to dive into the deep end? You might not believe the aquatic life on display right here at our aquariums in Ohio. From immersive experiences to watching some of the biggest creatures of the sea swim right above your head, there are opportunities to participate and learn about the deepest depths of the ocean ecosystem.
Ohio offers a variety of aquatic life, from standalone aquariums to zoo and aquarium combinations. No matter when you plan to visit, there are special attractions and experiences for even your youngest family members. Be sure to check out the special events and behind-the-scenes opportunities available to the sea lovers in your group.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Jump into a world under the sea at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium! The aquarium boasts more than 2,700 animals from the native fish of the Great Lakes to creatures from around the globe. You can touch a stingray in the touch pool or snap a family photo underneath sharks in the incredible sea tube.
With seven immersive galleries of aquatic life, there is so much to see and learn along the way. Galleries include Ohio Lakes & Rivers, Asia & Indonesia, Tropical Forest, Industry & Habitat, Giant Pacific Octopus, Coastal Boardwalk, Tropical Reef and Shark Gallery & SeaTube.
The dive team maintains the aquarium habitat and dives 5-7 days a week. You can often catch the team in the water, waving hello as they swim amongst the sharks. Also, check out the interactive experiences and field trips the aquarium has to offer.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Website
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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium allows guests to experience the animals of the zoo and the aquatic creatures of the aquarium all in one visit! At the Shores & Aquarium, you can move from the depths of the sea to the shores of the seaside. Catch a glimpse of the West Indian manatee in the water and then go ashore to spot the white Humboldt penguins. Then you can make your way over to the Reptile House for a visit with snakes, lizards and so much more!
Want to know a fun fact? The manatees you’ll see at Manatee Coast are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Program. The zoo partners with them to rehabilitate manatees that have been rescued from the ocean. The Columbus Aquarium is their home until they can be released back into their native waters of Florida.
The aquarium offers interactive exhibits, allowing you to touch a sea star or learn from the experts through their Keeper Talks programs.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
Website
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Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Learn what is beneath the waves with the more than 3,000 aquatic animals of the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium! The aquarium invites you to “immerse yourself in wonder” at their newly restored facility. There are 32 all-new exhibits for guests to experience, featuring the 90,000-gallon Pacific Reef.
On your visit, you can experience the touch tank, which includes sting rays, sharks, and horseshoe crabs. There is also an ocean lab, allowing you to interact with a variety of sea creatures. Don’t forget to check out their other interactive experiences, such as the color-changing Moon Jellies to the electric eel shock simulator!
There are live dives daily at 2 p.m., where you can interact with the trained divers, who swim amongst the creatures of the sea. Check the zoo and aquarium entrance requirements, including their policies on what food/beverage can be brought on the premises.
Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
Website
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Newport Aquarium
Newport, Kentucky is home to the Newport Aquarium. Although it is technically not in Ohio, this aquarium is just a short drive across the border. From gators to penguins to sharks, there is a wide variety of aquatic creatures for the water animal lover!
Not only can you spot some amazing animals, but the Newport Aquarium does a wonderful job of providing an immersive experience. Walk through one of the tunnels to view the Amazon or a coral reef. Experience sharks at a magnificent window displaying a large shark exhibit, or brave a walk over the Shark Bridge, above sharks, shark rays, and other animals. You can visit the Captain’s Quarters to discover the ruins of a shipwreck amongst the eels or explore the volcanic underwater world of an octopus.
The aquarium also boosts once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as penguin encounters. Be sure to check out their newest exhibit, Hatchling Harbor. It is an exploration of the Caribbean between the shore and the reef, where you will meet young fish as they are finding food and growing.
Children can play and learn even more through Jim Henson’s Splash and Bubbles Reeftown Adventure. The climb and slide playground is open every day, and little ones can stop and draw their fishy friends in Kelp Forest.
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
Website
Tips for Visiting an Aquarium
Plan out your visit – Each location has a site map with lists of their animals and details about additional activities and seasonal events. To get the most out of your visit, ensure you get a feel for the layout and location of the things you want to do most. That way you can ensure you see all the things on your family’s must-do list!
Think about food – Whether you plan on eating at the facility or you will be packing a healthy lunch/snack you want to make sure you have food covered! Also, check to see if the aquarium allows food/beverages to be brought inside.
Consider the weather – Although many of the aquarium attractions are indoors, some locations have outside elements. Be sure to check the forecast ahead of time and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Plan to be standing/walking – The aquariums require a lot of standing and walking between exhibits. Take a look at the areas of the aquarium ahead of time and make sure you bring a stroller for little ones who may get tired.
Bring some extra cash – Be sure to grab some extra cash to have on hand. There are plenty of opportunities for extra activities, snacks or behind-the-scenes attractions along the way, and you may need a few extra dollars to participate.
Consider a membership – The aquariums across Ohio offer different membership levels. Check out what each membership includes to see if it fits the needs of your family. Also, many of the memberships are reciprocal to other zoos and aquariums across the state and country. So, if you plan on visiting more than one location in a year, it is definitely worth looking into.
Don’t forget your camera – Between the beautiful aquatic life and the bright eyes of your first-timers seeing what lies beneath the waves, you will want the chance to snap some photos! The aquariums also offer plenty of photo opportunities and firsthand experiences that you will be glad to have for the memory books.
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- Zoos in Ohio – The perfect day trip for animal lovers
- Outdoor Activities – Over 50 ideas for an outdoor adventure
